On July 20, Central City Concern (CCC) and an array of community partners broke ground on a new project, Meridian Gardens, continuing to move CCC forward in our mission to support those in need and create a climate-safe future.
Located on SE 113th and Division, the development will offer 65 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, along with 20 deeply affordable units. All residents will benefit from recovery-focused programming, and the housing will be accessible to those earning between 0-50% of the area median income.
As part of CCC’s Climate Action Commitment, Meridian Gardens is designed to be a model sustainable community. The project features the largest solar array among all of CCC’s housing properties, with a 70 kW capacity generating clean, renewable energy. The community will be 100% electric with no natural gas on-site, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting CCC’s mission to address the ecological hazards of climate change. EV charging will be available on-site thanks to the PGE Drive Change Fund. Additionally, each unit has a high-efficiency mini-split air conditioning system to ensure client comfort. Grant funding and energy efficiency incentives provided by the Energy Trust of Oregon are helping to support the cost of the solar array and high-performance building systems.
We extend our gratitude to the dedicated development team behind Meridian Gardens: Walsh Construction, Ankrom Moisan Architects and GLI Advisors. Without their expertise and commitment, this project would not be possible.
We would also like to thank the funders who have made this project a reality. Long-term operating subsidies will be provided by Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services to support ongoing services including case management, employment support, addiction treatment and recovery-focused programming. The project is also funded by Portland Housing Bureau thanks to Metro area voters who passed Measure 26-199, the first-ever regional housing bond, dedicating $652.8 million to create permanent affordable homes, and measure 26-210, the Metro Supportive Housing Services program, to help end homelessness across the greater Portland region. Lastly, thank you to our long-standing banking partners, US Bank and Umpqua Bank, for their investment in Meridian Gardens and continued investment in CCC’s mission.
Construction on Meridian Gardens has begun, and we eagerly await the completion of this project in June 2024. Meridian Gardens will be a beacon of recovery, sustainability, and community support, shaping a brighter future for all.
