Innovative Property Lightens Residents’ Financial Burdens in Eastern Oregon Town

In the rural Oregon town of La Grande, over half of its households are low income, and 1 in 4 is severely rent burdened. With the opening of the new Timber Ridge apartment community, hundreds of those residents can now feel relief.

The development offers 82 one- to four-bedroom units spread across eight residential buildings, all with rents 10% below market rates. Thanks to the property’s massive 105-kWh solar panel system, electricity is an owner-paid utility, allowing residents to also save on energy costs.

Embracing trauma-informed and universal design principles, the $38.6 million development doesn’t just provide much-needed affordable housing for La Grande residents. It also offers opportunities for health, wellness, education, and financial growth.

At the property’s 4,500-square-foot community center, residents enjoy social events; financial literacy, employment, and budgeting help; study spaces; a full kitchen; and access to early childhood education programs, provided free of charge by Eastern Oregon University. There’s also a dog park, basketball and pickleball courts, and a playground.

“It’s more than just a place to live,” says Sarah Parker, executive director of Northeast Oregon Housing Authority. “Timber Ridge fosters community connections and sets a new standard for rural affordable housing.”