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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (March 28, 2012)
March 28, 2012 ®l?* Ç ortlanh (Dbserüer Alberta North Portland Page II Vancouver East County Beaverton Proud Ground Serves 150th Homebuyer Non-profit helps . local residents achieve their dream K elli Jarrell m akes it clear that homeownership is still important for fami lies and for our community. Even in the current economy, families want the stability and equity-building o p p o rtu n itie s th a t co m e w ith homeownership. However, many fami lies are priced out of market rate homes. T hat’s where Proud Ground comes in. Since 1999, the non-profit has helped low and moderate-income families with stable incomes and steady jobs realize the dream of homeownership, families like Jarrell’s. An intake analyst with Aetna Insur ance, Jarrell shares what owning her own home means to her. “Homeownership is the ultimate sign of stability. For years I dreamt of a place that is all mine, where I would have independence, where my children and their children will create memories. Proud Ground made that dream a reality.” “Kelli is a perfect example of who we serve,” explains Proud Ground Execu Kelli Jarrell with her grandchildren Jeremiah, Azarie, and Deriyan. Jarrell is the tive Director Jesse Beason. “Kelli has 150th Proud Ground homebuyer to achieve the dream o f home ownership, and been working in the same field for 10 now her house payment is less than what she paid in rent. years, she has a steady income, she had a savings plan, and she wanted stability for her family. Because Proud Ground makes homes truly affordable for house holds like Kelli’s, families and our com munity are stronger.” How affordable are Proud G round’s homes? Jarrell ’ s newly renovated 3 bed room, 1.5 bath, 1600 square foot home in the Mill Park neighborhood was just $115,000. And one of the best parts? Kelli’s monthly house payments are less than what she was paying in rent. “Proud Ground helped me keep my eyes on the prize. Through working to gether and with much determination on both sides I have achieved my goal!” Jarrell said. “1 have a relationship with Proud Ground that words can’t describe; our common goal made us more like family.” Jarrell also talked about what is was like working with Proud Ground and the home buying process, “Proud Ground will stand by you through everything until you achieve your goal,” she said. “They will help in any way they can, with one- on-one counseling sessions, through let ting you vent frustrations, and then they help deal with the source of the frustra tion ! Proud Ground helps with the entire continued on page 19 Spring Break for Prickly Porcupines Zoo exhibit opens for new arrivals Stuck for something to do over spring break? Make it a point to visit the Oregon Z oo’s Africa Rain Forest exhibit, where two African crested porcupines, sporting foot-long spiny quills, are settling in. The prickly pair has been adjusting well, according to keepers, who are continued on page 19 * An African crested porcupine explores its new habitat at the Oregon Zoo.
