Good deals. Done right. Done for good.

A Different Kind of Homeownership

Most of the time, "affordable housing" feels like a buzzword. With Proud Ground, it's a reality.

They aren't flipping houses; they're anchoring neighborhoods. Using a Community Land Trust model, they make it possible for the people who actually power our city—teachers, artists, service workers—to buy a home and stay here.

The best part? It's not a one-time fix. These homes stay affordable for the next buyer, and the next. It's wealth-building that doesn't displace the neighbors.

Proud Ground just released a new batch of inventory. If you know someone who is renting but ready to build equity, this is for them.

🔑 Current Opportunities

📍 Couch Street Townhomes | Portland Price: $242,500 | 3 bed / 1.5 bath The Vibe: Brand new, net-zero solar ready, 10-year property tax abatement Income Range: Qualifying household income up to ~$79,450 (2 person household) See it: Saturday, 12/13 (Noon – 2pm)

📍 Shortstack Cottages | Milwaukie Price: $250,000 | 2 bed / 1.5 bath The Vibe: Detached modern cottages, walkable to MAX Orange Line, near downtown Income Range: Qualifying household income up to ~$79,450 (2 person household) See it: Sunday, 12/14 (Noon – 2pm)

📍 62nd Ave Cottages | Vancouver Price: $275,000 | 3 bed / 2.5 bath The Vibe: New construction, single-family, move-in ready Income Range: Qualifying household income up to ~$89,400 (3 person household)

📍 SE Foster Rd | Portland Price: $300,460 | 4 bed / 2 bath The Vibe: Newly constructed townhome in East Portland, energy-efficient heat pump Income Range: Qualifying household income up to ~$99,300 (4 person household)

💸 Down Payment Assistance Grants

Washington County (Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro) – $140k – $200k grants Gresham – Up to $143,500 grant Vancouver – $125k – $150k grants

These aren't loans you pay back. They're massive buying power that bridges the gap between "renting forever" and "keys in hand."

📝 How It Works

This isn't the standard market, so there are a few intentional steps—they exist to keep the community benefit real:

• Income Limits: Households must meet specific income caps (strict, no exceptions)

• Education: Complete a homebuyer intro class

• Financing: Get pre-approved with a Proud Ground partner lender

• Ownership: You own the home; Proud Ground holds the land. This is what keeps prices permanently affordable.

Why We're Sharing This

We don't represent these listings, but we represent this city. We believe Portland works better when the people who love it can afford to live in it.

That's why a portion of every single commission at Grand Union goes directly to supporting Proud Ground's operations. It's not a press release strategy; it's just how we show up for the community we work in.

Know someone looking? Forward this email, send them to ProudGround.org, or invite them to an open house. It could be the start of their legacy.

Questions? Reach out to Undra Adams at 503-493-0293 x106 or undra@proudground.org.

— Grand Union

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🏡 More Ways to Build Equity in Portland

Proud Ground's model opens doors for moderate-income families. But if you already own property—or you're ready to scale beyond a single purchase—there's another powerful wealth-building strategy unique to Portland: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Portland is the ADU Capital of America. With waived system development charges, fast-tracked permitting, and a progressive policy environment, ADUs generate rental income, increase property value, and create flexible multigenerational housing—all while reinforcing the kind of community-centered density Proud Ground champions.

Whether you're exploring Portland's ADU investment ROI, learning about zoning updates and social impact, or understanding Portland's ADU opportunities as a first-time buyer, the ADU strategy complements everything Proud Ground represents: long-term affordability, community stability, and creative paths to ownership.

And if you're thinking bigger—about investing with purpose—learn how community impact investment aligns wealth-building with values, or explore equity-first financing models reshaping how Portland's next generation of homeowners access capital.

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🔎 Digging Deeper: Frequent Questions

Because this is a different model than the traditional market, we know there are usually a few questions. Here is a breakdown of the details.

How exactly does the process work? The path to ownership is designed to remove barriers and ensure you are set up for stability.

• Step 1: Attend an information session (or grant orientation) to learn how the homeownership model works.

• Step 2: Submit your intake form and pay the $100 registration fee (often called the Proud Ground registration fee).

• Step 3: Meet with a Proud Ground HUD-certified counselor for a one-on-one appointment to review your budget and goals.

• Step 4: Once approved, you can shop for an eligible home listed on the available properties page.

Who qualifies for these homes? These affordable homeownership opportunities are designed for moderate-income families and income-qualified buyers. While you don't always have to be a first-time home buyer, you must meet strict eligibility requirements based on your total household income. Proud Ground is a state-registered nonprofit that has created over 200 home ownership opportunities across the City of Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, and beyond.

How does the financing work? You will still need a traditional mortgage, but you must use a Proud Ground preferred lender who is trained on how the land trust model works. While the grant value significantly increases your buying power, you should still be prepared for standard costs like earnest money, loan closing costs, and recording fees. There is typically a minimum mortgage amount required, but the structure ensures a sustainable monthly mortgage payment compared to renting.

Can I use the grants for any home? Grant opportunities come with specific grant guidelines. Some are tied to specific grant recipients based on location (like the HOME HUD program funds). Whether you are buying new construction or looking at existing homes, home inspections are always required to ensure the property is safe and sound.