The Aurora's New Dawn

In early October, we joined Our Just Future to celebrate the grand opening of their new apartment community, the Aurora, bringing 93 new affordable homes to outer Southeast Portland's Glenfair neighborhood. Andy Miller, executive director of Our Just Future, noted that "aurora" means "dawn" in Latin, and expressed hope that this project will represent a new dawn for the families and individuals who will call the Aurora home, and for the community at large.

With 46 units sized for families, and 16 units offering Permanent Supportive Housing, the Aurora aims to serve a diverse and vibrant community. On-site amenities include a large community room, offices for supportive services, a kids' room with a climbing wall, trauma-informed design, and a playground outside. Supportive services will be provided by Our Just Future and Lifeworks NW.

Located a block away from the MAX Blue line as well as the frequent service 20 bus line on Stark St., the Aurora was funded in part by Metro's Transit-oriented Development program, and the Metro Supportive Housing Services measure will provide funding for the Permanent Supportive Housing units.

Speaking at the event, PHB Interim Director Michael Buonocore thanked Portland voters for making this possible: "It is because of Portland voters trusting us with an historic housing bond that we are able to stand here today," he said. "And I'm especially glad to report that we are delivering on our promises to those voters who entrusted us with this critical resource."