Governor Supports Generations Project

We are proud to add Governor John Kitzhaber to the growing list of supporters of NAYA’s Generations, a community housing and services project NAYA is developing in Southeast Portland. Kitzhaber noted that the development, “can demonstrate how integrating multiple services and resources will produce long-term benefits.”

Generations will bring community members together to create permanent families for foster children. Elders, adoptive parents, and youth will live side-by-side. The site will feature low-income housing, early learning, and a Long House-style community center that offers Elder services, health care, and support for the foster youth.

Not many people realize the vast ethnic disparity in the child welfare system. More than 1 in 5 children in foster care is Native American, the most unequally represented ethnic group in Multnomah County. Generations will address these disparities by giving three generations a central location to come together and grow as families. The services on-site will be culturally-informed, and open to all. Cultural identity and education are core components of NAYA’s mission.

“Community leaders have demonstrated their commitment to work collaboratively in bringing this innovative concept forward.” said Governor Kitzhaber, after designating Generations as an Oregon Solutions project, bringing together public, private and non-profit stakeholders to leverage resources and integrate programs for sustainable community projects. Generations is a partnership involving NAYA, Portland Public Schools, Guardian Real Estate, Carleton Hart Architecture, Bridge Meadows, and the City of Portland. Click here to read the full statement.

The Governor appointed Oregon Representative, Alissa Keny-Guyer, and Donalda Dodson, Executive Director of the Oregon Child Development Coalition, as co-conveners of the project.

“We believe that Native American children in foster care can find stability and permanency among a loving community,” said NAYA Executive Director, Matt Morton of Kitzhaber’s announcement. “The Governor’s endorsement will help ensure this vision of Generations becomes a reality.”

We invite our community to join the Governor, and countless community members, by signing our online pledge to support Generations. Also consider making a donation to NAYA to help us fund this ambitious project. Learn more about the project at nayapdx.org/generations