The Opal Apartments opens for Cedar Mill’s 55+ community

On April 11, 2024, from 1-3 p.m., local representatives and project partners will celebrate the grand opening of The Opal Apartments, a new housing community that will provide 54 affordable homes to older adults in Cedar Mill. It dedicates half its units to serving extremely low-income residents, income at 30% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), by utilizing 24 project-based vouchers for rental assistance. The remaining half will serve very low-income residents, earning less than 60% of AMI.

The project, developed by a unique partnership between Home First Development Partners and Christ United Methodist Church, was designed by Doug Circosta and constructed by Beaudin Construction. Built for seniors, The Opal will be providing LGBTQ+ residents social services through the non-profit Friendly House and its Elder Pride Services program. Financial contributors include Washington County, mainly through their allocation of the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Business Oregon, Red Stone Equity Partners, and Beneficial State Bank.

Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington shared that, “Seniors, and those from the LGBTQ+ community, lack enough inclusive and affordable housing, and that is where innovative bond-funded homes like The Opal come into the picture. People are under pressure from ever-increasing rents, and so it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to help our fellow neighbors. The Opal is a testament to our tenacity as Oregonians, for we will keep on coming together to build a more prosperous future.”

“In an area of Washington County where many seniors are being priced out by high rents, The Opal will offer safe and affordable homes that support an inclusive space to build community for individuals 55 and older for years to come,” said Metro Council President Lynn Peterson. “With common spaces inside and out, onsite social and wellness services, and nearby shopping and public transit access, The Opal is an apartment community where older adults on fixed incomes will not just live, but truly have the opportunity to thrive.”

ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: The Housing Authority of Washington County has been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities for over 50 years. Today, the effort continues with the County’s Department of Housing Services, formed in 1992 to administer both its housing activities and programs and that of Washington County. Its mission is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength.

ABOUT METRO: Metro crosses city limits and county lines to build a resilient economy, keep nature close by and respond to a changing climate. Representing a diverse population of 1.7 million people in 24 cities and three counties, Metro's directly elected council gives voters a voice in decisions about how the region grows and communities prosper. Metro works with communities, businesses and residents to make the Portland metropolitan area a great place to live, work and shape the future.