Quarterly Report
Progress through June 30, 2023
The Proud Ground Opening Doors campaign continues to make strong progress towards the goal of creating 200 new affordable homeownership opportunities by 2026. The remarkable progress is made possible by a growing coalition of individuals, businesses and foundations supporting this campaign. Thanks to all of our donors for standing alongside Proud Ground to advance equity in homeownership!
Under Diane Linn’s leadership, the Opening Doors campaign was conceived and advanced to $2.8 million of the $5 million goal in the first half of the 5-year campaign. Now that Dominique Merriweather has stepped into the Executive Director position upon Diane’s retirement, we look forward to completing the Opening Doors initiative with Dominique’s unique brand of leadership.
Dominique has most recently served as Innovative Housing Inc.’s Director of Finance and Business Affairs. He brings over 20 years of commercial lending experience to his new role, as well as strong relationship-building skills and a deep commitment to working with community organizations.
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$2,860,000
raised
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114 new
homes funded
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106 sold
14 pending by Dec 2023
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81%
BIPOC owned
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Progress through June 30, 2023
“We are excited to welcome Dominique to the team! I feel confident that I am leaving Proud Ground in very capable hands,” says Diane Linn.
Dominique adds, “I am so eager to meet the major contributors who have driven the success to Opening Doors to date. I look forward to working together with you to expand the community of support for homeownership, especially in the BIPOC community.”
Look for an interview with Dominique in the next Opening Doors Quarterly Report.
Remarks from Chabre Vickers
Director of Equity, Policy & Communications Equity, Prosper Portland Chair, Opening Doors Initiative
The Opening Doors initiative set ambitious goals for five years. Half-way through the time period, all key measures are ahead of schedule: new homeownership opportunities, BIPOC homeownership priority, and overall funding. Hats off to Diane Linn and her team for their leadership. I also know Opening Doors is in great hands with Dominique Merriweather as the new leader for Proud Ground. Dom is a great champion in making homeownership a reality for working families — especially those who have historically been excluded. To all of Proud Ground’s supporters, let’s work together toward success in the coming months.
Molly’s Journey to Home Ownership
MOLLY ROBERTSON, a single 58-year-old, has overcome tremendous challenges in her life. A traumatic brain injury left her unable to finish her undergraduate studies. Despite battling communication difficulties, Molly remained positive and determined to heal. She found solace in becoming a masseuse. Connecting with people through her hands was a way for her to heal and rebuild her life.
However, the physical toll of her job eventually became too much, leading Molly to become a physical therapist. She found a job as a therapist at
a pediatric clinic in Gresham that incorporates horses into therapy for children with major disabilities. Molly had moved often and wanted to find a more permanent housing situation.
Through a recommendation from a friend, Molly discovered Proud Ground. Excited by the opportunity, she checked the income qualifications and was thrilled to learn that she met them. With the guidance of Proud Ground’s homeownership team, Molly embarked on the process of becoming a homeowner.
Today, she finally has a home to call her own. “To have the opportunity to be a homeowner it just shows respect for human dignity. It shows equality,” she says. “That is what I want to see in our world, and Proud Ground creates that through these opportunities.”
Settled into her new home, Molly is ecstatic about shortening her commute time. She says resting in her own space has made her a better therapist. She feels safe and enjoys being part of a community where she is surrounded by families and people of all ages. “I have a lot of gratitude,” she says.
“I feel happy.” Molly looks forward to continuing her journey and even writing a book one day.
Josh Lyons
KeyBank’s Market President for Oregon and SW Washington
“For many years, KeyBank has been an avid champion of Proud Ground’s proven model, and we are delighted to dramatically accelerate our support with this new grant. Our mission is to help our communities thrive, and nowhere is that more important than in underserved populations who have historically lacked access to the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership.”
THANK YOU!
Leading Opening Doors Investors As of June 2023
Lead Opportunity Investors $250,000 or more
Jim & Diane Coward Family Foundation
KeyBank
Wells Fargo Bank
Major Opportunity Investors $100,000 or more
The Collins Foundation
JP Morgan Chase
Anonymous
Meyer Memorial Trust
Ned and Sis Hayes Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation
Premium Opportunity Investors $50,000 or more
PGE Foundation
SW Washington Community Foundation
WRG Foundation
Opportunity Investors $25,000 or more
Advantis Credit Union
Bank of America
Guild Mortgage
Brandon Spooner
Deborah Stein
Umpqua Bank
US Bank
Investors $10,000 or more
Banner Bank
First Republic Bank
First Tech Credit Union
OnPoint Credit Union
PNC
Bonnie Reagan of Del’s Kids
OCF Advised Fund of Oregon
Community Foundation
Rivermark Credit Union
Leading Opening Doors Investors
As of June 2023
More information at proudground.org/opening-doors
AnnieRose Shapero
State Farm
Union Bank
Walsh Construction
Washington Federal
Washington Trust Bank
Wyss Foundation
William Warwick
Wyss Foundation
More information at
proudground.org/opening-doors
Alma: On Progress Over the Last Year
Fund Development Director Proud Ground
Dear Opening Doors supporters, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative work we have accomplished together in the past year. Your generosity and belief in our mission have helped us break down barriers to homeownership for marginalized communities and create pathways to generational wealth.
What truly inspires me is the resilience and determination of the individuals and families we serve. Their stories and experiences have left an indelible mark on my heart, and it is an honor to share their journeys with you.
Looking ahead, I am inspired to deepen our impact, forge new connections, and break down even more barriers. Together, we can continue to nurture hope, create opportunities, and empower individuals and families to build a brighter future.I am grateful to be on this journey with you. With heartfelt gratitude,
Alma Barraza
