The Young Black Professionals (YBP) Workforce Housing Initiative was born locally as a call to action for collective and intentional investment in the Black community and to support the long-term health and prosperity of Black lives. This initiative is a community discovery process that leverages building projects and programs to close the gap of issues of widening wealth disparity, and empower young Black professionals with opportunities to thrive.

The YBP Initiative, led by Bora Architecture & Interiors and Andersen Construction, in partnership with Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI) and HMS Development, is working to expand Portland as a home for young Black professionals interested in a career in the AEC industry. Their Professional Apprenticeship Program mentors high school and college graduates toward careers in construction management, architecture and engineering trades in Portland through supportive social impact objectives. Residents will partner with SEI’s three-year Professional Apprenticeship Program to be mentored, develop leadership skills, and work for a local AEC firm—helping ensure a pathway for success.

The collaboration using a design-build approach and Design Justice principles will create two affordable housing communities in Southeast Portland, each a modular build with metal framing five stories high. YBP Ankeny will include 41 studio apartments on an L-shaped site nestled among existing homes. YBP Holgate, in collaboration with Home Forward, will offer 72 studio apartments on a centrally located corner site. Proximal to transit and other urban conveniences, both housing initiatives will include shared amenities, a central hub for after-hours gatherings and neighborhood events, and ground-floor amenities to engage the streetscape. Ample daylighting, healthy materials and inviting spaces will foster a special place young professionals can call home. Both communities are scheduled to open in 2024.

Panelists include Joel Andersen - Co-Founder of HMS Development and CEO of Andersen Construction and Amy Donohue - Design Principal from Bora Architects will present two projects in the Portland area that are part of the YBP Workforce Housing Initiative. The panel will be moderated by Johnathan Bach - Real Estate & Finance Reporter at Portland Business Journal.