In the summer of 2019, we conducted the first phase of research, talking with nearly 70% of all residents who had moved the first three apartment buildings to use the N/NE Preference Policy: Garlington Place, Rutherford Place and Beatrice Morrow. 

We wanted to understand:

• Who sought housing through the Preference Policy and their motivations for applying.

• Residents’ experiences in the neighborhood and sense of community well-being in their first year in their building.

• Residents’ recommendations to improve social, cultural, civic, economic and environmental well-being.

Phase 1 of this study was made possible by support from Portland State University; collaboration with the Portland Housing Bureau, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, Central City Concern, and PCRI; and the participation of residents. 

Between 2021-2022, the research team collected survey, interview and focus group data from residents of seven Preference Policy buildings. The report will be published by the end of 2023. Findings will allow us to assess changes to resident well-being up to three years into residence in Preference Policy housing. The continuation study was supported by a Research 2 Action Team that includes people who have sought housing through the Preference Policy, as well as others with ties to N/NE Portland. 

Support for this research is provided in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Policies for Action program. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.