The Fairview Trust grants go to nonprofits like Sammy's Place that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Spaces designed for universal accessibility allow more independence and build community. Courtesy Sammy's Place.
Statewide
Fairview Trust Makes Biggest Investment to Date
Community Fund Infuses Major Grants in Projects that Serve People Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Fairview Trust has distributed more than $5 million in grants across Oregon to build homes and advocacy programs that serve people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The funding for 11 organizations will expand integrated housing opportunities and improve the lives of the people they serve.
Collectively, the grants represent the Trust’s single largest investment since it was created after the closure of the Fairview Training Center in 2000. Funding was allocated this year through the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. The Fairview Trust is a Community Advised Fund within Oregon Community Foundation, governed by an Advisory Board.
“As a provider of services promoting and supporting enhanced independence for people living with IDD, I am honored to be part of the expanding integrated housing initiatives supported by the Fairview Trust and Oregon Community Foundation,” said Terri H. Silvis, Ph.D., CEO of Horizon Project, Inc. in Umatilla County, Oregon and chair of the Fairview Trust Advisory Board. “This funding is having a significant and expanding impact on our communities. Together, we are forging new partnerships and furthering the work begun with the closure of the Fairview Training Cener and other institutions. We collectively benefit from the talents and contributions shared by our neighbors experiencing IDD.”
“Once they are completed, the projects will have an immediate impact on residents and clients,” said Diane Scottaline, Executive Director of The Arc of Benton County.
“Funding from the Fairview Trust will allow us to construct 2 training units as hands-on, real-life settings for community living skills for adults with developmental disabilities,” said Scottaline.
“People with disabilities and family members have been the driving force behind closing the Fairview Training Center, creating a service delivery system that is the envy of the nation, and developing paths to employment for everyone with disabilities in Oregon.”
Jake Cornett, CEO of Disability Rights Oregon
“Accessibility features will be designed for the broadest utility and introduced after construction to show students how they can modify a space for their unique needs. The 6-8 program students will have one-on-one support and the use of technology for task prompts and instructions. The Fairview Funding has expedited this important program, bringing possibilities of increased community access to people with IDD for many years to come.”
South Hill Commons, photo by Horizon Project, Inc.
OCF Program Officer Michael R. Oreste, who manages the partnership with Fairview Trust for OCF, added, "It was very exciting to collaborate with the committee members of the Fairview Trust to grant statewide dollars for an often-overlooked population of Oregonians. Being able to partner with experts in the field, while providing critical services for our community members, epitomizes the mission and values of Oregon Community Foundation.”
In addition to integrated housing opportunities, the grants also support advocacy programs, including Partners in Policymaking® by Disability Rights Oregon.
“People with disabilities and family members have been the driving force behind closing the Fairview Training Center, creating a service delivery system that is the envy of the nation, and developing paths to employment for everyone with disabilities in Oregon,” said Jake Cornett, CEO of Disability Rights Oregon. “Over eight months, we’ll work alongside national leaders to teach more than 20 participants leadership skills while developing strong relationships with elected officials and others who make policy decisions about services and supports we rely on. This investment in tomorrow's disability advocates will pay dividends long into the future."
Julie Chick is director of Sammy's Place, which is build housing with universal design and works to build a sense of community for the people they serve: "Individuals who experience disabilities want to be full and active participants in their Oregon coastal communities, so it is important these communities understand how universal design can make that difference such as accessing a beach for recreation; accessing a local event similar to all the visiting tourists; or to have affordable and universally designed housing so they can remain a coastal resident.”
The Fairview Trust originates from the closure and sale of the Fairview Training Center, a state-run institution for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that operated from 1908 until 2000. A U.S. Justice Department investigation unveiled life-threatening conditions at the facility. This finding, coupled with a federal civil rights lawsuit, catalyzed its closure, marking an end to nearly a century of institutionalization.
The Fairview Trust was initially overseen by the Oregon Department of Human Services but was restructured under the Oregon Community Foundation in 2019, guided by a newly constituted Advisory Board.
Integrated Housing Grants
Sammy's Place - Thompson Springs Project
Location: Nehalem, Oregon
Grant Amount: $744,325
Description: An affordable housing community with 13 units to support independent living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Horizon Project Inc. - Theater Lane Apartments
Location: Hermiston, Oregon
Grant Amount: $800,000
Description: A 22-unit integrated housing complex reserving up to five units of affordable, accessible housing to support independent living for people with IDD.
Northwest Housing Alternatives - Grace Housing
Location: Northeast Portland, Oregon
Grant Amount: $250,000
Description: Grace Housing will bring approximately 100 new apartment homes to a half city block in Northeast Portland, 20 of which will be reserved for people with IDD and rented at well below market-rates.
Sabin Community Development Corporation - Avenue Redevelopment
Location: Portland, Oregon
Grant Amount: $500,000
Description: An early-stage planning grant for a 78-unit net-zero energy building with 12 integrated units for people with IDD, incorporating both universal design and sustainability features.
Living Opportunities - Bennett Street Housing
Location: Medford, Oregon
Grant Amount: $147,500
Description: An early-stage planning grant to develop 5 to 10 housing units to promote independent living and community integration for people with IDD.
Our Home, Inclusive Community Collaborative - Cathedral Park Cohousing
Location: Portland, Oregon
Grant Amount: $250,000
Description: A 23-unit cohousing-inspired development with shared common spaces, fostering community interaction and independent living for people with IDD.
McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity - Aspire Community Development
Location: McMinnville, Oregon
Grant Amount: $504,225
Description: Two fully accessible homes for individuals with IDD and complete an inclusive community playground to promote integration.
Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunities (ALSO) - ALSO Apartments
Location: Gresham, Oregon
Grant Amount: $550,000
Description: This project will build a 39-unit residential building featuring Universal Design with up to 10 units reserved for individuals with IDD.
The Arc of Benton County - SLLEDD (Smart Living, Learning and Earning with Developmental Disabilities)
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Grant Amount: $750,000
Description: The Arc of Benton County will construct two training home units and renovate a community center to equip young adults with IDD with skills for independent living and community integration.
Advocacy Grants
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Grant Amount: $275,000
Description: This project will expand access to housing for people with IDD by advocating for policies that eliminate housing barriers.
Disability Rights Oregon
Grant Amount: $300,000
Description: DRO and its partners will implement a leadership training series for self-advocates and parents of individuals with IDD to build advocacy skills and promote systemic change in affordable housing policy.
The Fairview Trust is committed to promoting community integration and independent living for individuals with IDD. These projects exemplify our mission to create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these initiatives will have on communities across Oregon. For more information about the Fairview Trust and our grant programs, please visit fairviewtrust.org.
Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. In 2023, OCF distributed $225 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.