Proud Ground

Proud Ground is a U.S. nonprofit organization, designated as a 501(c)(3) charity, focused on providing affordable homeownership opportunities through the Community Land Trust (CLT) model. Its mission is to create permanently affordable housing for families in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan area, spanning Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, as well as Clark and Jackson Counties in Oregon, and Lincoln County.

History

Founded in 1999, Proud Ground has been instrumental in pioneering city-wide, permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. Over the years, it has expanded its reach to serve a broader region and has assisted over 700 families in achieving homeownership.

Mission and Vision

Proud Ground aims to create a livable, equitable, and economically viable community where every family can access affordable homes in their chosen community. Its vision includes delivering inclusive and accessible services, prioritizing support for marginalized groups such as people of color and low-income households. The organization is committed to organizational impact and leadership in equity.

Operations

Proud Ground operates by preparing families for homeownership, helping them purchase existing homes, building new affordable homes, and providing tools for homeowners to succeed. It manages transactions to ensure homes remain affordable for generations to come. The organization works with community partners, lenders, and builders to achieve these goals.

Accomplishments

• Homebuyers Served: Over 210 first-time homebuyers have been assisted since its founding.
• Homes in Portfolio: Proud Ground maintains a portfolio of 217 permanently affordable homes.
• Wait List: There are 367 households on the homebuyer wait list.
• Financial Stability: Proud Ground has not lost any homes to foreclosure, reflecting its commitment to long-term affordability and homeowner stability.
• Expansion: In 2012, Proud Ground integrated with the Clackamas Community Land Trust (CCLT), expanding its service area to include Clackamas County.

Financial Overview

Proud Ground receives the majority of its revenue from contributions, with program services also contributing to its income. The organization holds significant assets and manages liabilities effectively to support its mission of providing affordable housing.

Community Engagement

Proud Ground operates as a membership-based organization, giving homeowners and donors voting rights in shaping its organizational decisions. This ensures community members have a direct role in guiding the nonprofit's initiatives. Proud Ground also acknowledges its operation on traditional indigenous homelands and commits to equity and inclusion in its practices.