The Multnomah County Board voted Oct. 31 to approve a notice of intent (NOI) to apply for HUD’s new Continuum of Care Builds funding opportunity, which allows continuums of care to submit a single project application focused on constructing or rehabilitating permanent supportive housing. The county’s collaborative application would request the maximum award of $7.5 million for a project now titled Jammie Court (formerly Portland Value Inn).

Alyssa Plesser of the Joint Office of Homeless Services explained the NOFO’s structure: HUD limits COCs to a single application, requires a 25% match and allows up to 70% of an award to be used for construction/rehabilitation and the remainder for supportive services, operating and administration. The joint office selected Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) as the development lead; service partners include the Urban League of Portland and culturally specific providers focusing on African immigrant communities. The project described includes 25 studios, 24 one‑bedrooms, 29 two‑bedrooms, 9 three‑bedrooms and 9 four‑bedrooms, with family‑sized units emphasized among PSH beds.

Commissioners asked about site control, outreach and ownership. Presenters said Metro currently owns the property and is leasing it as interim shelter; CPAH and partners plan a limited partnership with an equity investor to own the completed project and that existing shelter operations are temporary while financing and predevelopment continue. Presenters said the project is largely funded and HUD funding would fill a remaining capital gap; if HUD funds are not awarded, they expect the project likely to continue using other sources. The board adopted the NOI by roll call vote.

The joint office will serve as collaborative applicant for submission to HUD; if awarded, HUD would contract directly with the project lead and subrecipients for construction funding and supportive services.