What is the mission of Portland Housing Authority (PHA)?

Together with its community partners, the PHA provides and expands affordable housing and services that improve quality of life, build community, enhance safety and promote personal success for the people we serve and the neighborhoods in which they reside.

HOUSING PROGRAM CONVERSION

What will change when Sagamore Village converts from Public Housing to Section 8 project-based vouchers?

Sagamore Village is currently under HUD’s Public Housing program. When the construction project begins, the property will convert to a Section 8 project-based voucher platform where most units will have vouchers. The vouchers operate very similar to Public Housing and income-qualifying residents will continue to pay only 30% of their income towards rent and utilities. The reason PHA wants to change HUD funding platforms is congressional voucher funding is higher and more stable than Public Housing.

RESIDENT RELOCATIONS

What assistance will residents receive before relocations?

PHA's Resident Transition Specialist will connect with residents prior to relocations and assist them throughout the project. This staff will survey them about their relocation needs and preferences, send them timely notices, and assist them with all aspects of the move, including locating appropriate comparable housing, scheduling movers.

Will PHA or the residents need to find off-site homes for relocations?

PHA will identify appropriate homes for relocations and work closely with residents to meet their needs. Some residents may need to relocate into housing off-site. PHA strives to minimize impact to residents.

How many times will residents need to temporarily relocate?

Some households may move only once to a final apartment that has completed construction, while others may need to move twice. PHA will discuss relocation options and needs with each household individually.

Who will pay for relocation costs?

PHA will pay for all reasonable relocation costs. If a resident incurs any reasonable relocation cost, PHA will reimburse the resident for the full amount upon documentation.

Will residents return to their same apartment?

No. Residents will likely move into a different apartment that will be size-appropriate and accessibility-appropriate for that family.

CONSTRUCTION

What is the construction duration?

PHA projects the project may last approximately 2 years. It will be phased so different buildings around the property will be affected at different times.

Will the renovations be completed in phases?

Yes. The community center will be renovated first. After completion of the community center, PHA anticipates approximately 5-8 residential buildings will be under renovation at the same time. After a building is complete, residents will be able to move into the renovated apartments and PHA will move on to renovating a different building until the project is complete and all 90 residential buildings have been renovated. This phased approach allows for the least amount of disruption to current residents while maintaining a reasonable construction timeline.

RESIDENT SERVICES

What resident services spaces will be in the Community Center?

The Community Center will largely maintain the existing services within the building, including the PHA Study Center, Community Room/Kitchen, and PHA Offices. The existing Food Pantry will be relocated within the building to allow for additional space. Some additional facilities that will be added include a flexible meeting room and new permanent health clinic space that will be operated by Greater Portland Health. 

NEXT STEPS

I have a question about the project or resident relocation. Who should I ask?

Visit the Resident Resources Tab to contact the project team.

Who will contact me about relocations?

PHA's Resident Transition Specialist will be in touch with all Sagamore Village families to discuss you and your family's relocations needs and options.

Will there be any resident meetings?

PHA will hold periodic resident meetings before and during construction to update the residents on current project status and obtain feedback. PHA will notify residents before the next resident meeting.