Colonia Amistad
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Colonia Amistad is a housing complex made up of 38 apartments located in the heart of Independence, Oregon. Colonia Amistad is centrally located in the Mid-Willamette Valley,
close to farms in both Polk and Marion County, and it has a range of
services available to residents. There are public transportation
services for seniors, three schools, libraries, churches, financial
institutions, shopping and recreational amenities all within walking
distance of the site. Colonia Amistad was opened in 2007.
Due to the success FHDC experienced with the developments in Woodburn and Salem and the continuing need for farmworker housing, in the spring of 2006 we began developing the first affordable housing built specifically for farmworker families in Polk County. We addressed concerns of the City Planning Commission and local residents and now are working closely with the City and our newest neighbors.
FHDC recognizes that there is substantial need for farmworker housing in Polk County. Agriculture is one of the largest contributors to Polk County's economy, with gross farm sales of over $120 million. According to the 2004 Johnson-Gardner market study, there are approximately 4,500 - 4,800 famworkers employed in the county. Of the 4,500-4,800 farmworkers employed in Polk County, approximately 1,500 live and work here year-round. Income levels for farmworker housholds in Polk County range from $18,303 for a 2-person household, to just under $27,654 for a 7-person household.
The beautiful 38-apartment complex comes with amenities and services including: Green Community Certification Energy Star rated appliances, whole-house ventilation, use of healthier building materials and techniques, two child care units with capacity for five to seven children each, two units equipped for persons who are physically disabled, a community garden, and a large community room and computer lab.
Colonia Amistad has quickly become known in the community and is considered a very desirable place to live. Mural art done by a well-known Latino mural artist, Hector Hernandez, working with a number of Latino youth, decorates the exterior wall of the community center. The creation of Colonia Amistad has also attracted national attention. Affordable Housing Finance, a nationally recognized magazine in the housing industry, published an article that references our development, Colonia Amistad in the article, "Hardest to House", in their January 2008 edition.
Programs and services offered at Colonia Amistad
Adult programs and services
- Mi Salud and Mis Manos (My Health in My Hands)
- ESL Tutoring
- Computer Classes
- Resident Association
- Ongoing educational presentations from community agencies such as the Polk County Commission for Children and Families
- Family Literacy
- Annual Health Fair
Services and programs for children and youth
- After school tutoring and arts and crafts activities
- Family Literacy for Pre-K and Elementary children
- Summer Enrichment Program offering a wide range of activities including: field trips to colleges and universities, gardening, family literacy, and arts and crafts
