Bend, Ore. – Residents seeking affordable homeownership have a new resource on their doorstep. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Larkspur Community Center (1600 SE Reed Market Road) will host a free housing fair beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event brings together local developers, nonprofit counselors and Habitat for Humanity affiliates to help families understand qualification requirements, upcoming project opportunities and the step‑by‑step process of purchasing a home.
Who’s participating
The fair is organized through a partnership that includes NeighborImpact HomeSource, Thistle & Nest, RootedHomes, First Story, Bend‑Redmond Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver and Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Each organization will have representatives on hand to answer questions and provide personalized guidance.
NeighborImpact HomeSource, a program of the private nonprofit Community Action Agency NeighborImpact, offers housing counseling, workshops and financial tools designed to help prospective buyers complete homebuyer education and prepare for homeownership. The agency serves Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Thistle & Nest uses a land‑trust model to preserve permanent owner‑occupied affordable housing. RootedHomes focuses on permanent affordability for local workers and residents. First Story, in collaboration with builder Hayden Homes, will showcase move‑in‑ready homes for households earning 80 % or less of the area median income, offering 30‑year loans with no down payment and no interest.
Habitat for Humanity’s role
Local Habitat for Humanity affiliates from Bend‑Redmond, La Pine‑Sunriver and Sisters will explain how they build and renovate homes in partnership with low‑income families, providing another avenue for families to achieve stable, affordable homeownership.
Accessibility and community focus
To ensure the fair is accessible to all, simultaneous Spanish interpretation and an American Sign Language interpreter will be provided. Attendees can speak directly with representatives from each participating organization, gathering all the information they need in one convenient location.
Last year’s housing fairs attracted 106 participants across Central Oregon, and feedback highlighted the value of having multiple resources gathered in a single venue. One previous attendee said, “Being able to access the information all in one place” was especially helpful.
How to get involved
The event is sponsored by Hayden Homes and Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty. Community members who would like more details can email [email protected] or call 541‑323‑6567.
This free fair reflects the ongoing commitment of Bend’s nonprofit sector and local developers to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for families, reinforcing the community’s dedication to strong families and economic stability.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
