Business Details
36 Years
experience
Affordable Housing Solutions in McMinnville, OR
Community Home Builders has been dedicated to transforming rural communities through affordable housing and educational programs for over 28 years. Founded in 1990, our organization partners with low-income families to build ownership, equity, and essential skills through initiatives like the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. By leveraging partnerships with local vendors and contractors, we have injected over $36 million into the local economy while constructing more than 200 homes across the Willamette Valley. Our expertise extends to financial literacy programs like VIDA, which empowers families through matched savings, and Villa Del Sol, a farm worker housing complex.With a team of experienced professionals and a network of volunteers, we prioritize transparency, community collaboration, and sustainable solutions. Our commitment to ethical practices and measurable impact has earned us trust as a leader in rural community development. We adhere to rigorous standards of accountability, ensuring every project aligns with our mission of fostering stable, thriving neighborhoods.
Services
Mutual Self-Help Housing
VIDA Savings Program
Farm Worker Housing
Homeownership Education
Community Development
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have 28+ years of experience building affordable housing in rural Oregon.
- Our partnerships with USDA and local contractors ensure quality, cost-effective solutions.
- We offer comprehensive financial education and matched savings programs for homeownership.
- Our volunteer-driven model reduces costs while fostering community connections.
- We've invested over $36 million into the local economy through home construction.
What people say
Building our own home was empowering
Best decision for our family
Supportive team environment
Financial programs made homeownership possible
Strong community connections
Services
Mutual Self-Help Housing
This program enables low-income families to build their own homes through collaborative effort. Participants work with 8-12 families to construct neighborhoods while receiving USDA mortgages with reduced payments. Technical assistance and construction training ensure long-term homeownership success. The model combines sweat equity with affordable financing to create stable housing solutions.
VIDA Savings Program
VIDA offers matched savings accounts to help families achieve financial goals through homeownership, education, or small business development. Participants receive a 5:1 match on savings up to $3,600 annually, with a maximum $18,000 match over 36 months. The program includes financial literacy training to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Farm Worker Housing
Villa Del Sol provides 24 affordable apartment units for farm workers in McMinnville. The complex features 2-4 bedroom units, on-site laundry, community spaces, and recreational facilities. This permanent housing solution addresses critical needs for agricultural workers while promoting community integration and stability.
Homeownership Education
We deliver comprehensive education on mortgage management, home maintenance, and financial planning through partnerships with local service providers. Classes cover budgeting, credit building, and long-term financial security strategies. This education ensures families maintain homeownership and build generational wealth through property ownership.
Community Development
Our projects create entire neighborhoods through coordinated development in rural areas. We've completed 200+ homes across 15 subdivisions since 1990, fostering community connections through shared construction efforts. Each project includes infrastructure development and partnerships with local businesses to strengthen regional economies.
People
Gerardo Partida
Executive Director
Gerardo leads Community Home Builders' strategic initiatives with over 15 years of nonprofit management experience. He oversees all housing programs and community partnerships while maintaining compliance with USDA regulations. His leadership has expanded the organization's impact across six Oregon counties.
Jose Lomeli
Construction Supervisor
Jose manages construction operations for mutual self-help housing projects. With 12 years of building experience, he provides technical training to participants and ensures quality standards across all developments. He coordinates volunteer efforts during critical construction phases.
Teresa Smith
Board President
Teresa chairs the board of directors, guiding organizational governance and long-term planning. As a community development expert with 20+ years in affordable housing, she ensures strategic alignment with regional needs while maintaining fiscal accountability.
Tammy Morrison
Fiscal Manager
Tammy oversees financial operations and grant compliance. With a CPA background and eight years at CHB, she manages budgeting, reporting, and donor relations. Her expertise ensures transparent financial stewardship of public and private funding sources.
Emma Ramirez
Administrative Assistant
Emma supports program operations and client services. She manages intake processes, coordinates volunteer schedules, and maintains participant records. Her community engagement efforts help connect families with housing and financial education resources.
Questions
What income requirements exist for your housing programs?
Applicants must earn less than 80% of HUD's median income for the area. Permanent residency or citizenship and fair credit history are also required.
How does the mutual self-help housing program work?
8-12 families collaborate to build each other's homes. Participants contribute 30 weekly hours while receiving USDA mortgages with reduced payments and technical support.
Can I apply if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to qualify for USDA-funded programs.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteers assist with construction tasks up to 15 hours weekly. No experience required, but technical skills in building trades are beneficial for specific roles.
How does the VIDA savings match work?
We offer a 5:1 match on savings deposits up to $3,600 annually, with a maximum $18,000 match over 36 months for qualified home purchases.
Are there age restrictions for participants?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with verifiable income. No upper age limit exists for qualified applicants meeting program requirements.
Reviews (2)
Tim Kimbro
Jun 03, 2019
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Gerardo is a very very nice guy. Looked over our application and told us we were in a great position to receive help and a home. We wont find out for sure u til closer to them being ready to break ground on the new builds but overall very satisfied with how we were treated. Thank you!
Jose Garcia
Nov 02, 2018
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The person who helps with the loans and qualifications. he only helps his family and friends, he told me that I did not qualify without checking my credit, should not work people like that in customer service, that does not help the communities- no good gerardo partida
