SALEM, Ore. — More than 40 new homes are opening in Bend, providing more housing opportunities for people and families as Central Oregon continues to grapple with housing costs that have made it increasingly difficult for many workers to live in the communities they work.

“At a moment when the high cost of housing is making it difficult for people to get by, state investments and local leadership are making life more affordable for renters of today and tomorrow,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director Andrea Bell.

OHCS joined Housing Works, Cascade Management, and community partners on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of Nine Peaks, a newly constructed affordable housing community on NE Conners Avenue in Bend.

OHCS invested about $10 million in the new development, $1 million of which was Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding. LIHTC is a federal initiative established to encourage private investment in affordable housing. It provides tax credits to developers who commit to creating affordable housing for low-income households, which can be sold to investors to finance construction.

The opening comes as housing affordability continues to affect communities throughout Central Oregon. High housing costs and limited housing availability can make it harder for employers to recruit and retain workers for communities to maintain the workforce needed to support schools, health care, hospitality, public services, and other essential industries.

“I absolutely love being here. I was struggling with finding housing,” said "Lisa Thomas" (not her real name), a resident of Nine Peaks. “It’s a struggle to find housing in this area, so I feel fortunate. I was in tears when I was told that I was approved and able to move in. It still doesn’t feel real — being able to start all over and have a new beginning, I just really appreciate it.”

Nine Peaks includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, creating options for households of different sizes. The community is located near shopping, medical facilities, and schools. The homes were built in partnership with Housing Works, Central Oregon’s regional housing authority.

“Many Oregonians have to make hard decisions between housing and health care, and the Nine Peaks community was envisioned as a response to that challenge,” said Lynne McConnell, executive director of Housing Works.

“Housing Works and Mosaic Community Health have an aligned mission and are thrilled to see our years of work on this project come to fruition. Nine Peaks is adjacent to Mosaic’s future headquarters, a clinic, and a pharmacy, and prioritizes households with individuals with disabilities. Nine Peaks will support health and stability for our residents and the larger community.”

Rep. Janelle Bynum was invited to speak to commemorate the occasion, as well as Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and HUD Field Office State Director Bryan Guiney. 

Nine Peaks features 45 units that are priced at 50% of Area Median Income. A dozen of the units will be prioritized for people experiencing disabilities.

Nine Peaks will be part of a three-parcel complex that already includes a senior-living community. Mosaic Community Health will manage an on-site health clinic that will open in 2027. The planned community will be the first multi-use senior, residential and medical community of its kind in Bend.

Nine Peaks began accepting resident applications in late August. The community is move-in ready. Cascade Property Management will oversee the day-to-day management of this community.

To keep up with rising demand for housing that is affordable to households making less than 80% of Area Median Income, the City of Bend will need to build over 15,700 units of housing over these next eight years.

Nine Peaks represents a crucial step in providing area families with beautiful, affordable and transit-accessible homes within the heart of Northeast Bend. In addition, Housing Works' partnership with Mosaic Community Health will provide convenient access to medical care for working families, seniors and people with disabilities, many of whom face difficulties accessing this care due to cost, travel and a lack of available doctors able to accept new patients.

“Feeling safe, waking up in the same place every day, with walls that stand on their own, is a luxury for some people – but the reality is, those things are a necessity,” said Rep. Bynum. “We can’t have teachers, families, and seniors being priced out of the places they called home. This is the housing Oregon needs now, and needs everywhere.”

For OHCS, the opening also represents the tangible result of public investment in housing. The agency’s approximately $10 million investment helped turn funding into completed homes that will serve Central Oregon residents for years to come.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians with low and moderate incomes. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.