A Perfect Storm of Blessings: Pamela’s Story

Portland neighbor Pamela describes the support she received from Rebuilding Together as a “perfect storm of blessings.”

Pamela has lived in her Albina home since childhood—her father built it by hand in the late 1960s. When her family first moved into the neighborhood, they faced hostility from neighbors, so her father constructed the house with sturdy brick to ensure his family felt safe and secure. It’s a home filled with history, love and resilience.

But after many years, the home began to deteriorate. Last year, things took a turn for the worse. After Pamela’s furnace and water heater broke and animals chewed through the insulation, Pamela was left without heat, water or electricity. Her beloved home had become uninhabitable. With no safe place to stay, Pamela had to move into a shelter.

Thankfully, Pamela connected with Rebuilding Together Pacific Northwest (the newly unified affiliate of Portland and Washington County). Our team of staff and volunteers stepped in to help restore not just her home, but her sense of stability and hope.

Pamela received a full kitchen remodel, critical electrical repairs, a rebuilt deck, fresh paint and more. Along with extensive help from partner home repair organizations such as the Portland Housing Bureau and Latino Network, these repairs made it possible for her to return to the home her father built from the ground up. “I wish my dad and mom were here to see this,” she shared. 

Pamela’s home was one of 33 that Rebuilding Together Pacific Northwest and our dedicated volunteers repaired during National Rebuilding Month. We’re honored to help neighbors like Pamela return to safe homes. With each home we repair, we’re preventing displacement and creating the opportunity for neighbors to thrive.