Adair Homes and Partners Revitalize Project Homeless Connect in Hillsboro

At Adair Homes, we believe in building more than just houses; we believe in building communities. Our recent partnership with the Home Builders Foundation (HBF) and Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) is a testament to this commitment. Together, we took on a meaningful project to transform the Project Homeless Connect (PHC) Access Center in Hillsboro, breathing new life into a vital community resource.

More than six months after HBF wrapped up its initial project at PHC, they returned with a new mission: to repaint the Access Center’s original teardrop siding, which had been covered with asbestos since the 1950s. The City of Hillsboro had recently renovated the building’s bathrooms and kitchen and used remaining government funds to remove the asbestos. However, the budget fell short when it came to repainting the building. This is where we at Adair Homes, alongside our dedicated partners, stepped in.

Marsh McLennan Agency had been discussing potential service projects with HBF earlier in the year. At HBF’s 2024 Gala, PHC staff highlighted the urgency of reopening the center, which had been temporarily relocated since March. This call to action resonated with us at Adair Homes, and we were eager to help meet the tight reopening timeline.

Rachelle Nava-Bonneville, Adair’s Senior Draw Administrator is one of the many Adair employees that believe in working outside of our organization to help community members. “I think it's important for Adair to volunteer in our local communities because it shows that our people and our values extend beyond our day job,” says Nava-Bonneville.

“We are not just passionate about building custom homes, but also bettering our communities and the people living in them. Adair Homes is about improving people's quality of life, and I believe there is no better way to express that, than by the selfless act of volunteering.” 

As the rainy season in Oregon subsided, volunteers, including skilled team members from Adair Homes, gathered on a bright June day to begin painting the wood siding. During the prep work, we discovered old newspapers from 1956, a poignant reminder of the building’s history. Our carpenters crafted a replacement wooden cap for the ‘belly band’ trim board that had been removed during the asbestos installation. Additionally, volunteers removed derelict gutters and primed the unpainted soffit of the roof, which had been replaced in 2023.

In true volunteer spirit, our collective efforts quickly paid off. Within a few hours, the once-weathered exterior transformed into a vibrant, welcoming yellow house. The decision to retain the original color, affectionately known as the “yellow house” by shelter staff, honored the building's identity and history. This project was more than just a painting job; it was about restoring a crucial community resource. The PHC Access Center serves over 100 people daily, offering meals, showers, and a place to rest from the heat. Completing this final step allowed the center to fully reopen and continue its essential mission.

Jim Blake from Adair Homes reflected on the experience: “Seeing the transformation of the Access Center and knowing we played a part in it is incredibly rewarding. This project embodies what community support is all about.” 

With the fresh, bright exterior now matching the warmth and dedication inside, the PHC Access Center stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Adair Homes, HBF, MMA, and many dedicated volunteers, the center is once again ready to serve those in need.

“While I have not always had everything, I have always had enough and the thought that there are others out there in need while I am capable of providing a sense of relief was a no-brainer to me,” says Victoria Trevino, Adair’s Contract and Process Improvement Manager. “Adair Homes participating in these types of events is so important because it shows that Adair's culture goes beyond the internal customer. We are not just a team of Home Builders, we are a team of #BeOne. This doesn't just define our willingness to help each other internally—our culture includes a willingness to help those in need in the community as well. I am so proud to be a part of a company that lives the Core Values inside and outside of our business.” 

At Adair Homes, we are proud to have contributed to this important project. It serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. We look forward to continuing our mission of building not just homes, but stronger, more vibrant communities.