Portland, March 7th, 2015. The Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc., or PCRI, held its fourth annual Dancing with the Stars Portland Gala at the Hilton. Only one dance couple could be named champion and while Judges Jesse Beason, Karin Edwards and Nancy Hales had a tough decision, they unanimously named Pamela Weatherspoon, Pamela is responsible for Community Relations for Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Legacy Emanuel Medical. (Photo credit, Cameron Browne)
PCRI’s 2015 Dancing with the Stars Gala will feature four prominent Portland community members (clockwise from top left): Pamela Weatherspoon, Gunther Oakey, Jenelle Isaacson, and Ian Parker, each trained by and dancing with professionals from Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
Not only did dancers deliver an amazing show, the event’s sponsors, volunteers and guests raised over $85,000 to support the affordable housing and services PCRI residents depend on to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Mistress of Ceremonies Margaret Carter delivered a seamless program for the evening. Trained by and paired with professional dancers from Portland’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio, each dancing couple put on a great show.
Resident Jean Paul and his family described how, with the benefit of affordable housing and their own dedication, families can grow roots, dream big, and achieve amazing goals.
Margaret Carter and PCRI Executive Director Maxine Fitzpatrick celebrated the successes achieved by PCRI residents while underscoring the work that is still needed to ensure all families have access to the benefits of stable, affordable housing in Portland’s opportunity-rich close-in neighborhoods. Led by auctioneer Kelly Russell, the gala’s live auction and special appeal were the most successful yet.
About PCRI:
For 20 years, Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives has reinvested in Portland’s neighborhoods, preserved their diversity and provided tools to help low-income Portland families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
From our original task of helping people who were unknowingly swindled out of their homes, PCRI has come a long way. Still, the challenges are constant—as is our presence as an anchor of stable, diverse and livable Portland neighborhoods.
Our Homes
With over 700 units of affordable housing, PCRI’s unique mix of single-family homes, small multi-plexes and community apartments represents one of the last stable opportunities for low-income households to remain in their vibrant Portland neighborhoods. These homes and apartments are woven into the fabric of their neighborhoods and are a model for eliminating concentrations of poverty.
Our Services
At the most basic level, PCRI’s affordable rentals help residents achieve family stability. Building on this stability, PCRI’s award winning services give families culturally-specific skills and support necessary to achieve self-sufficiency, begin the process of wealth creation and, in many cases, become—and remain—successful homeowners.
