Francis + Clare Place

Located in Portland’s Central Eastside, Francis + Clare Place provides 61 units (54 studios, seven one-bedrooms) of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for people transitioning out of houselessness. All units are PSH, with rents subsidized by Project-Based Section 8 vouchers. The building intends to activate the nearby Francis + Clare Commons–a natural space that preserves access to nature in the heart of this bustling, urban neighborhood.

The building’s ‘L’ shape plan maximizes the number of units within the tight site, which was carved out from the existing St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church property. The building sits between multi-family and single-family residences to the east and industrial buildings to the west. The traditional forms found in the neighboring housing and church structure informed the design of the roof form and the selection of siding.

The ground floor houses residential services, management offices, and a classroom–each of which were integral to the project. To foster activity, the classroom was placed on the corner of 11th Street and serves as a community room for residents. The ground floor also houses the building’s seven one-bedroom units, which are separated from the main circulation / entry area to provide privacy for residents.

Catholic Charities assists tenants with case management, provides peer support services, and has partnered with the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) to provide culturally specific services. The AfroVillage Movement has partnered with Catholic Charities throughout the development process on engagement activities and outreach to communities most impacted by homelessness in the area. The site’s location in the amenity-rich Central Eastside District offers access to workforce training opportunities, grocery and convenience stores, bike routes, and frequent service bus lines.