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Good Shepherd Village, in the heart of Happy Valley, is a sprawling 11-acre project. It stands as a model of affordable housing, catering to families, seniors, veterans and those who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.

Good Shepherd Village is a place where trauma-informed design, universal accessibility and sustainability converge. Nestled within the landscape are three distinct buildings offering 143 affordable homes, ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts. The development includes 35 units of permanent supportive housing, including 15 units for at-risk veterans.

Many of the larger units are located in two three-story buildings surrounding a small courtyard. Studios, one-bedroom and some two-bedroom units are in a large, four-story building, along with a large community room, smaller room for quiet reflection and activities and office space for residents and supportive services staff. Each building has laundry facilities and secure bike parking. There are also exterior play areas, protected pathways for children to ride bikes, garden beds and an outdoor kitchen/cooking area.

Innovative solutions shaped every aspect of the project. The sloped terrain, once a challenge, became an opportunity for a terraced amphitheater – a vibrant community space that cascades down to the four-story apartment building.

To minimize impact and preserve views, the foundation was lowered, creating a seamless integration with the landscape. A new street through the site features street edges inviting residents and neighbors to come together.

Good Shepherd Village is the first regulated affordable housing development in Happy Valley, a milestone achievement for Catholic Charities of Oregon. The project also marks the completion of the 1,000th Metro bond home.

Local subcontractors were engaged on the project, creating jobs and supporting the local economy. The project exceeded its MWESB utilization goal of 30 percent, with Walsh Construction achieving 34 percent – 31 percent of which were minority- or women-owned firms.

Sustainability was a guiding principle, with the development earning Earth Advantage certification and harnessing the power of solar energy.

Throughout the project, safety and community integration were paramount. Clear site logistics and frequent communication ensured minimal disruption to the neighborhood.