CASA of Oregon
- Program Representative Interviewed: Peter Hainley, Executive Director
- Location: Sherwood, Oregon
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Program Overview: CASA of Oregon
aims to improve the quality of life for rural, underserved Oregonians through the development of
affordable housing, neighborhood facilities, and programs that increase a families' capacity for
financial well-being. CASA of Oregon was founded in the late 1980s in response to the housing needs of migrant,
seasonal, and year-round farmworkers and their families. While CASA of Oregon
continues to primarily serve the farmworker community, they have expanded their work to
developing rural housing, as well as developing medical and educational facilities.
CASA of Oregon is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and funds predevelopment needs of nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing, as well as providing construction and permanent financing to eligible borrowers. Additionally, CASA of Oregon partners with other nonprofits on the Valley Individual Development Account (VIDA) program. This program offers Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to individuals and families investing in a first home, small business, or post-secondary education. CASA of Oregon also administers the Matched College Savings Program (MCSP) and E3 (Earn Educate Empower), IDA programs for current or future students pursuing post-secondary education.