Year-End Campaign Kickoff

It’s that time of year when all the year-end appeals kick off for non-profits across the country. There are so many incredible organizations to support, and we hope you’ll pause for a moment to hear why you should make a gift to support the work ROSE is doing in SE Portland.

We’ve always known that a home is more than it’s physical structure. A home can bring safety, peace, independence, and in ROSE’s homes, there is a built in community. Community is especially important to build opportunities that might not be possible without stable, affordable housing. They want to give back to their community, just like you. Dreams become more possible when people have access to affordable housing and community. 

Next year ROSE will be celebrating 30 years creating meaningful neighborhood changes in southeast Portland. For three decades we have been focused on creating strong and vibrant communities. We have done this by creating hundreds of affordable homes, and meaningful programs and neighborhood initiatives that have shaped people’s lives for the better. We invite you to read the following letter from a resident who has grown up in ROSE’s community.

If you are so inspired like we were to hear his story, please give generously to ROSE this season. Your support has impacts that last generations.

Since before I was born, my parents have been chasing the American Dream. 

My dad had to work starting at a very young age to help provide for his family, and wasn’t able to finish school. My mom was working on her degree but had to drop out when her family could no longer afford tuition. When I was very young, we–my parents and brother–moved around a lot, following job leads and bouncing between relatives’ houses.

When I was three years old, we moved to Portland and into ROSE CDC housing. All of a sudden our family became a lot more financially stable and we began to grow deep roots in our new community.

Having a safe and welcoming home changed my life. A home and community should be something everyone has. I hope my story will inspire you to support ROSE and the hundreds of families living in ROSE housing. 

After we moved into our apartment at Bellrose Station, we got involved in ROSE’s resident programs.There were after-school clubs for kids, free school supplies, and community events like cooking and gardening classes. I even learned to ride a bike just so I could go to ROSE’s summer bike camp!

I’ve noticed that other apartments don’t have programs or playgrounds, and they don’t have activities for the residents like ROSE does. All children should have access to basic things like school supplies, and safe places to play. While many kids don’t, ROSE kids do. 

Today, I feel lucky to be where I am. I graduated high school in June. Over the summer I interned with the Lents Youth Initiative and led music programs for kids at other ROSE properties. Now it’s time to make a decision about what I want to do in my life. Maybe I’ll study radio and music production, help people living on the streets, or tackle environmental issues. While my parents’ choices were limited at my age, I have so many more opportunities and possible paths ahead of me. 

Community creates opportunity. Having a safe, affordable home and a strong community allows people to get back on their feet and move up in life. It allows parents to spend more time with their kids and work toward long-term goals. It’s allowed me and my family to have stable housing, connections with our neighbors, and a future full of possibilities. 

I’m asking you to make a gift today to give more people the opportunity to pursue their own American Dreams. 

While I feel lucky to have infinite possibilities in front of me, I know it’s not just luck. It’s because people like you believed in ROSE.  

Sincerely, 

Emanuel Manzo