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Ms. Sarmiento is an 84-year-old widow who has lived in her beloved 1908 home for many years. After losing her husband—a man who lovingly cared for the property and took deep pride in maintaining their home—she has faced the growing challenge of keeping up with critical repairs on her own.

Recently, the Bigjoes reached out to us again when several areas of their home began showing serious signs of wear. The flooring in key spaces was failing, creating safety concerns that could no longer be ignored. It was clear they needed support—and we were grateful to answer that call.

Ms. Perez is a devoted single mother of three who has called her home her sanctuary for many years. When she recently received an eviction notice tied to urgent and costly property repairs, the weight of the situation became overwhelming.

Last year, Catalyst volunteers came together to make meaningful improvements to Ms. Olds’ home—installing new siding, fresh paint, and energy‑efficient windows. This month, we were honored to return and take the next step in that journey by providing her with an energy‑efficient ducted heat pump.

Until recently, Mr. Ballou’s home was very cold in the winter and uncomfortably hot in the summer. His only permanent heat source was a single baseboard heater in his bedroom

Through Catalyst’s DEEP Initiative, her long journey toward restoration began. Over the past two years, we’ve been honored to walk alongside her, repairing her home step by step, phase by phase.

February may be a shorter month, but our Catalyst Handle‑It team made every day count.

Through Catalyst’s DEEP Initiative, she found more than repairs; she found a team committed to restoring both her home and her sense of security.

For 16 years, Ms. Hall has treasured her mobile home—a place she has continued to care for despite facing serious respiratory health challenges.

The Handle-It team started the new year on a strong note, tackling a wide range of projects across the region.

Ms. Allen, a 71-year-old homeowner in Portland, reached out for help with her yard. With limited income and difficulty managing physical tasks, even simple upkeep had become overwhelming.

November was another full and meaningful month for our Handle-It team as they continued caring for low-income homeowners throughout the Portland metro area.

This transformation was made possible by 25 dedicated volunteers who contributed 280 hours of service. Their hard work and compassion turned a house in need into a home renewed.

It started with a simple conversation during our weekly project meeting on October 28, 2025. Marty, one of our dedicated Advocates, shared something that weighed heavily on our hearts: several clients were worried about losing their SNAP benefits. For many of them—low-income homeowners—those benefits are a lifeline.

October was a month filled with purpose, progress, and heartfelt service. Our dedicated Handle-It volunteers stepped up to assist 12 low-income homeowners, addressing critical home repair and safety needs that directly impact daily life.

Earlier this year, Mr. Ryan suffered a heart attack, and while his recovery has been steady, his home presented a serious challenge: a roof in critical disrepair.

In place of our usual October in-person staff meeting, Catalyst leadership saw an opportunity to make a difference.

Each year, Renewal by Andersen Windows generously donates one full window replacement project, including both the windows and professional installation.

September 23-27, Catalyst’s dedicated volunteers continued the restoration by replacing one-third of the exterior siding damaged by the roof leak and repairing compromised structural elements.

Cordero House, located in Portland, Oregon, is a residential treatment program serving male youth ages 13–19 under the care of the Oregon Youth Authority