Restoration Projects

Like so many families living on a limited income, the Williams family found themselves facing a growing list of home repairs that simply exceeded their resources. Over time, one problem rose above the rest: their roof.

For more than 40 years, Ms. George has called her Northeast Portland house home. Now 77 years old and widowed, she has faced challenges that no one should have to face alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she lost her husband—the person who had always taken care of the home's maintenance and repairs.

For more than 32 years, Ms. May has called her house home. At 75 years old, she has lovingly cared for the property, but years of wear and weather had taken a toll.

For over 25 years, Ms. Agrimson has called her Northeast Portland house a home filled with memories and meaning. When she recently noticed a leak making its way into her living room, it brought understandable concern.

Northwest Christian Church – Tigard proudly partnered with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to refresh and reimagine a dedicated space for teens in the foster care program. This collaboration was rooted in a shared desire to offer something deeply important: a place where young people feel safe, respected, and cared for during a time often marked by uncertainty.

Mr. and Mrs. Patton have called their Portland home their own for the past 36 years—a place filled with memories, love, and the comfort of familiarity. Now in their 70s, the home they have so faithfully cared for has begun to need more attention than they are able to give.

In November 2025, she reached out to Catalyst after her only toilet had been unusable for three weeks. With just one bathroom in the home, this was more than an inconvenience—it was an urgent need.

For Ms. Perez, home has always been more than a place to live—it’s where she has raised her three children, built memories, and found stability over many years. But in late 2025, that sense of security was suddenly shaken.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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