For Immediate Release Date: April 3, 2012 Contact: Kelsey Cardwell, Marketing Coordinator (503) 961-6417 / kcardwell@haciendacdc.

org

A compact soccer field will make exercise safe and accessible in Cully, a challenge for some low-income communities
PORTLAND, Ore. Hacienda Community Development Corporation recently announced plans to build

a futsal court for their affordable housing community, supported by a sponsorship from the Portland Timbers and Adidas. Hacienda CDC is depending on community engagement and individual contributors to cover the remaining balance necessary to complete the project, expected to break ground in May 2012. In a play on the organizations motto, una comunidad viva, Hacienda is launching a campaign called una comunidad activa. The campaign will raise awareness of the need and demand for safe and accessible exercise in low-income communities, particularly in the Cully neighborhood. Ive seen children running throughout the parking lots to play soccer, says Victor Merced, the executive director of Hacienda CDC. I am thankful we have such an active community, but it scares me that it is at the expense of their safety. This is a necessary and well-deserved project. Hacienda CDC works alongside residents to ensure livability at each of its affordable housing developments. Alex Perez, a resident of Villa de Sueos, serves on Haciendas board, and Maria Gastlum, also a resident at Villa de Sueos, is on staff. Both have taken active roles in making this project happen, and Hacienda will continue to reach out to residents to incorporate them in the process. Facts and features of the project: The Portland Timbers have contributed $20,000 and Adidas has contributed $5,000 of the $150,000 needed to complete the project. Scott | Edwards Architecture will oversee construction by LMC Construction. The covered court will feature an ecoroof to prevent stormwater runoff thanks to a partnership with Verde, a local nonprofit committed to building environmental wealth. Cully neighborhood, where the court will be located, is the City of Portlands most park-starved community; compared to a citywide average of 40 people/park acre, in Cully the figure soars to 2,780 people/park acre. (CLF, 2006) It will serve Haciendas Clara Vista, Clara Vista Townhomes and Villa de Sueos residences (727 total residents, 395 children) and potentially the greater Cully community. All residents in Haciendas affordable housing units earn between 0-60% of the Area Media Income, meaning $0-$43,200 annually for a family of four.

About Hacienda CDC Hacienda develops affordable housing and builds thriving communities in support of working Latino families and others in Oregon by promoting healthy living and economic advancement. For more information, visit www.haciendacdc.org