The Lawrence Apartments is a five-building housing project located in the Glenfair neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The project provides 96 affordable units for renters earning at or below 30% and between 50-60% of the area median income, offering a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom options. The development was completed in partnership with Home First Development, with a shared goal to serve Portland’s Zomi Community—a predominantly Christian ethnic minority group from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India who fled religious persecution.

The development was designed to meet the unique needs of Zomi refugees, in close coordination with members of their community and stakeholders. Residents benefited from services provided by Zomi Catholic Community Portland, a refugee-led nonprofit established to support individuals who had faced religious persecution.

The buildings achieved green building standards comparable to Earth Advantage Gold. The community building, which included a kitchen and gathering space, management office, play area, and two covered courtyards, supported resident service delivery and promoted community building. The location provided residents with convenient access to multiple bus lines and the MAX light rail system.

The project was financed with Local Innovation Fast Track (LIFT) funds, 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit (OAHTC), construction and permanent debt, OHCS Multifamily Energy Program funds (OR-MEP), and Permanent Supportive Housing rental assistance.