Families displaced from North Portland's historically Black neighborhoods can now apply for one of 75 affordable apartments at the corner of N. Alberta Street and Williams Avenue, after the Strong Empowerment Village cut its ribbon on June 23.

The four-story building at 4985 N. Williams Ave. is named for Luther Strong Jr. and Dr. Jackie Strong, whose family sold the one-acre property to the Portland Housing Bureau. All 75 units fall under the city's N/NE Preference Policy, which prioritizes applicants with generational ties to North and Northeast Portland or who were pushed out by urban renewal and gentrification.

"My dad spread the wealth — I was merely a conduit," Dr. Jackie Strong said at the ceremony. "You are now part of the Strong family legacy."

Rents are capped for households earning up to 30% and 60% of area median income. The building includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

The $44 million project was co-developed by Self Enhancement, Inc., which describes itself as Oregon's largest African American-led nonprofit, and Community Development Partners. Public funding included $3.15 million from the voter-approved Metro Affordable Housing Bond, $8.25 million in Interstate Tax Increment Financing, and $2 million from short-term rental registration fees, according to Metro.

Metro Councilor Mary Nolan, who attended the ribbon-cutting, said the bond helped enable "families with deep roots in this historically Black neighborhood to stay, or to return home."

The Strong Empowerment Village is the fourth building in the Alberta Alive series, which has now brought 190 apartments to the area within one mile of each other. The three earlier buildings house veterans, families, and individuals. An eight-unit townhome project using a community land trust model is scheduled to open in October 2026, according to Community Development Partners, bringing the series total to 198 units.

Self Enhancement, Inc. will provide culturally responsive resident services on-site. The building features rooftop solar panels.

How to apply: Leasing is open. Applications go through the Portland Housing Bureau's N/NE Preference Policy Waitlist. The temporary leasing office is at 5050 N. Interstate Ave. Phone: 971-433-4917.