From Siding To Paint: Happy Valley Comes Together To Help A Veteran (Photo) - 01/31/26

This morning, the City of Happy Valley, Team Rubicon volunteers, and community partners came together at Carver Mobile Home Ranch in Happy Valley to make a difference in the life of a local Vietnam Veteran. Volunteers from Team Rubicon volunteers joined Mayor Tom Ellis, Director of Community Services Steve Campbell, and City staff to help bring Gary’s home into compliance with HOA and park standards.

During the morning, volunteers removed old siding, replaced it with new materials, and painted the home, ensuring it met required standards and allowing Gary to remain safely housed. The work was made possible thanks to PARR Lumber’s Damascus location, which generously donated all necessary supplies, including siding, paint, and other materials.

City staff first met Gary during the recent flooding along the Clackamas River while checking on residents affected by rising waters. Neighbors had shared that Gary, a Vietnam Veteran, was struggling to maintain his home due to rising costs and limited resources.

Moved by his story, the City partnered with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves communities before, during, and after disasters. Maverick, a Team Rubicon volunteer, said:

“I believe in the power of service before self. No one should have to suffer while I still have breath and the ability to help. When we show up for our neighbors, we strengthen not just individual lives, but the entire community.”

Mayor Tom Ellis personally joined volunteers on-site, working alongside the team to make the repairs possible. “This morning’s work shows the power of neighbors helping neighbors,” Mayor Ellis said. “It’s veterans helping veterans, and a community stepping in when someone needs a hand.”

The City of Happy Valley thanks Team Rubicon, PARR Lumber, and everyone who volunteered today. Their efforts are a vivid example of the compassion, teamwork, and spirit that define the Happy Valley community.

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Happy Valley Community Comes Together To Support Local Vietnam Veteran - 01/30/26

This Saturday, a powerful example of community compassion will be on display as Team Rubicon volunteers join Happy Valley Mayor Tom Ellis, Director of Community Services Steve Campbell, and city staff to help a local Vietnam Veteran remain in his home.

During the recent flooding along the Clackamas River, City of Happy Valley representatives met Gary, a Vietnam Veteran who resides at Carver Mobile Home Ranch. Some of Gary’s neighbors had mentioned that he needed support. With rising expenses and limited resources, he was unable to afford the upgrades needed to bring his home into compliance with park standards. As a veteran who has served our country, Gary needed a helping hand to remain safe in the place he calls home.

Moved by Gary’s story, the City of Happy Valley reached out to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization known for serving communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. Together, they rallied support to ensure Gary received the help he needed.

Thanks to the generosity of PARR Lumber’s Damascus location, all necessary supplies including siding, paint, and additional materials were donated to make the needed repairs. Team Rubicon volunteers, alongside city volunteers, will spend Saturday working on Gary’s home to bring it into compliance.

Team Rubicon’s mission is to support humanity and build resiliency for vulnerable communities worldwide. This project reflects that mission on a local level, veterans helping veterans, and a community showing up when it matters most.

The volunteer effort will take place on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Carver Mobile Home Ranch- 16300 SE HWY 224, Happy Valley Or 97089 By the end of the day, Gary’s home will meet park standards, allowing him to stay safely housed.

The City of Happy Valley is proud to partner with Team Rubicon and grateful to PARR Lumber for their generous donation. This project is a great example of what makes Happy Valley special, neighbors showing up and taking care of one another.