ROSEBURG, Ore., June 22, 2021 – The first residents have moved into NeighborWorks Umpqua's new 68-unit apartment complex, Deer Creek Village, located at 2843 NE Douglas Avenue. Hundreds of applications were carefully considered, and Deer Creek Village is a place that Veterans now call home.
The first resident to move into Deer Creek Village was a senior and disabled Veteran who recently moved from out of state to assist a family member who is also a Veteran. Other move-ins included Veterans with temporary living situations such as 2-year limited transitional housing and even a friend's couch.
"I have watched Deer Creek being built from the framework over the last year. I have a bedroom, bathroom, and livingroom -- that is perfect for me. I take the elevator to the third floor but will probably start taking the stairs for exercise. I like everything about the apartment, including the fridge, stove, heat, and air-conditioning," says one of the residents.
Another resident, Rachel, who served in the Navy says, "I love this place -- I will be here forever. All of my utilities will be paid for." She also describes that the bus across the street is very convenient for easy access to town, and she can walk from Deer Creek to the bowling alley for recreation.
Designed by Studio C Architecture, Deer Creek Village is organized around a central courtyard and sets a new standard of affordable living with its energy-efficient features and modern amenities. The apartments are adjacent to serene wetlands and include a bicycle storage room, laundry facilities, an outdoor play area, and a community room with a kitchen. Upon move-in, and through a generous grant award from the Oregon Department of Veteran's Affairs and delivery by Servpro, Veterans will receive an apartment starter package. This kit contains almost everything they need except furniture: cookware, utensils, cleaning supplies, towels, bedding, and toiletries.
Deer Creek Village was made possible by both private and public funding. The project started with the generous donation of the land in 2015 by Rose and Robert Rothstein. Development began in 2019 as an $18M investment to address Roseburg's housing needs and is the first significant affordable housing development in Roseburg since 2013. U.S. Bank, Oregon Housing and Community Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Oregon Community Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners, and Roseburg Urban Renewal Agency enabled the development.
Veterans, individuals, homeless, those experiencing disabilities, and small families making less than 60% of the Area Median Income, or about $33,000 per year, can apply to live at Deer Creek Village. If Veterans apply today, they are moved to the top of the interest list.
For more information on Deer Creek Village, visit the NeighborWorks Umpqua website: http://www.nwumpqua.org/deer-creek/