In a powerful display of compassion and collaboration, dozens of Portland-based organizations came together to help build a new micro-village for unsheltered adults—showing what’s possible when a community rallies around hope.
The project was led by the efforts of the Home Building Foundation to support the building of a micro village for WeShine. WeShine is a nonprofit founded in 2021 by Jan McManus, whose mission is to design, build, and operate neighborhood-based micro-villages that offer safe, transitional housing for adults experiencing homelessness. These small, community-integrated villages make use of underutilized spaces—like empty lots or parking areas—to provide a path forward for residents, complete with access to services and a supportive environment.
WeShine’s newest micro-village sits in the parking lot of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in North Portland. And thanks to overwhelming community support, it became WeShine’s largest collaborative build to date.
One of the key drivers behind this effort was the Home Building Foundation—the philanthropic arm of the Home Building Association of Greater Portland—which brought together some of the region’s top construction companies to bring the project to life. Among them was Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking, a longtime supporter of community initiatives and a strong believer in creating positive local impact.
“The transitional point of getting off the street and into a situation where you can regain your life … that space of going from homeless to permanent housing is really difficult,” said Taylor Stanley, Director of Marketing at Rick’s. “It can take a lot of people investing in you to have that success.”
Ricks played a hands-on role in the project—donating over 300 feet of new fencing and decking, plus volunteer labor and manpower. They also brought in one of their trusted vendors, AS&D, who contributed state-of-the-art aluminum railing—enhancing the project’s strength, style, and safety.
This marks the third community outreach collaboration between Ricks and AS&D, with AS&D once again generously donating railings to support the effort. Ricks holds their vendor partnerships in the highest regard and are grateful when they can come together to make a meaningful impact.
“We do this kind of work for homeowners every day,” Stanley said. “But being able to collaborate with our vendors on a project like this—where we’re using the same products to give back—is something really special.”
The opening preview of the village was an emotional moment, with volunteers and supporters from across Portland coming together to celebrate the completed site. Governor Tina Kotek, a member of St. Andrew’s parish, spoke at the event, highlighting the significance of this model.
“The only way we will be successful across our state in helping our unsheltered neighbors find pathways to stability is to have a variety of shelter options,” Kotek said. “Let us celebrate today and know that places like WeShine and St. Andrew’s Church are here, and they’re going to thrive and help people heal and get their lives back on track.”
This year, Rick’s Custom Fencing & Decking celebrates 45 years in business, and community support has been a core value since day one.
“Since the beginning, our founders believed in giving back,” said Stanley. “The dedication to community support is at the heart of our company.”
Rick’s launched its Community Support Drive in 2020 as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to grow its impact across the region through partnerships like this one with WeShine.
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