The Rivermark Community Fund has awarded its 2025 grant of $30,000 to Bienestar, the Hillsboro-based nonprofit providing safe, stable, and affordable housing for Latinx individuals, immigrants, and families in need across Washington County.
Founded in 1981, Bienestar set out to address substandard living conditions in migrant camps by providing quality housing for farmworkers and their families. As their mission expanded, Bienestar volunteers began addressing the broader need for housing and services across Latinx communities.
Bienestar will use the unrestricted grant to support core operations, maintain staffing, and adapt to shifting funding conditions. Designed for households earning below 60% of the area median income, the Bienestar housing portfolio includes scarce two-, three-, and four-bedroom units, essential for families with children.
"This grant is just one part of our investment in stronger communities,” said Rivermark Executive Vice President/Chief Impact Officer Seth Schaefer. “Bienestar demonstrates consistent leadership as a unique and effective catalyst in tackling housing insecurity. Rivermark is delighted to partner with them in making a real difference."
Bienestar Executive Director Nathan Teske was quick to recognize a like-minded organization. "We share Rivermark’s commitment to supporting affordable, fair, and equitable housing,” said Teske. “We see families and communities thrive when everybody can access a stable home. This grant will help create housing opportunities for renters, homeowners, and people experiencing homelessness.”
Today, Bienestar owns and operates 14 affordable multifamily properties for over 2,500 people. More than 95% of residents are Latinx, and many are immigrants and/or farmworkers. Find more information at www.bienestar-or.org.
The Rivermark Community Fund provides grants to community nonprofits creating more sustainable, affordable, fair, and equitable housing in Oregon and SW Washington. Read about past grant recipients and learn more here.
