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Crammed into the second-story of the downtown Portland building that houses New Avenues for Youth, an organization that helps homeless youth develop work skills, about 500 at-risk teenagers in the nonprofit's job-creation program occupy space intended for 200.
With a $1.2 million forgivable loan from the Portland Development Commission, however, the organization hopes to expand its outreach center by adding or renovating a health center, full service kitchen, alternative school and drop-in center.
The 15-year loan will be implemented with 1 percent interest, with all principal and accrued interest being forgiven if no default or unapproved change in use of the property, located at 820 S.W. Oak St. During the summer, New Avenues signed a 10-year lease for the 17,000-square-foot building, with an option to buy.