Affordable housing complex for people in addiction recovery opens in Southeast Portland

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – An affordable housing complex designed specifically for people recovering from addiction opened Thursday in southeast Portland.

The Meridian Gardens Apartments celebrated the opening with a party complete with a live band, dancing and food for everyone.

Meridian Gardens, Central City Concern’s newest housing project, will house more than 80 sober residents and provide them with comprehensive resources from substance abuse counseling to case management.

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County leaders received an update on the new diversion program aimed at addressing the impact of arrests on people struggling with addiction.

For Josue Vargas, it’s not just a new apartment, it’s a new lifestyle. One focused on recovery and sobriety.

“I see it as a new beginning,” Vargas said. “I continued to have problems with alcohol to the point where I lost everything. I separated myself from family and friends and everything.”

Vargas said he was homeless at times until he found help and support to battle his addiction through organizations like Puentes and Central City Concern.

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FOX 12 Investigates recently spoke with two men who successfully secured permanent housing after being navigated through city-run shelters.

In addition to housing and services, Vargas said Meridian Gardens will also provide a community and a place of connection.

“What that means is that I will socialize with people who have the same mentality as me to get better, improve their lifestyle and continue to do that,” Vargas said.

So with the ribbon cutting, Vargas and others are ready for recovery.

Meridian Gardens is the third major housing project opened by Central City Concern, which has added a total of nearly 300 affordable homes to Portland in three years.