Our Just Future

Building a better community means building one that works for everyone who calls it home.

— Jon Stride

Tonkon Torp’s involvement with Our Just Future began over 20 years ago with the introduction of litigator Ned Perry (now retired) to the nonprofit’s then Executive Director, Jean DeMaster. A mutual friend thought Perry could help with some legal issues. Soon, Perry was providing pro bono services and eventually solidified his relationship with the organization by joining its Board of Directors. Today, litigator Jon Stride serves on Our Just Future’s board and provides pro bono counsel as needed.
 
Formed in 1988 under the name Human Solutions, Inc., Our Just Future partners with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity so they can build the long-term housing and economic stability we all need to thrive. The impressive team at Our Just Future offers a range of impactful programs, including: emergency shelter and rapid rehousing, eviction prevention, job readiness and financial literacy training, and after-school academic and social support. Our Just Future is the largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Mid and East Multnomah County, Oregon, with nearly 900 apartments in 19 housing communities – and more on the way!
 
“In my 10 years on the board of directors,” says Jon Stride, “this impactful organization has always centered secure and stable housing as foundational for people to move out of poverty. Our new name, ‘Our Just Future,’ acknowledges our nation’s history of housing discrimination, which relegated many people of color to poverty and promoted segregation, as well as the role secure and stable housing plays in advancing racial and social justice.”

“Changing demographics and gentrification has had the unintended consequence of pushing poverty into East Multnomah County, where social services are not as readily available,” says Ned Perry. “By offering social services to residents at their housing sites, [Our Just Future] is doing a great job meeting a critical need effectively.”

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