Property Highlight: Colonia Unidad
Evolve Workforce manages 12 properties across three counties and seven cities. Among them is Colonia Unidad, located in the heart of Woodburn. This community is part of the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC) affordable housing portfolio and serves as a symbol of collaboration, resilience, and progress.
The story of Colonia Unidad exemplifies the possibilities that arise when local government and community organizations work together. The City of Woodburn owned and facilitated the sale of the land where Colonia Unidad now stands. In 2015, the Woodburn City Council authorized the sale of the property, allowing construction to begin in 2018 and completing the project in 2019. Funded through HOME and Tax Credit programs, Project-Based Section 8, and the Farmworker Tax Credit, Colonia Unidad added 44 new homes to Woodburn. It offers one, two, and three-bedroom units that serve Project-Based Voucher holders, Section 8 tenants, workforce households, and low-income farmworker families. Its central location provides residents with easy access to parks, schools, grocery stores, public transportation, and downtown Woodburn.
A defining feature of the property is the vibrant mural by artist Héctor Hernández. The artwork depicts trees shaped like hands supporting one another, symbolizing unity and shared strength. It celebrates the collaboration among local organizations and agencies during a politically challenging time while honoring Woodburn students whose graduation rates exceed state and national averages, despite economic barriers.
At Evolve, we believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion through intentional workforce development. We invest in training property managers and maintenance technicians from low-income and historically underserved communities to ensure they reflect and understand the residents they serve. This culturally responsive approach, combined with housing stability, forms the foundation of thriving and connected communities.
Our property managers are actively engaged in the communities they serve. They participate in events like National Night Out and year-end celebrations. They collaborate with FHDC’s Resident Services team to connect residents with local resources, including food banks, workforce development programs, mobile libraries, and health services.
Colonia Unidad is more than just housing; it is proof that when we invest in people, culture, and community, everyone thrives. Together, Evolve, FHDC, and our partners continue to demonstrate that farmworker and workforce families are a vital strength to Woodburn and beyond.
