The Cordero House Project
The Cordero House is a long-term residential program operated by Janus Youth Programs. Cordero serves boys ages 14 to 19 and their families who are in need of individual, group, and family counseling as the result of abuse. The program is regarded as one of the most successful community-based treatment programs in the state for juveniles in custody of the Oregon Youth Authority, as is demonstrated by it’s waiting list – potential residents currently wait over one year for a vacancy. But, four years ago the facility, originally built in 1915, was a chilly, dark, and drafty structure.
The Home Builders Foundation shelter program, HomeAid Portland, partnered with Janus Youth to update the Cordero House. Jim Feild and Linda Florio of Progressive Builders Northwest served as volunteer general contractor and designer for the project. Along with many other volunteers, they transformed a sub-standard facility to a home that not only served the needs of those that occupied it, but became an object of pride. This was a very labor, time, and energy intensive project that Jim and Linda were grateful to be a part of. Jim summarized the project eloquently during his speech at the opening ceremony: “This project showed the boys that just because something is old or worn or appears to be broken, you can still make something beautiful of it.”
Read more about the Cordero House Project in the Oregonian Article.
