Thanks to the generosity of the Wayne D. Kuni & Joan E. Kuni Foundation, Albertina Kerr has surpassed its private fundraising goal for an innovative Workforce & Inclusive Housing Project. The grant from the Kuni Foundation will help fund universally accessible units for adults experiencing an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) – a population that has few affordable and accessible options for integrated and independent living.
To promote greater workforce stability and improve the quality of client care, in 2021 Kerr is planning to complete construction of 150 units of Workforce & Inclusive Housing on its Gresham campus, with 30 units for adults experiencing I/DD who are earning 30% or less than the average median income.
“We are grateful for the Kuni Foundation’s investment in this crucial project,” said Jeff Carr, CEO of Albertina Kerr. “And, we are proud to partner with a local foundation that also advocates for our community’s most vulnerable individuals.”
As co-founder of the Wayne D. Kuni & Joan E. Kuni Foundation, Joan Kuni was a pioneer in advocating for her sons and for other individuals with I/DD.
“Through philanthropy, we have an opportunity to have a profound impact on a community that is often marginalized and left out of our region’s conversations about affordable housing,” said Angela Hult, president of the Wayne D. Kuni & Joan E. Kuni Foundation. “We are excited to support Kerr in their pioneering efforts to create inclusive, affordable housing solutions that will directly improve the lives of individuals with I/DD.”
Since 1907, Kerr has been caring for Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens. Over the decades our services have evolved to meet the community’s needs. Today, Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.
Based in Vancouver, Washington, the Wayne D. Kuni & Joan E. Kuni Foundation funds cancer research and supports programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.