RootedHomes announced that its second workforce housing employer selection is complete. Five local business partners have been approved for its newest community, Rooted at Simpson, located on Simpson Avenue in Bend’s westside. Employees of BASX Solutions, Mid Oregon Credit Union, Mosaic Community Health, MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, and St. Charles Health System will be given preference points during RootedHomes’ upcoming housing lottery in July.

According to Jackie Keogh, executive director of RootedHomes, the organization is proud to continue its goal of 100 percent of homebuyers being from the local workforce. She added, “We are being more intentional about partnering with the business community to not only move the needle on the affordable housing crisis  but also address the economic challenges of hiring and retention that our community faces given the high cost of housing in Central Oregon.”

Each of the five employer partners is sponsoring at least one home for their employees. BASX is sponsoring two homes; MountainStar, two homes; St. Charles, one home; Mosaic Medical, ten homes; and Mid Oregon Credit Union, one home. Employees of these employers who qualify based on income will receive preference points in the lottery, increasing their chance of being selected for one of the 40 homes available when the build is complete in 2025.

Rooted at Simpson will be similar to Rooted at Poplar, the organization’s first workforce housing employer selection, which prioritized Central Oregon essential workers. The new community will include 40 single-family homes with two or three bedrooms and net-zero energy standards. It will also feature on-site vehicle parking, electric vehicle charging, covered bike parking, community gardens, and an open green space with tree-lined walking and bike paths.

“We’re excited that more local employers are getting involved and helping their employees start the process of homeownership,” said Katy Brooks, Bend Chamber CEO.

For more information on RootedHomes and Rooted at Simpson, visit https://rootedhomes.org.