Indigenous tenants speak out amid wave of evictions at NAYA affordable housing

Indigenous tenants speak out amid wave of evictions at NAYA affordable housing

  • 18.03.2025 06:00
  • oregonlive.com
  • Keywords: High Eviction Rate

Indigenous tenants at NAYA affordable housing complexes in Portland are facing mass evictions, with over 35 notices filed in the past year. Protesters demand an end to unjust evictions and better management, highlighting broader issues in affordable housing for urban Indigenous communities.

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Context

Analysis of Evictions at NAYA Affordable Housing Complexes: Business Insights and Market Implications

Eviction Overview

  • Total eviction notices filed: At least 35 eviction notices over the past year for three complexes in Northeast Portland’s Cully Neighborhood.
  • Units affected: 165 combined units across Nesika Illahee, Mamook Tokatee, and Hayu Tilixam.
  • Eviction spike: 33 eviction notices filed over a 10-month period (April 2023 to February 2024), equating to ~20% of total units.
  • Protest action: On Feb. 10, tenants delivered a letter to NAYA demanding dismissal of evictions and accusing management of mismanagement and neglect.

Tenant Experiences

  • Key complaints:
    • Sudden high rent bills after months of no communication.
    • Unresolved maintenance issues (plumbing, mold, bed bugs).
    • Inconsistent property management staff leading to tenant instability.
    • Cultural mismatch: Properties designed for Indigenous communities but failing to meet expectations.
  • Demographics: Tenants include low-income families, young adults, and elders, many facing systemic challenges like domestic violence or behavioral health issues.

Management and Operational Challenges

  • Property manager: FPI Management (manages 165,000 units nationwide) faces criticism for inefficiency and mismanagement.
  • NAYA’s role: NAYA co-owns the complexes but delegates day-to-day management to FPI. CEO Oscar Arana acknowledges systemic issues but emphasizes efforts to address them.
  • Funding constraints: Limited funding and workforce turnover exacerbate challenges in maintaining properties and supporting tenants.

Broader Housing Context

  • Urban Indigenous housing crisis: Over 70% of Indigenous people live in urban areas, with Portland’s Native American population at ~58,135. Indigenous communities are disproportionately represented in homelessness statistics.
  • Rising eviction rates: Multnomah County saw a 30% increase in evictions from 2023 to 2024, reflecting broader national trends.

Competitive Dynamics and Strategic Considerations

  • Market implications:
    • NAYA’s mission-driven model faces operational challenges, risking its reputation as a leader in Native-specific affordable housing.
    • Tenant dissatisfaction could harm long-term community trust and partnerships.
  • Strategic risks:
    • Inconsistent management and cultural misalignment may undermine the goal of providing stable, culturally affirming housing.
    • Regulatory scrutiny: Potential for increased oversight if tenant complaints persist.

Long-Term Effects and Regulatory Impacts

  • Tenant advocacy: Groups like Don’t Evict PDX are amplifying tenant voices, potentially leading to policy changes or legal interventions.
  • Industry trends: The affordable housing sector faces systemic challenges, including funding gaps and workforce shortages, which could impact NAYA’s ability to scale operations.

Conclusion

The eviction crisis at NAYA’s complexes highlights systemic issues in the affordable housing sector, particularly for Indigenous communities. While NAYA aims to provide culturally respectful housing, mismanagement by FPI and broader industry challenges threaten its mission. Addressing these issues requires improved tenant support, better property management, and increased funding to stabilize urban Indigenous populations.