Salem's Blossom Gardens to open, offering affordable housing for refugees

On May 5, Salem will debut Blossom Gardens, an affordable housing community with 90 units dedicated to supporting refugees. Some units are specifically reserved for refugees referred by Salem For Refugees, while others are open to applicants meeting income guidelines. Initially planned as market-rate housing, the project was acquired by a partnership of Salem For Refugees, Home First Development, and Green Light Development. Significant funding of $29. 4 million was provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services.

"We have been dreaming about this kind of an opportunity," stated Luke Glaze, director of Salem For Refugees, underscoring the community's potential impact. Improvements to the property include remodeled garages and a comprehensive outdoor play area. Salem For Refugees has assisted over 2,000 refugees since its founding in 2016. An open house on May 5 will allow the public to tour the property and learn more about its offerings.