Safety concerns continue at East County's largest affordable housing hub

(PORTLAND TRIBUNE) -- Concerns continue to swirl around the largest affordable housing hub in East Multnomah County following a hail of gunfire in the hallways — the latest in what has been years of shocking violence after a much-heralded ribbon cutting.

Sunday evening, April 28, residents called 911 after nearly 40 shots were fired in Rockwood Village, 783 S.E. 185th Ave. Upon arrival, Gresham Police learned suspects had targeted one of the residences.

While no one was injured in the shooting, bullets had ripped through the walls of several units, passing just over the beds of many sleeping children.

“This is an absolute disgusting display of gun violence in our city and will not be tolerated,” wrote the Gresham Police Union on social media following the shooting.

Rockwood Village has become a “problem spot” for law enforcement, a far cry from what was anticipated in the summer of 2022 during a grand opening filled with fanfare and beaming smiles from local leaders.

On paper the community was meant to fill a vital housing need in East County, bringing 224 affordable units. The 7.4-acre development has five residential buildings, a community center, a privately funded public park and an urban farm. There are a mix of one to four-bedroom units to accommodate families of different sizes, with wraparound services to support residents. Those include financial literacy classes and workshops on health and wellness.

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