Job Resources Center Opens at New Columbia

WorkSource North, a publicly operated center dedicated to enhancing the skills and employment opportunities of community residents recently opened at the New Columbia housing development.
The center, at 4610 N. Trenton St., is operated in conjunction with Portland Community College, the Oregon Employment Department, the Housing Authority of Portland Department of Human Services and Worksystems Inc.
WorkSource North is one of several centers in the region that has been re-branded as WorkSource to help businesses, workers and job seekers more easily locate and access services. A range of programs and service providers operate out of the centers.
Services at WorkSource North will be delivered by the Housing Authority of Portland, Portland Community College and the Oregon Employment Department. The services will include access to career center computers, job postings, career advancement assistance, training and certificate classes.
Situated on the site of the old Columbia Villa low-income housing development, the WorkSource center is one of several amenities opening on New Columbia's Trenton Street. The development's two mixed-use buildings will include the WorkSource Center, a neighborhood grocery store, coffee shop, history exhibit, community meeting hall and New Columbia's property management offices.
"From the beginning, we have called Trenton Street our main street at New Columbia, said Steve Rudman, executive director of the housing authority. The housing authority redeveloped the old Columbia Villa, expanding the number of low-income units on the site and adding for-sale housing for low- and moderate-income families.
"It is the heart of the community, and we hope it will draw residents and neighbors together as they participate in all of the recreational and educational opportunities it offers," Rudman said.
In addition to the amenities provided in the two mixed-use buildings, the street features a four-acre city park, senior housing and a community campus that connects a new replacement elementary school and Boys & Girls Club with the existing University Park Community Center, which is being renovated.