17-04-2025
La Plaza Esperanza represents community's ‘hopes and dreams,' Latino Network says
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Thursday marks the grand opening of a new Latino cultural center in East Multnomah County — a vibrant hub where families can grow, celebrate, and connect.
offering everything families need to thrive.
It's barely open and already, the preschool is at full capacity, with a growing waitlist.
For many families, it's the first time their children have access to care that reflects their language, culture, and story.
Latino Network Executive Director Tony DeFalco says the preschool is just one of about 60 programs run by the organization, all built to help families thrive.
, located at 16515 SE Oak St in Portland, is the region's first culturally specific Latino community center, decades in the making. It's built to deliver education, healthcare, and the arts, all under one roof.
'I think this represents so much of the hopes and dreams of our community in some ways but also a really clear expression of that we're here and that we're really strong as a community,' DeFalco said.
Latino Network teamed up with 45 partners to raise over $20 million in just 3 years.
Comcast and Free Geek stepped in with tech, donating devices and high-speed wi-fi to power everything from job training to medical care.
'Allows the community to get on a reliable high-speed wi-fi internet connection to do the programs they need to do, to access the tools and resources to be successful and hopefully thrive in this digital society,' said Rebecca Brown, Comcast's senior director of community impact.
The 18,000-square-foot building is built to last — with solar panels, Oregon timber, and an earthquake-ready design.
But it's more than eco-friendly — it's a community anchor, giving Latino families a place to start strong and feel at home, for generations to come, DeFalco said.
For nearly 30 years, has powered Portland's Latino community with culturally specific services. And now, it has a building to match.
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