10-05-2025
New safety concerns uncovered at Habitat for Humanity homes after scathing Ombudsman report
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two days after Deputy Ombudsman Tony Green the fire bureau for ignoring his safety warnings, KOIN 6 has uncovered new safety concerns at a Habitat for Humanity complex in SE Portland.
The newly obtained documents show the City of Portland has identified multiple building code concerns at the Cherry Blossom Townhomes near Mall 205, some of which now require correction.
'I am grateful that I got this opportunity to buy a home. But I also feel like that there were so many errors along the way that weren't caught, and this is not their first time that they've built a home,' said homeowner Jasmine Stoner.
The city's inspection found fire hazards in at least one garage, as well as missing drywall, no fire caulking, and no fire separation measures installed.
'If there was a fire in the garage, the fire would just go right through those walls,' said homeowner Lacey Sutton, who added that they appreciate the city's code enforcement team taking their concerns seriously. 'These are very important safety issues that Portland Permitting & Development admits were just missed during inspections.'
These findings come after a discovered additional issues at habitat housing that likely violate certain fire codes – raising serious safety concerns in an emergency.
KOIN Investigation reveals fire code concerns at new Habitat for Humanity homes
Green highlighted similar fire safety concerns in a report this week.
The city is now telling Habitat for Humanity to fix issues that the permitting department missed during the building inspection.
'I was beyond thrilled to find out that Portland Permitting & Development would be making Habitat for Humanity come back and fix things,' Sutton said.
An email from Habitat for Humanity CEO Steve Messinetti said the city has contacted him to fix the fire hazards in the garage and missing bike parking.
'I think this is just the tip of the iceberg for what they're going to have to come back and fix,' Sutton said.
In the public records, KOIN 6 found other outstanding building complaints from residents as well. KOIN is still looking into those additional safety concerns.
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