As a leader in developing and managing affordable housing for people with mental illness and addictions, Cascadia is proud to announce that two Cascadians, Jessica Johnson and Tasha Criss, are now Housing Credit Certified Professionals (HCCP). Nationally recognized, the HCCP designation is the highest in the affordable housing compliance field.

To earn the HCCP designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Jessica and Tasha demonstrated an understanding of affordable housing management, development, compliance and policy. In addition they verified at least two years of experience, completed 10 hours of training, and passed the extensive exam.

The HCCP designation is specific to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which offers dollar-for-dollar credits on federal taxes for 10 years as an incentive to develop low income housing. Nine of Cascadia’s affordable housing locations are funded through the LIHTC, which amounts to a quarter of Cascadia’s 1000 affordable housing units. The most recent being Cascadia’s recent Garlington campus, offering affordable housing and a whole healthcare clinic.

Thanks to Jessica and Tasha’s hard work and diligence, Cascadia is now even more prepared to keep in compliance with the rules and regulations that come with the LIHTC.

Bringing a unique background of management and residential counselor work to the housing department, Jessica, one of Cascadia’s Housing Compliance Specialist, manages Cascadia’s housing waitlists, processes applications, coordinates move-ins, and reports and responds to audits. As an HCCP, Jessica is proud to, “add a significant competitive advantage, recognized by government agencies, to Cascadia in the tax credit industry.”

Tasha, who has been working for Cascadia since 2014 is a Community Manager II at two of Cascadia’s affordable housing locations. Her days involve greeting residents, visitors, and vendors, collecting rent, managing maintenance requests, resolving tenant matters, and cleaning the properties. Tasha also offers support to community managers at other Cascadia locations, and now as an HCCP, is excited to be a further resource to the housing department.

Cascadia believes housing is healthcare and looks forward to continuing to expand affordable housing options in Oregon, with the help of HCCPs Jessica and Tasha. “The best part of the job is being able to approve someone to move into stable, affordable housing,” said Jessica. “It is so important for one’s well-being and future.”

Congratulations to Jessica and Tasha!