Resident Services Staff
Meet the People Behind our Resident Programs
Peter Blanchard
Youth Development Coordinator
Specialties:
Youth$ave, School Supplies, Holiday Party, Summer Camps, and other Youth Programs
About :
I am a people-person at heart, and love to help you and your children succeed! I have a B.A. in Psychology from Lewis & Clark College, as well as a great deal of experience helping kids to succeed both academically and socially. As the Youth Development Coordinator I am here to help in any way that I can to make sure that your child has every opportunity to achieve all of their goals, and I will see to it that they have a great time doing it. When I have my way, I am outside having great adventures; hiking, camping, climbing, playing, cycling, LIVING!
Austin Erdman
Resident Services Coordinator
Housing Retention Specialist
Specialties:
Eviction Prevention, Food Closet, Information and Referral
About
I help residents access the services and resources they need to ensure stable housing, and I facilitate communication between residents and property managers. I’ve been with REACH since October 2007. Previously I spent seven years working with refugees in Portland, providing employment and cultural adaptation services. I most enjoy those aspects of my work which help build confidence and create connections. I speak Spanish. I studied fine art and photography at Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, and earned a B.F.A. Outside of work I read, play soccer, hike, bike, self-educate and sip espresso.
Debbie Lowder
Resident Services Coordinator
Ritzdorf Court, Grand Oak, Wilshire and Rex Arms Apartments
Specialties:
Formerly Homeless Folks, Alcohol and Drug Addiction and Treatment, Domestic Violence Survivors
About :
I attended SUNY Purchase and CUNY Queens in New York, and studied Early Childhood Education and Alcohol and Drug Addiction at PCC. I began working at REACH when the Ritzdorf Court moved in their first residents in August 2000. I offer on-site information and referral, promote positive communities by offering informational and recreational workshops and gatherings, and advocate for my residents to achieve their goals. What I enjoy most about my job is watching the joy of a formerly homeless person move into their very own home, and listening to the very interesting life stories they have. When I am not working, I am enjoying being a mother of two boys, going out to listen to local bands (including my teenage son’s band), watching football, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Hazel Schnider
Resident Services Coordinator
Specialties:
I provide Resident services at Station Place Tower, which is affordable housing for people 55 years of age and older located in the Downtown Pearl District.
About
I Graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 2000. I have been providing social services in the Portland area for 7 years and have been with REACH since 2006.
What I like about the work I do is being around elders with a vast amount of knowledge, wisdom and ideas. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my 3 dogs, watching the birds that gather around our bird feeders and playing with my three Grandsons when they visit.
Julie Wang
Resident Services Coordinator
Asset Development
Specialties:
Budget, Buy & Save, STARTS, REACH’s IDA program
About :
As a new member of the Resident Services team, I lead the Adult Financial Education program to help residents think through and achieve their financial goals. I’m excited to learn from and get to know REACH residents. Prior to joining REACH, I worked in personal finance consulting, non-profit program management and training. I earned my B.A. in communications and a M.A. in education. I think of myself as a financial stress reduction specialist and I love to hear your ideas and techniques on how to save money and best ways to deal with financial stress. When I am not working, I like to read, play with my dog, tend to my vegetable garden and play in an adult kickball league.
