Our Stories: Baker Street Lofts

Community comes together to make Baker Street Lofts a home for 19 families

It takes a village to build a home, and in McMinnville, that village came together in an extraordinary way. Thanks to the combined efforts of neighbors, businesses, and local organizations, 19 families who once faced homelessness are now turning the key to their own apartments at Baker Street Lofts.

This remarkable journey began in November 2020 when a fire devastated the former building at 110 SE Handley St., leaving 17 residents without a home just as winter set in. Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) immediately stepped in, providing emergency shelter and finding stable housing for those displaced, but the story didn’t end there.

Fast forward to today, and the Baker Street Lofts have been completely rebuilt — not just as an apartment building but as a symbol of hope and community spirit. This project also reflects the priorities of Oregon’s Emergency Homelessness Response, launched after Governor Tina Kotek first declared homelessness a state of emergency in January 2023. Through the collaborative efforts of the governor’s office, Oregon Housing and Community Services, and Oregon Department of Emergency Management, resources have been mobilized across the state to provide housing and supportive services for Oregonians experiencing homelessness.

Behind the scenes, YCAP partnered with the building’s owners, local businesses, and generous donors to ensure that the apartments would be a safe and welcoming place for families in need.

Among the new residents are veterans, families with young children, and individuals who have been working tirelessly to rebuild their lives through YCAP’s housing programs. For these families, the move is more than just a change of address — it’s a fresh start.

Take Michael and Edith, for example. Michael, a veteran, and his wife had been navigating tough times, balancing his health struggles while searching for stable housing. Edith, determined to find a solution, regularly checked in with staff at YCAP’s Turnkey program, despite language barriers and countless hurdles. Their persistence paid off, and in July, they moved into a room at Turnkey, where Michael could finally relax in the comfort of air conditioning. Now, as they settle into their new apartment at Baker Street Lofts, their joy is contagious. Edith beams as she talks about the little things: a stove to cook meals, a bed to rest in, and a closet to hang their clothes.

When YCAP staff learned the new residents didn’t have beds, they reached out to McMinnville At Home Mattress and Furniture Superstore, a minority-owned local business. The response? A resounding “yes.” The store offered steep discounts, delivered the beds, and set them up — all before the families arrived. Donations from individuals and local organizations poured in, covering the cost of the beds and essential household items. Street-to-Home kits, donated by Mariner Wealth Advisors, ensured every family had kitchen supplies, bedding, and bath essentials.

The move-in day was a flurry of activity, with volunteers, donors, and YCAP staff working side by side to welcome the new residents.

“The Baker Street Lofts project is a testament to what we can achieve when the community comes together. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, effort, and resources to make this dream a reality,” said Alexandra Ball, executive director of YCAP.

For McMinnville, Baker Street Lofts is more than just a building. It’s a monument of community and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live. For the 19 families who now call it home, it’s a new beginning filled with hope and possibilities.

Watch and read more on how the governor’s homelessness emergency response is transforming lives at our-stories.