about us
History
In 2020, Randal Wyatt founded Taking Ownership in response to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, with a clear mission: to help Black homeowners in Portland, Oregon remain in their homes, age in place, and withstand the pressures of gentrification.
What began as neighbors simply reaching out for help quickly evolved into a grassroots movement, powered by a dedicated network of volunteers committed to supporting home repairs and improvements. As awareness grew, so did community support—bringing in the funding needed to provide critical repairs at no cost, often preventing severe damage and displacement.
In its early stages, Taking Ownership partnered with Friends of Noise as a fiscal sponsor to build a strong and sustainable foundation.
In February 2024, the organization reached a major milestone by securing its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
To date, Taking Ownership has facilitated over $1.5 million in home improvements and small business grants, helping more than 125 households aintain safe, stable homeownership.
Mission
Taking Ownership is a community-driven, reparations-based organization in Portland, Oregon, founded to mobilize people and resources for equitable change. Together, we renovate and restore Black-owned homes and support small businesses that have requested our help, with a focus on helping Black homeowners age in place, build wealth, and protect their communities from predatory real estate practices and the pressures of gentrification.
vision
Portland’s history is deeply shaped by racist and predatory real estate and banking practices that have systematically targeted, excluded, and displaced Black homeowners and business owners since Black people were first allowed to live in Oregon.
In the absence of sustained, effective action from policymakers, Taking Ownership was founded to meet this injustice with direct, grassroots action—advancing equity through reparative work. The organization invests in Black communities through home and small business repairs, renovations, financial support, and advocacy aimed at countering generations of economic exclusion.
Taking Ownership also creates a meaningful pathway for allies to engage—offering opportunities to contribute time, resources, and labor toward tangible, community-driven solutions that address the ongoing impacts of systemic oppression.