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 attain 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.
Staff
Randal Wyatt - Founder/Executive Director
I am a Portland native who has dedicated my adult life to community activism, initially through Hip Hop and youth advocacy. I attended Portland State University where I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Science with a double minor in Black Studies and Sociology.
I founded Taking Ownership to preserve the Black community of Portland through addressing wealth disparity, deferred and seasonal maintenance issues, inequitable government practices, and activate allies who expressed desire to create tangible results. I currently hold the Executive Director position where I focus on organization growth and making sure my team has the resources they need to be successful in their roles.
Jed Overly - Community Impact Director
I am a Portland transplant by way of Western Pennsylvania. I arrived in Portland in 2009 after graduating college with an Associate of Science degree in ‘Recording Arts’, and a Bachelor of Science degree in ‘Music Business’ from Full Sail University. It was through my work in the music industry and community, which is how I met Randal.
When I heard Randal was starting Taking Ownership, I immediately wanted to be involved using my skills to organize people and events. Gradually, the role evolved from a volunteer coordinator position, to my current role as the Community Impact Director. As the Community Impact Director, I manage volunteers, oversee Community Impact Events, and create programs and initiatives that enhance healthy and vibrant communities.
Charles Slaughter III - Director of Development
Born and raised in Northeast Portland, I earned my Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University and spent the next seven years teaching in public schools. My path with Taking Ownership began with donor presentations, and I later took on the role of President of the Board of Directors. Today, I serve as the Director of Development. I lead fundraising efforts, cultivate donor relationships, and secure resources to advance the organization’s mission.
I experienced firsthand the impact of community services and nonprofits. These organizations provided educational opportunities and essential resources. Their support not only helped me succeed but also inspired my commitment to giving back. This work is deeply meaningful to me; it’s about serving the community that raised me.
Zack Mills - Project Manager
My name is Zack Mills, I’m a born and raised native of north Portland. I am a licensed General Contractor who started my company, Nailed It Remodeling and Construction, several years ago with the primary focus of remodeling homes with an emphasis on preserving original and historic homes in the greater Portland Metro area. From a young age my parents always encouraged both my brothers and I to be involved in the community.
That led me to hold a board position at my local neighborhood association and eventually as Treasurer on Taking Ownership’s board. I now hold the position of Project Manager, overseeing all of Taking Ownership’s home improvement projects and assuring the homeowners we serve receive the highest quality of services. With my current occupation, strong community involvement and strong desire to preserve Portland and its historic neighborhoods. It felt like a perfect match.
Alexis Bailey - Administrative Coordinator
Living in Portland most of my life and attending Portland State University; getting my degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies has always made me keenly aware of the disparities that occur in our local community & society. I come to Taking Ownership as the Administrative Coordinator after a decade-long stint in direct-service social work. I am focused on creating sustainable and expandable systems and programs within the organization that allows for Taking Ownership to have a long lasting impact in our community.
Anika Schniewind - Content Coordinator/Intern
I moved to Portland as a child and have grown up in this beautiful city that I am grateful to call my home. I am currently a senior at University of Oregon, graduating this spring with a General Social Science degree with a specialization in Crime, Law, & Society along with a minor in both Political Science and Italian. I applied to become an intern for Taking Ownership PDX in summer of 2024 through the Portland Internship Experience program offered through UO, and was lucky enough to be offered the position.
I have continued my work as an intern with Taking Ownership, and am currently the Content Coordinator doing work for the social media pages and newsletter. It is important to me to give back to the community I grew up in and the work of Taking Ownership is vital and impactful in supporting the Black community of Portland in the face of the city's history of racist housing policies and ongoing gentrification.