News

The latest news, announcements and more notes of public and community interest.

2025 news articles

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Voyagers Village Information Workshop and Application Opening Day

20 & 27 October 2026 – We had a tremendous turnout at our recent Voyagers Village Information presentation and application opening day events!

Inquiries continue to pour in as we begin processing your applications for our new community housing project, tentatively scheduled to open in December. Those that were in attendance learned about timeline of application procedures, received assistance with preparation of required documents and an overview of the many advantages of becoming a Voyagers Village resident.

The official wait list for Voyagers Village will remain open to applications over the next few weeks, so make sure to submit your applications now!

Click this link to read the article in the Salem Reporter about the official opening of the Voyagers Village wait list.

Voyagers Village Updates: Official Application Window and Grand Opening Date

19 October 2026 – It’s official! At the end of this month, the application window for MIC’s Voyagers Village will be open!

If you’ve been keeping up with our Voyager Village Community Information series, our staff has been adding names to Voyager Village’s interest list. Keep a sharp eye out for MIC team members connecting with you beginning Tuesday, the 27th of October, to officially proceed with your application process! Click here to view the PNA from the Salem Housing Authority.

Our grand opening is now tentatively scheduled for early to mid-December 2026. Please check back periodically for updates.

A glimpse of our Voyagers Village Community Information session.

Family Literacy Night Workshop

11 September 2026 – Micronesian Islander Community staff members had such a blast with our Family Literacy Night Series! We covered two presentations that discussed central themes of the Importance Behind Attendance and Planning Beyond High School.

Throughout the night, community members enjoyed activities such as scavenger hunts that targeted letter recognition skills, meaningful conversations that centered personal experiences, and were able to leave the night with literacy games and books for their littles.

5th Annual Back to School Fair in Salem

22 August 2026 – MIC hosted our fifth annual Back to School Fair handing out free backpacks and school supplies, along with generous support from local partners who provided information and resources.

Thank you to our staff for their incredible devotion and hard work, and our community members in and around Salem for participating.

UPDATE: Voyagers Village Apartments Development Project

9 August 2026 – MIC’s affordable housing and community project, Voyagers Village, is in the final stages of completion. Should all continue to go well, we now expect to host our grand opening in November.

If you’re interested in finding out more and want to apply for a residence at Voyagers Village, we have two upcoming events this month where you can get information and ask questions:

‣ Wednesday, August 12th at 8 PM, we are hosting a virtual presentation on Zoom. Click this link to be taken directly there. (The link won’t be active until the scheduled time. Meeting ID: 868 0356 0009 | Passcode: 065223)

‣ Monday, August 17th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at Broadway Commons; 1300 Broadway Street NE; Room 304 (Mexico Room) in Salem.

We look forward to seeing you there!

5th Annual Back to School Fair in La Grande

8 August 2026 – MIC’s amazing Team Rural Oregon staff, Rubyna and Dale, hosted our annual Back to School Fair handing out backpacks and school supplies, and working with local partners on providing resources.

Thank you to Rubyna and Dale for their devotion and hard work, and our community members in La Grande for participating.

Voyagers Village & DevNW Home Buying Event

14 July 2026 – MIC & DevNW had a wonderful time with community members during our Voyager Village and DevNW Home Buying Event. As prices continue to rise in the housing market, this workshop presented community members with two upcoming affordable housing options.

Voyagers Village is an affordable and culturally specific residence sponsored by the Micronesian Islander Community. The 41-unit housing complex features a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units alongside many amazing amenities to serve families and households.

Presented by non-profit partner Dev Northwest, were nine affordable homes for sale in the Salem area. Workshop members engaged in collaborative discussions of renting to own, building wealth through home ownership, and so much more. From assistance with down payments to financial coaching, community members gained a deeper insight into the services and support offered by DevNW throughout a home buyer’s journey.

If you missed out on this workshop, don’t stress! MIC will be having a second workshop exactly like this on Wednesday, August 12th. Follow us here, on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on future events and more!

Fun Fridays are back!

10 July 2026 – Summer’s in session and Fun Fridays are back! Catch MIC tabling today from 4PM- 8PM at Fun Fridays Family and Neighborhood Event at Northgate Park in Salem (opens in Google Maps).

This Fun Friday Family and Neighborhood event, organized by Hallman-Northgate Neighborhood Family Council and Washington Neighborhood Family Council, is a free admission event featuring many amazing community partners and resources.

Bring yourself and the family for fun giveaways, kiddo activities, tasty snacks, and so much more! Don’t forget to stop by and say hello to our staff. You’ll receive information about upcoming events and prize giveaways!

DSMP Program off to a great start!

9 July 2026 – MIC had an amazing time kicking off our Diabetes Self Management Prevention (DSMP) Program earlier this evening!

In partnership with Oregon Wellness Network and NorthWest Senior & Disability Services, the DSMP program offers six community sessions. Through the sessions, our community members learn and gain lifelong health habits with dedicated support from MIC leaders and peers.

New Benefits Coming to OHP members

1 July 2026 – Beginning today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) will offer new nutrition benefits to support members who are managing certain health conditions, have low food security, and are navigating life circumstances that can make it challenging to access nutritious food.

View the accompanying images to learn details on eligibility, how the program works and how to apply. Note: MIC is also an HRSN provider and we can assist you with the process! For more information, visit the official Oregon Health Authority website.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on related news and information!

MIC Screen-Free Outdoor Event

16 June 2026 – We had so much fun during our first screen-free outdoor gathering! From playtime to pizza then painting, we had so much fun with various screen-free activities with amazing community members!

Missed out? No worries! Enjoy the weather with some of our favorite MIC recommended activities that’ll give you and your family a much needed break from screen time:

∙ Outdoor meditation
∙ Rock painting
∙ Reading with friends and family
∙ Nature walks

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on future events like this!

MIC Nature Walk in Salem

27 May 2026 – Last week, we had our first Nature Walk, bringing together families to go on a walk and completed nature bingo!

Missed out and want to join the next one?

Monday, June 15th, starting at 6 pm, we will have our next Nature Walk/Outdoor Adventure! More details coming soon, but we will plan to meet at: Highland Park playground, 2025 Broadway Street NE in Salem.

MIC Receives Certificate of Recognition by the City of La Grande

22 April 2026 – We were awarded a certificate of recognition today by the city of La Grande which was accepted by our Director of Rural Programs, Rubyna Hemon.

“I am truly grateful to accept this recognition on behalf of the Micronesian Islander Community (MIC) and the La Grande COFA community. This award acknowledges the commitment and efforts of MIC in uplifting and supporting our islander community in La Grande.

This recognition serves as a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish through collaboration and shared objectives, instilling pride and driving our ongoing efforts. It highlights MIC’s positive impact on the La Grande community, helping COFA members build stronger relationships and opportunities with local organizations and leaders.

Additionally, this honor underscores the crucial role MIC plays in advocating for COFA community members, ensuring their voices are heard and addressing the challenges they encounter.

My sincere KOMMOLTATA goes out to Director Stu for acknowledging our efforts. I look forward to continuing support and collaboration to build a better La Grande. Special Kommoltata to all islanders in La Grande!” — Rubyna Hemon

Thank you to Rubyna for your amazing work and to the great city of La Grande!

UPDATE: Voyagers Village Apartments Development Project

12 February 2026 – Construction for Voyager’s Village, an affordable housing project by Micronesian Islander Community, is progressing nicely as we get closer to its grand opening, which is now scheduled for Fall 2026.

The attached photos show ongoing construction of the community area, several bedrooms, general walkways, and a view of the future outdoor/BBQ pit area. Upon completion, Voyagers Village will have a total of 41 units comprised of 2 and 3-bedroom apartments.

Information about the application process for these units will be posted shortly.

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