News

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

MIC Voyagers Village & DevNW Homebuying event July 2026

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.

Floor plan for common area

Fabric and tile samples

Paint samples

Exterior construction

UPDATE: Voyagers Village Apartments Development Project

19 November 2025 – 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 scheduled for mid-2026.
The attached photos show exterior construction, a floor plan for a common area along with samples of fabrics, paint, and tiles being utilized.

National CAPACD 2025 Our Neighborhoods Peer Learning Program Participants Meet in Detroit

National CAPACD held the 2025 #OurNeighborhoods Peer Learning cohort convening in Detroit, MI, bringing together organizers from 12 community-based organizations to share strategies in anti-displacement work. The event deepened connections, highlighted AA and NHPI organizing history, and included visits to key community landmarks.

Special thanks to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Asian Americans United, and Beverly-Vermont Community Land Trust for their support and collaboration.

OHSU CLDI Equity Internship Program of Summer 2026 Now Open For Applications

12 November 2025 – Interested in a career in public health, healthcare, or medicine? This opportunity may be what you are looking for. The Summer 2026 OHSU CLDI Equity Internship program is now open for applications. Applications are due by January 23rd, 2026. The internship runs June 22nd through August 14th, 2026.

Consider applying and/or sharing with college students! Scan the QR code in the image to apply online. Visit the official website for more information.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Training – Cohort II

17 October 2025 – In this workshop, MIC leaders instructed participants in understanding multidisciplinary health teams.

A huge thank you to Northeast Oregon Network (NEON) for permission to utilize their curriculum in this workshop!

Saturday Retreat with Inner Work, Outer Play

2 August 2025 – The MIC Board of Directors gathered for a day-long retreat co-hosted by Ashnie Butler and Inner Work, Outer Play. We are planning for our next areas of growth. Thank you to our leaders for spending the weekend with us!

Voyagers Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

7 July 2025 – The Salem Reporter covered our groundbreaking ceremony for the Voyagers Village affordable housing apartment complex in Salem on Monday. Several people attended, many of those representing the Micronesian community. Special thanks to all who were there and have helped us make our dream a reality!

Voyagers Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

7 July 2025 – Please join us for the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Voyagers Village! This event is hosted by a partnership between Micronesian Islander Community and the AHA (AAPI Housing Advocates).

We are in Week 6 of our 15-month construction cycle of Voyagers Village. This 45,000 sq. ft. affordable housing project will feature 41 residential units and the first known community space dedicated to the Micronesian community in the Continental US. Designed for families, the development will feature 13 three-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, and 3 one-bedroom units.

We will provide a grab-and-go lunch on site, courtesy of a local caterer. Currently, the site is being grubbed to prepare for foundation work, so please wear appropriate footwear. The parking lot for the bar next door (f/stop Fitzgerald’s Public House) will be available until 2:30PM. Otherwise, there is parking available on Grove Street and nearby streets (see map photo).

WHEN: Monday, July 7th, 11:30AM – 12:30PM
LOCATION: 2200 Commercial Street NE in Salem (view map).

If you have any questions, please contact us via email or phone.

MIC at 2025 World Beat Festival in Salem

27-29 June 2025 – MIC volunteers and staff participated in the annual World Beat Festival held at Riverfront Park in Salem, Oregon. Beginning in 1997, the award-winning event honors Indigenous people and nations of the Americas. It is hosted by the Salem Multicultural Alliance and features musical performances, storytelling, cultural demonstrations and food vendors from around the globe. A heartfelt thank you to those who celebrated with us and we hope to see you next year!

Voyagers Village Groundbreaking Postponed

1 June 2025 – Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are postponing the Voyagers Village groundbreaking event. We will reschedule a new date soon and will let you know as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email or phone.

Last Food Pantry Until Fall 2025

14 June 2025 – Our last food pantry is scheduled for Saturday, June 14th at Chemeketa Community College from 10:30AM to 12:15PM. This is our last scheduled food event until this fall. This event is sponsored in part by Marion Polk Food Share.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email or phone.

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News

Voyagers Village & DevNW Home Buying Event

Fun Fridays are back!

DSMP Program off to a great start!

New Benefits Coming to OHP members

MIC Screen-Free Outdoor Event

MIC Nature Walk in Salem

MIC Receives Certificate of Recognition by the City of La Grande

UPDATE: Voyagers Village Apartments Development Project

UPDATE: Voyagers Village Apartments Development Project

National CAPACD 2025 Our Neighborhoods Peer Learning Program Participants Meet in Detroit

OHSU CLDI Equity Internship Program of Summer 2026 Now Open For Applications

Community Health Worker (CHW) Training – Cohort II

Saturday Retreat with Inner Work, Outer Play

Voyagers Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

Voyagers Village Groundbreaking Ceremony

MIC at 2025 World Beat Festival in Salem

Voyagers Village Groundbreaking Postponed

Last Food Pantry Until Fall 2025

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