"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed . . ." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Throughout Oregon, individuals and organizations will celebrate Martin Luther King Day on January 19, 2009 with a day of service and learning.

"Throughout the state, organizations and individuals will join together to participate in activities to create a 'day on, not a day off,'" said Tom Cope, co-chair of Oregon Volunteers."

The agency's Commission for Voluntary Action and Service will provide planning tools and learning guides to help Oregonians recognize King's teachings in their homes, neighborhoods and communities. Three toolkits are available: Service Project Planning Guide, MLK Day Learning Guide, and Guide to 40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community.

Oregon Housing and Community Services has honored exceptional housing and community service partners as it does each year.

"These awards count," said Victor Merced, the state agency's director. "They honor incredible individuals, programs and developments that make Oregon's neighborhoods, towns and communities exceptional places to work and live."

The 2008 Excellence Award recipients were recognized for their ongoing work to increase the availability or preservation of affordable housing and supportive services necessary for lower-income Oregonians to succeed and thrive. The honors were bestowed October 6 during the 2008 Oregon Housing and Community Services Conference in Salem, attended by more than 600 housing and community service professionals from throughout the state.

Oregon will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2009. Planning for this big event has already begun. Check out the Oregon 150 Web site. You can share your thoughts and ideas with the planning team, sign up to receive e-mail updates, and learn how you can get involved.

Oregon Housing and Community Services developed the Analysis of Income and Expense System (AIES) to increase awareness, improve performance, and maximize availability of low-income housing throughout the state.