Rockwood Village had 100-plus emergency calls since Jan. 2023

The largest affordable housing hub in East Multnomah County has colloquially been called a drain on local law enforcement resources.

And now the numbers back it up.

According to records from the Gresham Police Department, from January 2023 through April 2024, there were more than 100 emergency calls made by the residents of Rockwood Village, 783 S.E. 185th Ave. That does not include 911 hang ups.

There were:

9 assaults6 shootings10 vandalism/destruction of property13 thefts4 arson/fire-related crimes

March 2024 had several serious incidents — two aggravated assaults, reckless driving through the parking lots, and a violent headliner: 40 shots being fired in the hallways of one of the buildings. While no one was injured, bullets had ripped through the walls of several units, passing just over the beds of sleeping children, as the suspects targeted one specific unit.

“This is an absolute disgusting display of gun violence in our city and will not be tolerated,” wrote the Gresham Police Union on social media following the shooting.

Many of the suspects and victims have been youths, with many families living within the complex. In the past there have been reports of “groups of teens” who have been causing trouble within Rockwood Village’s shared spaces. Several of those 911 calls involved suspicious activity by youths.

“There are a lot of youths in the complex and they need programs and services so they can engage in positive experiences and be safe,” said then-Gresham City Manager Nina Vetter following a knife fight that occurred between teens a half year after the complex opened.

Rockwood Village was built as a vital housing solution, bringing 224 affordable units. The 7.4-acre development has five residential buildings, a community center, a privately funded public park and an urban farm. There are a mix of one to four-bedroom units to accommodate families of different sizes, with wraparound services to support residents. Those include financial literacy classes and workshops on health and wellness.

It is co-owned and co-developed by Community Development Partners and Hacienda CDC.

The city and police department have spoken of trying to find solutions for the housing complex. They have been in communication with Rockwood Village and other community-based organizations.

“We are exploring multiple avenues to ensure a cohesive community response,” the city wrote in a statement. “Our goal is to address and mitigate the specific challenges faced in areas where crime has been more prevalent.”