Dear Community, Parents, Friends,
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates with you about the transformation happening at Friendly House! Our newly renovated Brentano Building is nearing completion, and we are expanding our Preschool and Afterschool Programs to accommodate even more children. This is a big moment for our community, and we want you to be part of it.
After months of hard work, we are excited to announce that the Brentano Building will be finished by mid-June, with everything in place for the start of the new school year. The renovations have transformed this beloved space into a safe, modernized, welcoming, and purpose-built environment for our students, families, and staff.
The newly updated building will feature:
- Purpose-built classrooms designed for safety, creativity and collaboration
- Expanded facilities to meet the needs of our growing community
- Welcoming spaces that foster a fun and engaging learning environment
By the last week of August, when the new school year begins, the Brentano Building will be bustling with children, ready for an exciting year of learning and growth.
We can’t wait to show you the transformation in person. Whether you’re a former or current family or new to our community, we invite you to schedule a tour to see the amazing transformation!
Preschool For All: Enrollment Opens April 1
In addition to the renovation, we’re so excited to be expanding from a single preschool classroom of twenty students to three classrooms housing up to 60 young learners! This growth means more space, more dedicated educators, and more opportunities for children to thrive in our high-quality, play-based curriculum.
Preschool For All Enrollment for the upcoming school year opens on April 1st! Our program is designed to provide a nurturing, inclusive environment that supports the social, emotional, and academic development of every child.
Questions About Enrollment
When does the 2026-27 family application open?
- The application will open Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026, by 10:00 am.
- Families can sign up to get a message when the application opens.
Where do families apply?
- Families can apply on their own through the PFA online portal at: pfa.multco.us.
- If families can’t apply online and need help, click here to find Family Navigators who can apply on their behalf.
Who is eligible for PFA?
- There are just two eligibility requirements to participate in PFA. Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 of the preschool year and have a parent or legal guardian living in Multnomah County.
When does the family application close?
- The last day to apply is April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm.
- The application will close after April 30th. We will process all submitted applications at the same time.
Help Us to the Finish Line
The completion of the Brentano Building renovation and the expansion of our Preschool Program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible community. To continue building and enhancing these programs, we are actively raising funds through our Capital Campaign: Together For Good.
Visit our Capital Campaign Website for more information on how you can help us make a lasting impact on the future of our children and our community.
The renovation of the Brentano Building and the expansion of our Preschool Program represent an exciting new chapter for Friendly House. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our families, donors, and friends. Your generosity and commitment make all of this possible.
We look forward to welcoming you into our newly renovated spaces this summer and to the start of the school year in August. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for the children in our community!
Thank You for Your Continued Support,
Mya Chamberlin
Friendly House Executive Director
PS. We can’t wait to show you the transformation in person. Whether you’re a former or current family or new to our community, we invite you email info@fhpdx.org to schedule a tour to see the amazing transformation!