Portland, Oregon · Est. 2024

Housing is how
we build equity.

Build Equity Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the development of affordable, energy-efficient housing near public transit for low-income families across Oregon.

IRS Recognized

501(c)(3) Public Charity

Who We Are

Rooted in Portland. Built for Oregon.

Build Equity Now was founded to address the housing crisis facing working families, seniors, and underserved communities across Oregon. We support the development of affordable homes near public transit using innovative construction methods that reduce building costs — and pass those savings directly to residents in the form of lower rents and utility bills.


We are in our early stages, building the foundation for impactful work ahead. If you share our belief that safe, sustainable housing is a pathway to opportunity, we'd love your support.

"A future where every community has safe, sustainable housing that allows residents to build financial security and remain connected to opportunity."

What Drives Us

Core Values

Housing as Opportunity

Affordable housing creates pathways to stability, education, and economic mobility for families and individuals.

Innovation in Construction

Modern building methods can dramatically reduce both development and long-term operating costs — making affordability sustainable.

Equity & Inclusion

Our solutions prioritize underserved and historically excluded communities who have been left behind by rising housing costs.

Environmental Responsibility

Energy-efficient design lowers costs for residents while reducing environmental impact — a win for people and the planet.

Curtis R. Rystadt

Our Founder

Built from the ground up — literally.

Curtis Rystadt is a Portland native who has spent his career proving that affordable housing doesn't have to mean cutting corners. As a LEED Platinum developer, he has built energy-efficient homes that don't just look good on paper — his flagship project reduced tenant utility bills by over 60%, putting real money back in residents' pockets every month.

That experience is what led him to found Build Equity Now. He saw firsthand that the gap between housing costs and what working families can afford isn't inevitable — it's an engineering problem with real solutions. Build Equity Now exists to bring those solutions to Oregon at scale.

60%+

reduction in tenant
utility costs

LEED

Platinum certified
developer

PDX

Portland native &
community builder

Leadership

Board of Directors

Build Equity Now is led by a dedicated volunteer board committed to affordable housing in Oregon.

Curtis R. Rystadt

Curtis R. Rystadt

President & Director

Photo coming soon

Mariajose Rystadt

Secretary & Director

Joelle Craigwell

Joelle Craigwell

Director

Get Involved

Let's build something together.

Whether you're a donor, a potential partner, a housing developer, or simply someone who believes in the mission — we'd love to hear from you.