Governor John Kitzhaber’s newly proposed budget includes an unprecedented investment of $100 million to increase housing for homeless families with children – a hefty investment when compared with a similarly funded investment of only $7.5 million during the last budget cycle.
“Oregon cannot meet any of its long-term health or education goals when children are homeless, and Oregon should find the very idea of homeless families to be unacceptable,” Kitzhaber’s budget states.
Last month Street Roots reported that 20,000 Oregon children experienced homelessness during the 2013-14 school year.
"I'm thrilled that the governor recognizes the role housing plays in achieving state goals,” said Janet Byrd, executive director for Neighborhood Partnerships, a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance. "We are excited to be a part of this historic investment."
She also said that because this would be paid for with bonds, the rent can be very low and house those who are at the greatest risk of being homeless.
According to Alison McIntosh with the state, the investment would help Oregon Housing and Community Services double its affordable housing production for five years, building an additional 5,000 homes in Oregon. Funding would come from a combination of lottery and general obligation-backed bonds. It would be the first time that general obligation bonds are used to fund affording housing development.
This is positive news considering Oregon’s affordable housing shortage. In Multnomah County alone, authorities calculate that there are 23,000 fewer affordable homes than there are households that qualify for them. This creates a scenario where many Oregon families must choose between paying rent and buying medicine or groceries.
"While I am still digesting Gov. Kitzhaber’s budget, I can tell you I am cheering the $100 million in bond funding he has marked to build affordable housing for families," says Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury. "As we know at Multnomah County, a stable home is necessary for success, whether it’s tackling a drug addiction, seeking treatment for mental health issues or graduating from high school. Every family in our community deserves access to safe, stable housing. Unfortunately, too many families in our community are struggling. People are doubling up, they’re in shelters, they’re on the street. It’s a crisis. This investment will not only create jobs, it will save lives."
The governor’s budget also includes a $53.2 million increase in the states investment in community mental health and addiction services and a $1 million investment to expand 211, the toll-free phone line that connects Oregonians in need with support programs.
The 2015-17 budget proposal was released today will be up for approval in July 2015.