Oregon Housing Authorities advocate for funding long term rental assistance programs

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss critical funding for housing initiatives in Oregon. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for continued support of long-term rental assistance and homeownership programs.

The session began with a representative from the housing authorities of Oregon, who emphasized the importance of ongoing funding for long-term rental assistance programs. They reported significant progress in Clackamas County, where 80 families have been housed, and 10 more are actively seeking homes with vouchers. The representative highlighted that without continued funding, vulnerable populations, including families with children and individuals with disabilities, would face increased risks of eviction and homelessness.

Following this, Steve Messinetti, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, presented a strong case for the budget request from Oregon Housing and Community Services for the LIFT (Local Innovation and Fast Track) program. He noted that Habitat has successfully scaled up affordable homeownership production, with 233 homes built across the metro region thanks to LIFT funding. However, he warned that the current funding level of $40 million would only support half of the projects interested in applying, urging the committee to increase funding to avoid halting shovel-ready projects.

Lucinda Taylor, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County, also spoke in favor of HB 5011, particularly for the Homeownership Development Incubator Program (HDIP). She described how this funding allows for greater flexibility in developing affordable housing, which is crucial for addressing workforce housing shortages along the coast.

Shannon Vilhauer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Oregon, advocated for HB 5011, emphasizing the need for down payment assistance for first-time and first-generation homebuyers. She pointed out that the current economic climate has led to a decline in funding from document recording fees, making state support essential.

Ethan Livermore, an economic justice organizer, discussed the Oregon Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which has not kept pace with inflation. He urged the legislature to raise the funding cap to ensure that more Oregonians can benefit from this matched savings program aimed at achieving homeownership.

Finally, Karen Sachs from DevNW expressed support for HB 5011, focusing on the need for stable funding for regional housing centers and foreclosure prevention counseling services. She highlighted the success of these programs in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure.

The meeting concluded with a call for written testimony from those unable to present, ensuring that all voices could be heard in the ongoing discussions about housing funding in Oregon. The committee's deliberations underscored the urgent need for continued investment in housing assistance to support vulnerable communities across the state.