Oregon Senate Bill 690 aims to protect infants from housing insecurity

Senate Bill 690, aimed at keeping Oregon's youngest residents housed, took center stage during the Oregon Legislature's recent session. This pivotal legislation, part of a broader initiative dubbed the "momnibus," addresses the alarming housing crisis affecting infants and families across the state.

Senator advocates emphasized the urgency of the bill, highlighting that Oregon has the highest rate of unsheltered children in the nation—14 times the national average. "This is a human tragedy. This is an emergency," one senator stated, underscoring the critical need for action. The bill aims to protect families with children under one year old from eviction while they await housing support payments from the Oregon Health Plan.

The legislation also directs the Oregon Housing and Community Services to prioritize families with infants in their housing stabilization efforts. This is particularly crucial as some housing programs face funding cuts, making it essential to focus resources on the most vulnerable populations.

Senate Bill 690 does not introduce new programs but seeks to enhance existing ones, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. It mandates annual reporting on unsheltered homelessness among children, providing lawmakers with vital data to inform future policy decisions.

With broad support from diverse groups, this bill represents a significant step toward addressing the housing instability that disproportionately affects Oregon's youngest citizens. As the legislative session progresses, the focus remains on safeguarding the well-being of families and children in need.