Salem Housing Authority asks staff to help draft letter to federal delegation as voucher funding and grants remain uncertain

The Salem Housing Authority reported developments March 24 including a new partnership with Western Oregon University Occupational Therapy, an ongoing, gradual restoration of voucher allocations after a shortfall, and recent congressional outreach that clarified the status of two federal matters: a $10 million grant application for the Evergreen project, and outstanding guidance on RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) rent issues.

Nicole Utz, housing administrator, said Western Oregon University's occupational therapy students will work at permanent supportive housing locations beginning this fall to help residents with life skills and practical supports. "We're very excited to have Western Oregon Occupational Therapy join in a partnership at some of our permanent supportive housing locations to help our residents with life skills," Utz said.

Utz also said the agency's voucher program is recovering slowly after a prior shortfall. She explained the continuing resolution passed March 14 has become the budget baseline and that although the agency is allocated over 3,000 vouchers, current funding allows serving approximately 2,900. Utz said Salem Housing Authority will prioritize preferences for local collaborative partners and continue discussions with HUD about releasing additional funding.

Jessica Blakely, director of development and strategy, reported from a March advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. Blakely said she held meetings with several members of Oregon's federal delegation and their staff and that the delegation helped secure a response from HUD on the Evergreen $10 million grant: "That grant is not dead at this time; they're still awaiting final decision making," she said. Blakely also said HUD staff indicated guidance on RAD rent issues remained forthcoming and that the federal delegation has offered continued assistance.

Commissioners discussed whether to ask Salem and city council members and community advocates to send letters supporting the Evergreen grant and calling for timely RAD guidance. Commissioner Paul (first name used in transcript) moved that Salem Housing Authority staff support commissioners and members of the City Council in drafting a letter to the federal delegation asking for support on the Evergreen and RAD matters; Commissioner Nordyke seconded. The commission approved the motion by roll call: Vice Chair Gwynn, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Nordyke, Commissioner Varney, Resident Commissioner Villegas, and Chair Nicioka voted aye; Commissioner Matthews was absent.

Commissioners also requested program-level data for future reports, including the demographic makeup of residents and the number of housing authority units in Keizer.

The motion directs staff to assist in preparing advocacy materials and suggested talking points; commissioners did not specify the final text or recipients beyond the federal delegation referenced in the presentation.