OHCS has lots of great news to share this month.  However, before sharing this month’s updates, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that we are all grappling with, and trying to make sense of, the horrific acts of violence and hate over the past week.  I also want to reaffirm that OHCS is an inclusive community and a safe space for people of all walks of life, and we embrace employees of all religions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, gender identities and national origins.  This agency will always stand up against hate and violence, and we will always keep the communities we serve at the center of our work.

This past weekend I had the honor of attending a community gathering at Temple Beth Israel in Portland.  Our elected officials and interfaith leaders reminded us that this is not the time for division or isolation.  Here at OHCS, this is the time for us to come together, along with our partners as friends and as public servants who believe deeply in the mission of housing and community services and to helping the vulnerable in our communities.

I am so proud of this organization and all of our partners. Thank you for what you do every day to serve Oregon.

Statewide Housing Plan Update

I am pleased to share exciting progress on the Statewide Housing Plan, which is nearing completion in its draft form. Thank you to all of our partners that have provided invaluable feedback and guidance as we take a five-year look ahead. The draft Statewide Housing Plan will be released in mid-November and available on OHCS’ website. We are also busy planning several engagement opportunities for our partners and the public to learn about the draft plan and will be asking for your feedback through a survey. Please stay tuned for the draft plan release next month, an online presentation, and community engagement dates. More information on the Statewide Housing Plan can be found online.  

Housing Stabilization Update

  • Weatherization Day – October 30th

Weatherization not only helps households by making the money they spend on energy go farther, it also ensures that our communities are using less energy and reducing their environmental impact. Less money out of your pocket book, less pollution in our air – a win-win. Governor Kate Brown declared October 30th as Weatherization Day! As the colder weather approaches, it is important for us to consider that lower-income families aren’t always able to turn up their thermostats. Our Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) assists lower-income Oregonians access the benefits of home weatherization – lower energy bills, a comfortable home, and a cleaner environment.

Housing Finance Update

  • LIFT Update

As we prepare to release the next rounds of funding for the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) development program, I’m pleased to reflect on our progress. In just a few short years, the LIFT program has become an incredible tool and a real catalyst for increasing our development pipeline of affordable homes across the state.

The first round of LIFT Rental awards from 2016 is bringing 797 new, affordable homes to Oregon families. Of these original awards, two properties have opened their doors (Cornerstone Apartments in Salem, and Village Meadows/LaPine Townhomes), six properties are under construction, and one more LIFT 1.0 award is expected to close in early 2019.

The second round of LIFT Rental awards was made in June 2018 and includes nine developments that will provide another 836 new homes. Three projects are expected to close by the end of 2018, five are expected to close in spring 2019 and one project is expected to close in summer 2019. The first round of LIFT Homeownership will bring 84 new, affordable ownership units two awards expected to close by the end of 2018, six projects are expected to close by summer 2019, and one project is expected to close by the end of 2019.

Please join me in congratulating the developers and housing providers for their efforts in making the LIFT program a success!