Oregon is allocating resources to address the housing shortage, with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) investing in the development and preservation of 261 affordable rental homes across the state. These homes are located in various communities and aim to increase access to affordable housing for residents. The initiative, with an investment exceeding $100 million in both new and existing projects.
“Increasing housing supply is the single most important way to make life better and more affordable for Oregonians,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. According to an official statement, this approach is part of a framework focused on meeting "people's fundamental needs," supporting business growth, and enabling communities through "locally driven solutions."
The projects approved in November cover both urban and rural areas, aiming to expand access to housing across Oregon. As stated in an official statement, "This is shared progress with housing partners across the state," said Mary Farrell, a member of the Housing Stability Council (HSC). She added, "Every month, we move towards a future where every Oregonian has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home."
These projects, as outlined in the HSC meeting packet, receive funding from both state and federal sources, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credits (OAHTC). The funding mix also includes programs such as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT). Two additional housing projects received financing through private activity bonds and additional LIFT funds to complete their funding.
Recent affordable housing projects include keeping 38 homes at Golden Rain Apartments in Grants Pass and building 52 new units at Henry Street Apartments in Beaverton. These efforts show ongoing work by officials to increase housing options in both cities and rural areas.
