Affordable Housing:

1. Streamline the permitting process: I want to bring together some of Oregon’s professional architects to create blueprints for a diverse selection of affordable houses. I want the permitting process on those designs to be worked through until fully approved. Why? These plans are now streamlined and ready to go. This will save home builders thousands on permitting fees and prevent months of the grinding-to-a-halt permitting processes. We need to build more affordable housing and at a faster pace. My plan will do exactly that.

2. Micro-Units: We should invest in building larger multi-unit complexes with a centralized bathroom and kitchen. Inside the halls will be micro-units, similar to dorms. Given that we need to create approx 140,000 new units to meet Oregon’s growing population, this will allow for more units per building housing more people and at a more affordable cost.

3. Converting buildings into housing:  We must work in haste to create a committee to seek out old unused office buildings and convert them into affordable housing units.

4. More housing near transit and gardens: I support building more affordable housing units near transit. Those without cars still need to get to school, work, and shopping. We can also build more affordable housing near state/city-maintained fruit trees and vegetable gardens for low-income earners to enjoy free healthy freshly-picked meals.

5. Support Community Land Trusts:  Land is bought by non-profit organizations which then sell homes to criteria-meeting folks, splitting the value of the land value with the house value so occupants pay less for home ownership.

6. Utility bills covered:  I support Oregon Housing programs to help criteria-meeting low-income earners pay their utility bills.

Homelessness:

1. Homeless service workers: We must recognize that in order to help with the homeless situation we need more workers in this industry. Right now we have a shortage and therefore it is taking longer for the homeless to get the vital help they require. We must make it financially attractive to bring in new service workers to help with this growing concern.

2. Rapid re-housing:  When you’re re-housed quickly, studies show it’s easier to find a job, get settled at school, and get back on your feet. This is the best approach. Well-built comfortable shelters can be made affordably and in large numbers to meet this need.

3. Enact a coordinated systems approach:  To address homelessness, I believe we should take a more coordinated approach, moving away from a collection of individual programs to a community-wide response that is strategic and data-driven. When everyone is working together I feel more will get accomplished.

4. Preventative awareness: Expanding mental and behavior health services. Especially in schools. Expanding drug rehabilitation services.

5. Work Support:  Child care and transportation assistance can also have a big impact on whether or not a household can sustain employment.

6. Homeless encampments: I do not support allowing homeless encampments within child-friendly parks, in front of commercial spaces, or on residential streets.

We need to recognize the root cause of homelessness and take action.
Poverty, unemployment, drug addictions, abusive relationships, mental health, and a shortage of affordable housing are often the main causes of homelessness. These are the administrative programs and social groups I will be expanding to help remedy these situations.