Housing Alliance Calls For Legislative Action as Number of Homeless Oregon Students Skyrockets Above 15,000

The number of homeless children enrolled in Oregon schools has increased in alarmingly for the 3^rd consecutive year.   There were 15,000 homeless kids– enough to fill over 200 school buses—enrolled in Oregon schools in 2006-07.  The Housing Alliance, a statewide coalition that advocates for increased housing opportunity for all Oregonians, is calling on the Oregon Legislature to help families being priced out of communities throughout the state by funding housing programs proven to prevent and end homelessness.

“Last legislative session, we came within a hair of passing an increase to the document recording fee that would have provided unprecedented funding for housing for hardworking families, seniors and Oregonians on fixed incomes,” said Ian Slingerland, Executive Director of the Community Alliance of Tenants.  “That housing would help guarantee that all Oregon school children have the opportunities that come with having a stable home.  Unfortunately, the bill got caught up in partisan politics and did not pass.  When the number of homeless kids in our state is growing dramatically each year, we cannot afford to play politics with funding for housing.”

The Department of Education is reporting that over 15,517 children experienced homelessness during some portion of the 2006-07 school year.  That is an 18% increase over 2005-2006 when 13,159 homeless students were reported and a 37% increase since the 2004-2005 school year.

“Every night a child is without a home is an emergency situation.  We had well over 15,500 emergency situations this last school year.  We need our elected officials to step up and help Oregon school kids,” said Eric Canon of the Interfaith Committee on Homelessness of Washington County.  “A child cannot learn doing his homework in the back seat of a car.”

Despite the skyrocketing numbers of homeless children enrolled in Oregon schools, the Department of Education is reporting a 10% decrease in federal funds to provide assistance to homeless children.  Members of the Housing Alliance say that the state needs to step up where the federal government has fallen short.

“Over 7,000 of these children are in kindergarten and elementary school,” said Bill Hall, Lincoln County Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Oregon Ending Homelessness Advisory Council.  “If we want our children to succeed in school and life, they need a place to call home.  The State Legislature needs to take immediate action to pass a significant dedicated source of funding for affordable housing when they re-convene in February.”

The Housing Alliance formed on the principle that housing gives people an opportunity to build better lives. For many Oregonians, stable, safe housing is beyond their financial means.  Therefore, the Housing Alliance is committed to winning significant new money for housing to erase the affordability gap. To find out more about the Housing Alliance, go to http://www.oregonhousingalliance.org/, or contact Amy Fauver at (503) 226-3001 x 102 or via email.

Number of State’s Homeless Students Grows as Federal Funding Decreases

State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo announced today that Oregon’s homeless student population for the 2006-07 school year was 15,517.  This number represents a 18% increase in the number of homeless students receiving public school supports during the 2005-06 school year.

The results of the homeless student count are listed below:

·       15,517 of Oregon’s 562,828 K-12 students (2.8%) were homeless for some period of time during 2006-07

·       7,178 homeless students were enrolled in grades K-5

·       3,235 homeless students were enrolled in grades 6-8

·       5,104 homeless students were enrolled in grades 9-12

·       Just as in 05-06, the greatest numbers of homeless students were 12^th graders (1,516)

·       2,487 students within the total count were unaccompanied homeless minors who had been abandoned by parents, or had runaway from home or foster care placement.

·       Within the total count, at the time of their enrollment, 10,737 homeless students in Oregon reported sharing housing with relatives or friends due to economic hardship or similar reason; 1,848 reported living in a homeless shelter; 2012 were reported as unsheltered or living in substandard housing; and 920 were living in motels.

“This year Oregon was hit hard when the federal funding our school districts receive to assist homeless students was cut by 10%.” Castillo said. “Unfortunately the funding formula is based on statistical projections and not real need. I urge our communities to work together to ensure our students are getting their most basic needs met before and after they enter the classroom."

The funding comes from the federal McKinney-Vento Act’s Homeless Education Program and is based on 2005 Census projections that did not capture the reality of the economic downturn occurring in the state, or the influx of new low income residents. The Act ensures that homeless children have equal access to the same education provided to other children.  Each school district is required to have a Homeless Liaison to coordinate outreach efforts and services for homeless students in their area, as well as conduct the annual counts.  Castillo credited the work of local district Liaisons for providing services to homeless students that include school enrollment, extra transportation and tutoring, and referrals for shelter, housing, health care and counseling services.

“You can’t learn if you are wondering where you are going to sleep at night. Homeless Liaisons provide students with basic, yet vital, necessities. They make sure students have school supplies, clothing, shoes, coats and referrals to the community service providers,” Castillo said.  “They also work to provide homeless students with a consistent school environment. We know that the number of times a student has to change schools has a negative impact on their academic success in school. Liaisons help students remain in the same school regardless of their living arrangements. While we can’t provide housing, we can provide education – and that’s a major factor in preventing chronic poverty and homelessness in future generations.” 

Oregon received $571,752 in federal McKinney-Vento funds in 2006-07, compared to $635,222 in 2005-06.  These amounts include a portion for administration of the program throughout the state.  Forty-two local districts were served by 21 competitive subgrant projects from this program last year.  Most districts also use federal Title I-A funds, local general funds and donations from local community members, businesses and nonprofit organizations to help provide resources for homeless students.  They find that charitable donations are needed year round, not only during the holidays.

More than 90% of Oregon’s school districts reported this year.  State officials believe the increase in the count was due to a combination of factors: an increase in the overall population of people in extreme poverty in the state, a marked increase in the cost of affordable housing and other primary costs (e.g., fuel for transportation and heat) and an increase in the number of districts reporting, although the newly reporting districts tended to have smaller enrollments. 

In November, the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) will hold its 19^th national conference at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.  This is the first time in the 20 year history of the McKinney Act and NAEHCY this conference will be held in the Pacific Northwest.  NAEHCY offers training and support for Homeless Liaisons. For more information about the conference and organization, visit: www.naehcy.org.

Number of Families Spending Half of Income for Housing Doubles;
NY Times Report on Census Data Confirms Dangerous Trend

According to a new study from the Center for Housing Policy, the number of low-to moderate-income working family renters paying more than half their income for housing doubled between 1997 and 2005—increasing from one million to 2.1 million families.  While the number of homeowners with similar cost burdens also grew significantly, it did so at a lower rate. 

In the September 12 NY Times, John Leland reported that census data confirms that housing costs continued to rise as a percentage of monthly expenditures for Americans in 2006.  In addition to the cost burden on families, Leland highlights the impact on renters, and in particular seniors.  According to Leland, the census data indicates that over half of U.S. renters housing costs are above what they can afford.

Writes Leland: 

"Housing costs ate up more of the monthly paycheck for millions of Americans in 2006 than the year before, despite signs of a slowdown in the housing market, according to figures made public today by the Census Bureau. The bureau also reported that more Americans over age 65 were continuing to work last year, whether by choice or out of economic necessity.

The housing data describe the buildup of economic pressures before the recent wave of foreclosures, as lenders allowed home-buyers to borrow more money relative to their earnings and consumers borrowed or refinanced as if the market would never fall. At the same time, incomes did not keep up with housing prices.

Nationally, half of renters and more than one third of mortgage holders — 37 percent, up from 35 percent in 2005, or a rise of more than 1.5 million households — spent at least 30 percent of their gross income on housing costs, the level many government agencies consider the limit of affordability."

View The Housing Landscape for America’s Working Families, 2007, at http://www.nhc.org/housing/landscape2007, along with data profiles for 31 metropolitan areas, including Portland OR.  To read the full article in the NY Times, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/12/us/12housing.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

New Beginnings, New Homes, New Hope for Families: ROSE Opens Leander Ct

As national and local reports highlight the challenges for families trying to find housing they can afford, ROSE CDC is making an immediate difference in Southeast Portland: 37 families are moving into their new home in the Leander Court Apartments.

On Friday, Sept. 14, grand opening ceremonies will be held for ROSE Community Development’s Leander Court apartments.  Leander Court is a 37-unit complex that will provide safe and stable homes to those earning less than half of the Median Family Income.

The $7.4 million building was designed expressly for the needs of working families with children. The complex includes two on-site day-care facilities, a large outdoor play area, and consists primarily of three- and four-bedroom apartments. It is located at 4620 SE 122^nd Avenue, a block south of Holgate Boulevard. 

The grand opening celebration will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Ceremonies will include remarks beginning at 11:30 by Multnomah County Commission Chair Ted Wheeler; City Commissioner Randy Leonard; Rich Brown, Senior Vice President of Bank of America; Bob Gillespie, Housing Division Administrator with the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department; Maggie Jonsson of Enterprise Community Investment; Bill Van Vliet of Network for Oregon Affordable Housing; and Commissioner John Mohlis of the Portland Development Commission.

ROSE is a non-profit organization that has been working to improve Outer South East for 15 years now. We both build and acquire affordable homes and rental units.  Because we are a non-profit, we can make these available to people who might not be able to afford their own home.  ROSE has also extended its services to include child-care programs and a wide array of other community activities. ROSE gives families a secure place to build lives, raise children, and feel like part of the neighborhood.

The general contractor is Walsh Construction Co. of Portland and the architect is William Wilson Architects, also of Portland.  The development consultant is the Housing Development Center.

What:       Leander Court Grand Opening

When:      Friday, September 14^th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where:     4620 Southeast 122^nd Avenue, a block south of Holgate Boulevard

Why:        Celebrate the grand opening of Leander Court.

Notable:  Program starts at 11:30am.  Tours available.

Project Funders: Albina Community Bank, Bank of America, Bureau of Housing & Community Development, City of Portland Housing Opportunity Bond, Enterprise Community Partners, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, Oregon Department of Energy, Oregon Housing & Community Services, Portland Development Commission, and US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

(From Streetroots) Public housing residents from St. Bernard’s, and several community organizations from New Orleans and around the country took over the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) office on August 31, demanding they reopen four public housing developments operated under its direction. The coalition included groups from New Orleans, Miami, Georgia, Texas, Rhode Island, and California along with Public Housing Residents of the Lower East Side (PHROLES) from New York City and the Coalition to Protect Public Housing from Chicago.

Two years after the developments were evacuated in the post-Katrina floods, the public housing developments have remained empty despite having sustained only moderate damage from the storm. Residents and groups have been prevented from rehabilitating and filling the vacant units.

The sit-in set off a three-hour confrontation with police, the National Guard, and SWAT teams after 25 residents and activists were denied a meeting with officials to discuss community demands. Under threat of arrest, the groups decided to cease their occupation of the building and to hold a national press conference before the media covering the anniversary of Katrina.

“What is happening with the public housing in New Orleans is just a preview of what can and will happen to public housing around the country if this story is not told,” said Lisa Burriss, director of organizing for PHROLES, who participated in the sit-in. “We must remain united, fighting for the rights of all low-income people in this country to have decent, safe and affordable places to raise their families. Housing is a human right!”

Please join us this Sunday, September 16th as we raise awareness for the Coalition for a Livable Future’s (CLF) work to enhance the quality of life for future generations of Portlanders. And what better way to do it than by bicycle?

Bike to the Future is a tour of urban sustainability by bicycle. The 28 mile route is relatively flat and takes you to interactive destinations where you will learn about affordable and sustainable housing, green building, smart urban design, community gardens, urban ecology, local food, alternative transportation and other elements of a vibrant, livable community.

Registration opens at 7 am and you may leave between 8 and 9 am.

The event ends at 5 pm, which gives you plenty of time to complete the course, enjoy the bountiful destinations along the way and relax at the finish line party.

This ride is fully supported and includes course markings, printed ride guides, support vehicles, mechanical and medical aides on course, water and nutritional snacks at rest stops, a finish line festival, dinner and much more. The easy route has many relaxing stops along the way and is perfect for riders of all skill levels.

The ride starts and finishes at Sunnyside Environmental School. Admission is $40 and all ride amenities are included. Members of CLF partner organizations receive a $5 discount. See CLFuture.org for a list of those organizations. For more information or to sign up for the ride, please see LivabilityRide.org.

Thank you for working with us to make a brighter future!

Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County Seek Public Comment on CAPER 9/17

The Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County Consortium’s draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the 2006-07 fiscal year on activities related to housing and community development will be available for public review and comment September 17, 2007.  Public comment will be taken until October 1, 2007.

Copies of the draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) may be obtained at the City of Portland’s Bureau of Housing and Community Development, 421 SW Sixth, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97204 or by calling (503) 823-2383.  A draft can be viewed at our website: www.portlandonline.com/bhcd beginning September 17,2007.

At the hearing listed above, the City of Portland will accept public testimony on performance of programs for low and moderate-income housing, programs serving the homeless, and programs serving people with special needs.  No advance sign-up is required.

To request accommodation under Americans with Disabilities Act call, (503) 823-2383, (503) 823-6868(TTY) at one day in advance.  For more information or to comment please contact Stella Martinez, Bureau of Housing and Community Development, 421 SW 6^th, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97204, 503-823-2383, or via email by September 17, 2007.

AOCDO Celebrates 15^th Anniversary in Portland 9/18

Come out and celebrate 15 years of Community Development in Oregon. Entertainment will include the AOCDO Awards of Excellence and a Gingerbread House decorating contest. The Anniversary Celebration will take place at the Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11^th Avenue in Portland from 5:30 – 7:30pm.  This is a free event and is open to all AOCDO members and supporters.  To register or for more information about the event, go to: http://www.aocdo.org/events.cfm.

Most Delicious of All Fundraisers: Support NHA at Home Sweet Home 9/27

Please join Northwest Housing Alternatives for fun, chocolate and a good cause!

Home Sweet Home 2007, the Third Annual Chocolate Tasting Fundraiser Extravaganza to benefit NHA, will take place on Thursday, September 27^th at the Melody Ballroom.

The events runs from 7 pm until 9:30 pm.  If you like chocolate, this event is heaven.

The Melody Ballroom is located at 615 SE Alder Street, Portland. Tickets available at www.nwhousing.org