The Community Development Network

The Housing Alliance is requesting $4.75 million in the February 2008 legislative session to address two critical issues:

The Alliance is asking for $4 million of state general fund to be allocated into a “Preservation Revolving Loan Fund” intended for the acquisition of subsidized properties at risk of being lost to the private market. $750,000 would support strategies and development of local solutions to homelessness across the state.

The “Preservation Revolving Loan Fund” would allow purchasers interested in preserving the affordability of this housing to act quickly to purchase properties from willing sellers, prevent the displacement of residents, and preserve rent subsidies which keep these properties affordable to even our most vulnerable populations. A statewide collaboration of private funders, local governments, banks, and non-profits is working to launch a revolving loan fund early in 2008. This fund will be a critical tool to support voluntary sales of affordable housing.

More than 7,000 rent-subsidized apartments in more than 250 properties across the state are at risk of loss. These properties are scattered through- out the state, and provide affordable homes to seniors, disabled persons, and hard working families. These properties were built with the support of Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Department of Housing and Urban Development in rural and urban areas, and with the support of the Department of Agriculture in rural areas.

In its first year, the Loan Fund will leverage an additional $26 to $46 million in private, philanthropic, and local public funds. Over five years, the total leverage would exceed $150 million. It would also protect federal rent subsidy payments from the Section 8 and Rural Development programs.

Once properties are purchased with fund support, permanent financing will need to be identified. The $8.1 million dedicated by the 2007 Legislature represents a first investment of the permanent financing, as does the increase in the Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit authorized by the 2007 Legislature. Permanent financing resources will continue to be needed.

The $750,000 to support strategies and development of local solutions to homelessness would help counties and local jurisdictions as they work to re-align their systems to better serve the growing numbers of displaced households and homeless families and individuals.

Despite the devoted efforts of many organizations and individuals, more families and children are homeless in Oregon than ever before. On any given night, 12,966 individuals are provided emergency shelter across the state. An estimated 4,601

Oregonians are left to the streets, forest roads and public right of ways. Tragically, the face of homelessness is changing and families and children now comprise 72% of those being turned away. This year’s count of homeless school children across Oregon also highlights the need for this step. We saw increases in nearly all communities, and alarming totals. During the 2006-2007 school year over 15,500 school age children were homeless for at least a part of the year.

The Housing Alliance proposal is modeled after successful efforts in other states, particularly Michigan. The level of funding requested would allow capacity grants (up to $16,000) to counties through an RFP process to support local planning and coordination. It would also fund centralized technical assistance, training, and coordination through contracted services directed by Housing and Community Services and the Ending Homelessness Advisory Council.

Nine counties in Oregon have already made great progress in addressing the growing problem of homelessness in our state by developing or initiating coordinated planning processes. The $750,000 in state funds would provide support, training, and capacity to these communities as they take their next step and to the 27 other counties who have not yet begun this process.

Housing Center, HOST, ROSE, HCS & US Bank Help First-time Homeowner in Lents

“People look at me, I make an okay living while working at Safeway and I support 2 kids. I’m not well off, but I bought a home, said Toni. “This is really great for me because my mom was a single parent and was on welfare and we never owned a home after she got a divorce. She passed away when I was 22 and it is great for me personally as a personal goal.”

Two years ago, Toni decided she wanted to buy a home to raise her kids in. She attended classes at Portland Housing Center and started working with one of their home buying counselors, John Martinez (now a lender at US Bank).

“John was my initial counselor where he told me what to do in order to get where I needed to be. He was great and informative.”

Last summer, Toni heard about HOST Development and started inquiring about their houses. In the beginning, Toni thought that she wouldn’t be able to afford a house that would be big enough for her family, a 5-year old son Rylin and an 11-year old daughter Mystic, but HOST Development had homes for-sale that fit her family’s needs.

“Homeownership was in my mind and I wanted to do it but knowing that the Host homes had all the tax abatements and the $5,000 back and everything, I thought if I could get in there that would be perfect,” said Toni.

While Toni was meeting with John, she realized if she was going to buy a HOST home she needed to come up with the down payment. She spoke with Deborah Johnson, HOST Developments Realtor, and was referred to the annual Lents Home Buying Fair (organized by the Lents Homeownership Initiative) where a $5,000 down payment assistance grant was going to be raffled to a first time homebuyer. Toni attended the Lents Home Buying Fair in May of 2007 at Kelly Elementary, and to her surprise her name was pulled for the grant raffle. Toni and her family are now living in a HOST Home.

“Winning the grant was absolutely perfect, it was great, I was so ecstatic,” Toni said. “The grant has enabled me to live comfortably, I’m doing fine. I’ve made the first house payment and I’m still eating. My children are excited. They were outside riding their bikes today and they usually don’t get to ride outside unless we are in a park.”

Toni also qualified for the Oregon Bond Loan, issued thorough the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), which helped her eliminate monthly mortgage insurance. Toni was able to make homeownership a reality because she was determined, motivated and worked with a supportive team who are members of the Lents Homeownership Initiative. In addition to the organizations listed above, other team members included ROSE Community Development, Lender Michael Benson with US Bank and Judy Geppert with LandAmerica Lawyers Title. Toni’s dream of homeownership became a reality because she worked with the partners of LHI.

“It was great working with everyone, they all have been friendly and very helpful and more than helpful, any questions I had had all been answered,” said Toni.

The Lents Homeownership Initiative (LHI) partners helps families become homeowners. Feel free to contact any of the partners for more information: Portland Housing Center at 503-282-7744 x101, HOST Development at 503-331-1752, ROSE Community Development (spearheading LHI) at 503-788-8052 x105 and www.rosecdc.org, OHCS at 877-788-2663, and Michael Benson with US Bank at 503-275-5042.

The Portland Schools Foundation is excited to announce a new Schools-Families-Housing Community Grants program of $850,000 to be invested in Portland's communities. Intended to attract and keep young people in public schools, the grants will focus on two areas of impact:

* addressing the ability of families to stay in their neighborhoods and schools; and

The grant fund is supported by the City of Portland as part of the larger Schools-Families-Housing initiative. Community organizations, schools, and other public entities are invited to apply for grants.

The first round applications are due on January 22, 2008. Second round applications will be due on April 1, 2008. To apply for a grant go to www.thinkschools.org

For further information, contact Tripp Somerville, Portland Schools Foundation: 503.234.5404, ext. 21 or via email.

In a collaborative effort, Metro, Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah Counties and the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development are launching a new Green Building Hotline. Questions about green building strategies, materials and financial incentives can now be answered by calling 503-823-5431.

Intended to provide information about green building strategies, resources and incentives for new and existing commercial and residential projects, the hotline will reach residents throughout the Metro region. Callers can get answers to questions about green materials, strategies to reduce a building's carbon footprint, financial incentives, renewable energy, indoor air quality, sustainable site development, construction material recycling and stormwater management.

Inquiries are welcomed from non-profit organizations, homeowners, Realtors, government agencies, contractors, students, developers, business owners and design professionals in the greater metropolitan area. The sponsors hope to inspire callers to incorporate as many sustainable choices into projects as possible and to help them overcome barriers and obstacles around green building.

Red Cross is seeking additional volunteers to staff Severe Weather Shelters/Warming Centers for this winter. They are especially hopeful to secure lead volunteers and some other folks who have strong experience in working respectfully and effectively with people who are homeless. This is particularly important in the first few days of operation. If you are interested in volunteering please read further for contact information.

The City of Portland has asked the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter (OTC) to provide a critically needed service - overflow Emergency Warming Centers (EWC) for people who are homeless. Every year in Portland, several people freeze to death because of inadequate sheltering capacity during winter weather. These EWCs will help to reduce that number and provide comfort during the cold weather

OTC is currently seeking volunteers to staff these Emergency Warming Centers. Volunteers will perform a variety of functions such as setting up and demobilizing the emergency warming center, greeting guests, providing orientation to the facilities, chatting with guests and monitoring the sleep/rest area, and serving warm beverages.

EWCs will open with temperatures at 25 degrees (clear) and 35 degrees (wind and/or rain). We estimate that we will open the warming centers 10 to 20 times between now and the end of February. There will be three locations in Portland and each night will have two shifts: 7pm to 2am, and 1am to 8:30am. The EWCs have an open door policy; therefore, volunteers can anticipate little or no sleep during their shift. Volunteers must be comfortable in interacting with the homeless population within an emergency warming center setting.

If you have experience working with people who are homeless, we are also looking for team leaders. The team leaders will serve as resources for the rest of the volunteers and might be called upon to manage complex situations that less experienced volunteers may not be able to handle.

Support Portland Habitat for Humanity Through Willamette Week Give Guide 2007

‘tis the season to give (and receive cool stuff!)

The Willamette Week Give Guide 2007 hit the stands and Portland Habitat for Humanity is featured again!

This year features even more fantastic prizes for everyone who gives to Portland Habitat through the Give Guide and another opportunity for Portland Habitat to take top prize!

Last year, thanks to a tremendous grassroots effort and the generosity of supporters, Portland Habitat raised almost $25,000 and won the coveted first prize from Willamette Week.

Help Portland Habitat make 2007 another winning year! Forward this information to your friends and family encouraging them to give to Portland Habitat for Humanity through the Willamette Week Give Guide. Every dollar counts and it could be your friends and family that make the difference.

Don’t forget to take advantage of this great opportunity yourself! This year when you give $25 or more you’ll receive:

* A 10-pack of TriMet bus tickets worth $17.50

* $3 worth of parking downtown

* A year's free membership from Flexcar

* A free cup of Stumptown coffee

* A free haircut or manicure from Bishops

* A satchel of Tazo tea

* Discount coupons to Cinema 21, Powell's Books, DragonTree Spa, Mio Gelato, Kiehl's, River City Bicycles, Bar Carlo and Hammy's Pizza.

There are larger incentives for larger donations, and donors 35 or younger will be entered into drawings for cash and other prizes. Check the Give!Guide site for more details: http://giveguide.oaktree.com/Donate.aspx

A Holiday Gift that Matters: Central City Concern’s 2007 Adopt-A-Family Program

This holiday season, please consider partnering with Central City Concern (CCC) for our “Adopt-A-Family” Program this December.

Central City Concern works to mitigate the effects of poverty, homelessness and addiction through offering a vast network of programs in the Portland community. CCC has been been doing so for the past 27 years. Although CCC clients have found success, the road to self-sufficiency can be long and arduous; as a result, CCC has several sub programs designed to make the journey a little less taxing and more comfortable.

One such project is the “Adopt-A-Family” program where various Portland businesses, congregations and organizations support formerly homeless families that might need a little extra help during the holiday season. The program has been offered for the past four years, and it’s made a big difference in the lives of parents and children living in CCC housing. Currently, CCC has approximately 140 families needing supplemental support.

If your organization provides for several families, it will make a big difference. You can do so in two different ways:

1. Purchase and deliver items from our ‘gift ideas’ list.

Based upon individual family wish lists, we have compiled a general ‘gift ideas’ list from which you may purchase individual items. Please deliver unwrapped items to Sunrise Place (5724 NE Prescott, Portland, 97218) on Saturday, December 15^th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. After December 15^th, please drop off items at 523 NW Everett, Portland, 97209, during business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

2. Purchase and send a gift card.

We actually encourage the donation of gift cards for our families. Over the years, we’ve learned that gift cards are also a wonderful way to share with families because they provide for both supplemental holiday items and the opportunity for parents to personally purchase gifts and other necessary items for their own children. Please send gift cards to Central City Concern (232 NW Sixth Avenue, Portland, 97209, attention Jennifer McDonald “Mac,” Development Officer).

Thank you for partnering with CCC for our “Adopt-A-Family” Program. Your contribution to this program will make a big difference in the lives of many Portland families during the winter holidays.

To find out how you can adopt a family, contact either Holly Redeau or Jennifer McDonald at (503) 294-1681 x 211.

Enterprise Online: Best Practices in Supportive Housing and Employment Dec 12

Log on for an Enterprise On Line Event “Best Practices in Supportive Housing and Employment” Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00am. Supportive housing is the proven best solution for overcoming homelessness for people with chronic and persistent conditions such as mental illness, addiction to substances, and more. But housing is only the first step for many residents of supportive housing. Employment supports have long been a key element of success for formerly homeless residents. Many supportive housing organizations have developed job- and social venture business-related programming to provide opportunities for their residents, and a movement to do more of this work is growing.  

Learn about supportive housing employment efforts to date, get an overview of common models, and hear about a successful San Francisco-based program.  

· Learn about a range of approaches to employment programming for supportive housing residents

· Hear a profile of a successful supportive housing employment program in San Francisco

Anyone interested in learning more about developing or improving supportive housing-based employment programs for residents

· Patricia Magnuson, Director of Supportive Housing, Enterprise Community Partners

AARP, OSPIRG & Our Oregon Forum on Subprime Crisis in Oregon Dec 12

How Will Oregon Homeowners Weather the Subprime Crisis?

The answer depends in part on the actions we take to put policies in place that will protect homeowner equity and curb the abuses that have caused record level foreclosures across the nation.

Buying or refinancing a home is the most important financial transaction the typical family will make but they remain among the least protected purchases.

Things have got to change, and they can change now.

With the February Legislative Session on the horizon, we have a unique and timely opportunity to protect Oregonians’ most precious investment: their home.

Join AARP, OSPIRG, and Our Oregon for an informative and productive discussion about the problem we’re facing, and the solutions available.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

2:00 – 3:30 PM

SEIU Local 503

6401 SE Foster Rd

Portland, OR – Google map

A Big Problem

Oregon homeowners with subprime mortgages are on the high end of a sinking boat. While our foreclosure rate has not been as high as others around the nation, let’s not make the mistake of minimizing what is a very real problem for Oregonians across the state.

* We have seen a troubling increase in foreclosures. In the first half of 2007, foreclosures on subprime mortgages are up 50% over the first half of 2006.

* Over the next 18 months in Oregon, 15,000 mortgage statements will be going out with the painful notice that monthly payments will increase sharply. Families will see their house payment increase $406 to $1,500 a month.

* Subprime lending in Oregon has led to net homeownership loss. Between 1998 and 2006 approximately 21,200 Oregon families took out a subprime loan to become first time homeowners. During that same time, 29,100 of all Oregon subprime borrowers lose or have already lost their home to foreclosure (including subprime refinance loans).

Real Solutions Exist to Meet Our Goals

Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most people will ever make, but very few consumer protections exist. Borrowers trapped in unsuitable loans will be seeking refinancing by the thousands. If we act now, we can put some protections in place. Solutions exist that can:

*Assure that loans are made in the borrower’s financial interest.

* Protect borrowers against unfair and untruthful lending practices.

* Provide that loans should only be made to borrowers based on their true ability to pay.

* Shield borrowers from abusive prepayment penalties and predatory fee structures.

Please come to the meeting on December 12. All of us have an investment in increasing sustainable homeownership and fair lending practices. An RSVP to via email would be greatly appreciated. Please call if you have questions: Liz or Angela 503.239.8029.

Clackamas County Integrated Treatments Courts, Northwest Housing Alternatives and The Inn invite are hosting an exciting open house for Avalon House, a new treatment court collaborative program. The event is December 13 from4-7 pm at 15023 SE Laurie St. in Milwaukie. Desserts, light snacks, juice and coffee will be provided.

Avalon House is permanent, alcohol and drug free housing for 6 women and their children offering support for women making a change. With a live-in resident manager, intensive coordination with the Treatment Courts, community resident meetings and shared living space, Avalon House provides women the opportunity build a new foundation while working on their recovery from drug and alcohol addition.

To RSVP or learn more, contact Heather Jefferies at (503) 655-8495 or via email.

“Housing Troubles on the Horizon?: The National Foreclosure Crisis and Its Impact on Homeowners, Communities and the Economy”

The preponderance of subprime lending and risky mortgage products in recent years has generated a wave of foreclosures across the nation. Recent studies and media reports suggest that Portland metro-area residents have so far escaped the more dramatic effects of the national foreclosure crisis, as they possess fewer subprime loans than the national average.

Still, Portland metro-area residents are already experiencing the consequences of this larger crisis, with mortgage lenders increasing requirements for loans and thus reducing the number of potential homebuyers. In addition, recent studies suggest that the Portland metro-area economy stands to loose more than $300 million in 2008 as a result of mortgage troubles and that looming foreclosures statewide may cost the state $1.5 billion in lost housing values and taxes.

On Friday December 14, the Portland Housing Center and City Club of Portland are hosting Kenneth Wade to speak at the City Club of Portland's Friday Forum series. Kenneth Wade, an expert in the housing and community development fields, will discuss the impact of foreclosures on homeowners, communities and the broader economy. He will also identify strategies that policymakers, lenders and community groups can take to help struggling and aspiring homeowners.

Wade is the chief executive officer of NeighborWorks America, a public nonprofit corporation established by act of Congress in 1978 and a leader in foreclosure prevention. Wade oversees the grant programs and training activities that support a national network of more than 235 affordable housing and community development organizations, including the Portland Housing Center. Prior to joining NeighborWorks, he worked with Boston's United South End Settlements, where he participated in efforts to increase investment in minority neighborhoods and assist low-income homebuyers.

The event will take place at the Governor Hotel, 614 S.W. 11th Ave. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at 12:15 p.m. General admission is free at the door for City Club of Portland members; $5 for nonmembers. Luncheon tickets are $16 for City Club members and up to two guests; $20 for nonmembers. A limited number of coffee/tea tickets are $5 at the door.

Lunch reservations may be made online at www.pdxcityclub.org, between Friday, December 7 at 3 p.m. and Wednesday, December 12 at 2 p.m.; or by calling (503) 228-7231 x103 any time.

Friends of the Community Alliance of Tenants and lovers of art: Don't miss out! CAT's fifth annual Cheap Art Party is Friday Dec. 14^th from 5-11 pm.

Please join us at the Q Center (69 SE Taylor near SE Water) to purchase locally made art, almost all sold for under $25 a piece with proceeds supporting safe, stable and affordable rental homes in Oregon. Plus, enjoy snacks, beverages and the great music of Little Beirut, Citizen of the Year, DJ Mikee and DJ Reverend Shines.

The art party goes from 5-11pm. From 5-8 pm the sliding scale cover is $5-$10. From 8-11pm the sliding scale cover is $10-$20. Get there early to get first pick of the art.