Oregon Communities to Receive Nearly $13 Million for Emergency Housing Vouchers |
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U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently announced that 31 Oregon counties and cities will receive about $12.8 million in federal resources from the American Rescue Plan to provide emergency housing vouchers for individuals and families who are homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing, or trying to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
“The economic devastation touched off by this public health crisis has magnified the housing emergency for far too many Oregonians already teetering on a financial tightrope forcing them to balance rent payments against bills for food, medicine and more,” Wyden said. “Housing is a human right and this funding from the American Rescue Plan works to help make that statement a reality by keeping vulnerable Oregonians safe and housed in urban, rural and suburban communities throughout our state.” Read More.....
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Homes for Good Holds Affordable Housing Town Hall |
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On April 29th, 2021 Homes for Good held their first ever virtual Affordable Housing Town Hall, over two sessions over 90 people from the public tuned in to listen to a presentation on Homes for Good’s efforts to build affordable housing in Lane County, and to ask questions in breakout sessions.
Homes for Good got a lot of feedback from the community about their wants and needs regarding Affordable Housing.
What We heard:
- People are curious about per unit cost and the cost of affordable housing developments. Interested in alternative solutions such as tiny homes and manufactured homes.
- People are curious about the stock of ADA units in the community and how the Agency plans on increasing the number of accessible units, and how units are designed to be accessible.
- People are curious about the partnerships and services provided at new Permanent Supportive Housing development, and how families are housed into those programs.
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Tacoma Housing Authority Executive Director Michael Mirra Announces His Retirement |
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Michael Mirra, executive director of the Tacoma Housing Authority, has announced his retirement from THA effective July 5th. Michael originally joined THA in 2002 as its general counsel. The Board appointed him as executive director in 2004. He has served in that position for the last 17 years. After Michael’s departure, April Black, THA’s deputy executive director, will serve as THA’s interim executive director until the Board appoints Michael’s successor. Read More.....
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Housing Director Andrew Lofton Receives Civic Honors |
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Andrew Lofton, Executive Director of the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA), is retiring on May 7 after 47 years of public service, 17 of them with SHA.
Lofton was recently awarded the Carla Okigwe Lifetime Achievement Award from the Housing Development Consortium (HDC). The award is given to the recipient for their exemplary contributions to the development of affordable housing.
In receiving the award, Lofton stated, “I am humbled to be receiving an award that honors [The Housing Development Consortium’s] founding executive director, Carla Okigwe. It is particularly gratifying to receive this award, because early in our careers, Carla and I worked together, and I know the deep passion she has for affordable housing that led her to organize non-profit affordable housing providers into HDC—to be a voice for those dedicated to providing housing that is affordable for all. I am deeply moved that you have bestowed this honor on me, because I know you know how hard this work is.”
“As evidenced by your 170-plus member organizations, you know this work cannot be done alone. Any achievements attributable to me are not, cannot be viewed as singular, but were only possible because of the great partnerships and support for which I was the beneficiary,” continued Lofton. “This award would not be possible without a host of partners working together to create safe stable affordable housing—and in fact is a tribute to the hundreds of caring committed partners, the 600 remarkable staff members at SHA, a dedicated Board of Commissioners and our many supporters. At the Seattle Housing Authority, we know first-hand that housing is essential to helping people with low incomes improve their lives. The stability of a home they can afford is a critical starting point for people to pursue a better life and greater self-sufficiency. We work to provide housing, and we work to build communities where people don’t just live but grow. Where seniors feel safe, where youth can pursue dreams of a bright future, where families can thrive.
“It is on behalf of an entire community of tenants, partners, staff, board members and supporters that I accept this award with great appreciation. Thank you HDC and thanks to all of you who care about affordable housing, and dignity and opportunity for everyone,” Lofton.
In addition to receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Lofton will also be honored by the City of Seattle, as Mayor Jenny Durkan and the City of Seattle have declared May 7, 2021 to be Andrew Lofton Day in the city of Seattle.
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Housing Authority Proposes to Convert Tumwater Hotel to Low-Income Housing for Seniors
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A Tumwater hotel could become 58 units of low-income housing for seniors as part of a proposal from the Housing Authority of Thurston County.
Across the country, municipalities are seeing pandemic slowdowns as an opportunity to cheaply acquire hotels and quickly convert them into much-needed affordable housing.
Several pieces of this particular project already are in place: the owner is ready to sell, the city of Tumwater has indicated it is open to rezoning the land, and Olympia’s City Council voted last week to commit $150,000 to the project from its Home Fund.
According to the Home Fund application, the Housing Authority would spend roughly $3.3 million to purchase the Oyo Hotel, which sits just off Interstate 5 and Tumwater Boulevard. While it does not account for possible renovations, that projection would net a per-unit cost of $58,719 – roughly 5 times cheaper than building new. Read More.....
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Join Our Emerging Leaders!
By: Anne Conte, Seattle Housing Authority
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Emerging Leaders are a self-identified, diverse group of professionals who are interested in advancement in the housing and community development field. They gain knowledge and integrate themselves into the industry through mentors, trainings, and conferences. To this end, the PNRC Emerging Leaders Track Organizing Group is looking to expand in membership and purpose. Fill out this no obligation, short questionnaire to express interest and receive more information. On June 4th we’ll be having a Kickoff Meet & Greet Zoom. Fill out the questionnaire and you’ll be on the email list to get the link.
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What To Consider Before Accepting A Property Donation
By: Angel Fear, HAI Group Senior Account Specialist
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Local municipalities and private owners may offer to donate property to your affordable housing organization. While there are clear advantages to these donations, including the potential to increase housing stock in the area, you should consider several factors before accepting donated property.
Property donations aren’t unusual in the affordable housing industry, said Robert Silverman, professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning.
“City-owned property is often transferred to a developer either at fair market value or as part of a land dedication so a project can move forward,” Silverman said. Sometimes parcels are vacant, while “other times they may have a structure on them that either needs to be demolished or revitalized,” he added.
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Vancouver Housing Authority is looking for an experienced Staff Accountant to join our Finance team, who will be responsible for overseeing requisitions, analysis, and financial reporting of various HUD, state, and local grant contracts. More information is available through a link on our website: www.vhausa.org/about-vha/careers-at-vha
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The Pierce County Housing Authority is looking for a Finance Controller to manage the financial operations for the authority and its instrumentalities, who will be responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate financial controls and accountabilities to ensure fiscal integrity and cost efficient operations.
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Washington County Named A "MTW" Agency |
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The Housing Authority of Washington County was recently named a Moving to Work (MTW) agency in cohort 2. Washington County will be focusing on rent reform during as part of their cohort work while also utilizing many aspects of their new MTW flexibility and funding fungibility in the upcoming year. In addition to achieving MTW status, the department is also the implementing organization in Washington County for the new $200 million dollar a year regional Supportive Housing Services (SHS) measure. Washington County estimates it will receive $40 million or 33% of the overall funding in the first year to create new regional rental assistance and supportive services for the homeless population in their County. Washington County estimates issuing over 1,500 new regional long term rental assistance subsidies in the next three (3) years while also funding dozens of community based organizations and culturally specific organizations to provide services for the homeless population. Multnomah and Clackamas Counties are also implementing partners in this program.
Josh Crites
Assistant Director
Washington County Department of Housing Services
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PNRC NAHRO Members Save $$ and the Region Earns $$
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How does it work?
When registering, please use code: PNRC2020 (All CAPS)
and your $10 discount will automatically be applied, it’s that simple!
Please note: this code must be used when registering!
It cannot be retroactively applied.
What is Virtual Classroom?
Multi-day training delivered in a modular and a web-based format. Participants register individually and access the sessions with a direct email. Sessions are typically 3 hours (1:30-4:30pm ET) and spread out. This allows participants to balance learning with other work responsibilities. Attendance is recorded and upon successful completion, CEUs are applied towards certification requirements. Distance learnings are meant to be interactive. Participants will engage with the faculty member by discussions, polls and utilizing a chat feature.
Available Virtual Classrooms:
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For more information, contact NAHRO Professional Development at
202 580 7211 or
OR;
PNRC NAHRO Regional Service Officer 202.580.7203
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YOU COULD HAVE FEATURED YOUR AGENCY HERE!!!
We want to fill this newsletter with articles and pictures about you, but we can't do that unless you send them in. Send your pictures and articles to pnrc@nahro.org by June 13th to be featured in next month's newsletter!!
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Beaverton 75-unit Affordable Housing Project Moves Forward
By: Gabby Urenda
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An affordable housing project is moving along in Beaverton’s South Cooper Mountain area.
BRIDGE Housing Corp. is requesting a design review approval from the city’s planning commission to construct a new four-story multifamily development consisting of 75 affordable apartment units at Southwest 172nd Avenue and Goldcrest Lane.
The approval would allow the company to get its initial land use approval to then acquire construction and building permits to break ground.
Ben Sturtz, a project manager with BRIDGE, says he feels optimistic the commission will sign off on the plans.
“Given how the neighborhood meeting went, we feel pretty confident,” Sturtz said. “We’re still working through maybe some other colors or materials, so we may actually amend. It may be something we’re working with the city and the neighbors to know the articulation is a little different. We have some corners that go out a little bit and can be rounded off.”
Earlier this year, the Beaverton City Council approved a $400,000 cashflow-dependent loan for the apartment project. BRIDGE will only be required to pay back that loan if the rent it collects is sufficient to pay all operating expenses, including management fees and debt service on other loans, according to the city. In exchange, the city requires an affordability agreement, or restrictions, for up to 55 years. That would limit the rents and/or cap the allowable income of tenants — the intent being to preserve the apartments as affordable housing for people with limited income — for however long those restrictions are in place.
Money from Washington County’s share of the Metro affordable housing bond measure that voters approved in 2018 is also going toward the Goldcrest Lane project. According to a city report, the bond covers $8.7 million in costs.
Cheryl Twete, Beaverton’s community development director, says it’s important for the city to invest in affordable housing in this part of town.
“We are building a brand-new community in South Cooper Mountain, and city policy is to ensure that the housing that is constructed provides an opportunity for people at all income levels to be able to live in that new neighborhood,” Twete said. She added that the units would provide a variety of housing in a high-opportunity area near Mountainside High School.
Sturtz says he’s excited for BRIDGE to be a part of the growing area.
“Not just in downtown Beaverton, but throughout the whole city, affordable housing — there’s a huge need for it,” he said. “This is an area that has great parks and schools that gives all people at all levels access to quality affordable housing. We’re excited because we know that we do a great job of building and managing it and being a long-term neighbor.”
City officials say BRIDGE has a 35-year track record of building high quality affordable and mixed-income housing. It is the largest nonprofit developer on the West Coast. As for the next step, Beaverton’s planning commission will hold a public hearing on May 26 to review the developer’s design approval request.
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King County Buys Hotel as it Seeks to Provide Housing for the Homeless
By: Alfred Charles
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King County plans to purchase a Seattle hotel and transform it into a residential building that will provide shelter for homeless people, County Executive Dow Constantine said Tuesday during his annual State of the County address.
Constantine said the county purchase of The Inn at Queen Ann e hotel, located at 505 First Ave. North, is the first of several purchases to help the unsheltered get off the streets.
"We will have several more properties to announce in the coming weeks," Constantine tweeted, adding that the county plans to assemble enough properties in order to provide housing for 1,600 people by the end of next year. It was not immediately clear what other properties the county is eyeing.
Photos posted to the county's Twitter account showed en suite rooms that include a bathroom, ceiling fans and interior air conditioning.
The revenue for the hotel purchases is generated by the 0.1 percent sales tax that was approved last year. The new levy is expected to produce $400 million in new revenue that will be earmarked to buy properties that can be used to provide housing for the homeless.
Constantine said the county aims to provide permanent housing for more than one-third of people who are considered chronically homeless.
"Collectively, these actions will be the largest—and most transformative—investments in addressing homelessness in the history of King County," Constantine said.
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Artwork is Installed at Market District Commons, An Affordable Housing Community in Eugene Oregon |
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In November, Homes for Good sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for artwork at Market District Commons. Homes for Good received 20 proposals and selected 4 artists to create artwork for the lobby and the community room. In the RFP, Homes for Good established "Preference Points" that aligned with agency goals of supporting artists from our local jurisdiction (Lane County), BIPOC artists, as well as low-income artists and Section 3 businesses. Out of the selected artists, two are current residents of Lane County, two self-identified as BIPOC, and all four identified as low-income. |
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"Three Friends" By Kari Johnson |
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"I feel inspired when I’m making art for the community! I particularly care about promoting harmony between humans and our plant and animal relations. My art invites individuals to belong to the place, and to help shape our collective story." |
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"Sunset Hummingbird" By Pattrick Price |
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"Pattrick Price was born and raised in Southeast Alaska where his life has been culturally enriched. his style of art reflects that as a painter, muralist, and Native American story teller. Price moved to Eugene Oregon in 2017 and has since then exploded on to the art scene. As a currant resident artist for the Ritz Sauna and Showers at the Oregon Country Fair, Pattrick has completed paintings on over 35’ of wooden beams, 7 different and unique art installations, and a 18’ proscenium arch above the stage." |
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"Pictures for Home" By Nina Vichayapai |
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"Nina Vichayapai is a soft sculptural artist who uses fabric as a language to reveal how surroundings embody history. From the intimate privacy of homes to the ambiguity of wild landscapes, she exposes how physical spaces communicate stories of the people who shape them. Using textiles associated with domestic interiors her work addresses the important role of homemaking in establishing belonging for the many marginalized people who have called the United States home." |
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"These fabric portraits were made in collaboration with residents at Market District Commons who generously shared the photographs which these portraits are based upon. Thank you Brian, Charlie, Colton, Dean, PJ, and Scott, for lending your memories to this project." |
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"Eileen Hinckle has been working as an artist for the past eight years, with murals being her principal medium. In addition to a psychology degree from Northwestern University, she pursued an art education through classes at art schools in Chicago, Chile, and Peru, extensive independent study, and in 2020 she completed a degree in Creative Illustration and Visual Communication Techniques from EINA University of Design and Art Barcelona in Spain. Hinckle grew up in the Willamette Valley and graduated from Marist High School in Eugene." |
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