On January 10, 2023, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to a 63% rise in homelessness since 2016. Oregon’s Departments of Emergency Management (OEM) and Housing and Community Services (OHCS) have partnered to lead this work with the Office of the Governor.
The initial priority in this crisis is to target funding in a coordinated, three-pronged effort, with local targets: 1) prevent homelessness for at least 1,113 Marion-Polk region households, 2) increase shelter capacity in emergency areas by 79 to 82 new beds in the Marion-Polk region, and 3) rehouse at least 150 households regionally this year.
The Oregon Housing and Community Services Department will deliver $130,000,000 in funding to seven of Oregon’s Continuums of Care (CoCs) deemed emergency areas, with the Marion-Polk region receiving $13.5 to $14.1 million. OEM and OHCS will lead this work and coordinate state agency support for local implementation.
