Oregon Lawmakers Slash Rental Support in New Housing Package Despite Rising Evictions

A $2.6 billion housing and homelessness package has slashed $85.4 million from emergency eviction prevention services, raising alarm bells among housing advocates who believe the new legislation will increase the number of people without a roof over their heads.

Most Of the Budget Will Be Spent On Shelters

The bulk of the funds passed by legislators is earmarked for the provision and maintenance of the statewide shelter program.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action organization estimates that the radically reduced budget allocation for eviction prevention services will result in 20,000 fewer households receiving assistance to subsidize their rentals.

88% Of Evictions in April Caused by Non-Payment of Rentals

The primary cause of evictions in April was failure to meet rent payments, representing 88% of the 2,392 evictions filed in Oregon. Of those evictions, 500 tenants received final judgments, according to the Portland State University.

The funding reduction will adversely affect eviction prevention measures such as legal aid and tenant hotlines.

During the pandemic, the bulk of funding for shelters was provided by federal grants via the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and private donations. However, federal assistance is no longer forthcoming and Oregon state has had to step into the breach.

Now, House Bill 5011 has slashed the budget for eviction prevention services from $130 million to $44.6 million.

The new legislation is awaiting signature by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.