In Central Oregon, low-income and middle-income families struggle to find safe and affordable housing. Middle-income families do not usually struggle to find housing. They do in Central Oregon due to rising rent and mortgage costs coupled with low availability and high demand. The current housing environment in Central Oregon may widen inequalities and increase disparities. Some families get caught in housing instability due to cycles of violence, poverty, trauma, mental illness, addiction, and health conditions.
“Housing affordability in Central Oregon has become a barrier impacting individual households, business and economic development, transportation patterns, public health, and other aspects of life in the region."
H4All developed the first housing assessment in Central Oregon since 2006.
The assessment provided baseline data that allowed the impact of interventions to be observed.
The assessment identified 24,092 moderate- to low-income households in Central Oregon that have housing needs or a high-cost burden.
The assessment not only identified current need but made projections into the future so future needs could be anticipated.
Suggestions were made for organizations and local governments on how to address homelessness.
H4All created shared knowledge and understanding of needs and potential programs.
It was H4All’s goal to integrate key stakeholders by providing them with key information and creating connections within the community to decrease homelessness and increase affordable housing in Central Oregon.
The assessment and intervention suggestions compiled by H4All were data-driven.