Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is delivering real, human-centered solutions, changing lives and building stronger communities. Governor Kotek announced this week the extension of Executive Order 24-02 to continue efforts to reduce homelessness in Oregon. Since the emergency homelessness response began in January 2023, OHCS has made substantial progress. However, continued support and resources are needed to maintain our commitment to making life better for the communities we serve.
“The executive order is not about funding programs. We are investing in people and people’s livelihoods and people’s humanity. Some of our most important work is in our steps ahead,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell.
As a result of funding and action, the broader statewide homelessness response effort, including the emergency response, it is estimated that by the end of June 2025:
5,500 shelter beds will be funded by the State of Oregon
3,300 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness will be rehoused
24,000 households will have been prevented from experiencing homelessness
“We must stay the course on what we see working. If we keep at this pace, one in every three people who were experiencing homelessness in 2023 will be rehoused,” Governor Kotek said. “Since declaring the homelessness emergency response two years ago, we exceeded the targets we set through a statewide homelessness infrastructure we never had before. But the urgency remains as homelessness continues to increase and we need to see this strategy through.”
Beyond the numbers, it’s the lives transformed through stable housing that are at the heart of the statewide efforts.
When COVID-19 hit, Stephanie and her young family found themselves homeless for more than two years, often sleeping in their van. With the support of AntFarm, an OHCS-funded organization in Clackamas County, Stephanie was able to secure housing and rebuild her life.
“It’s the little things like having a kitchen that I can cook in that I don’t think I’ll ever take for granted again,” Stephanie shared.
“I’d probably still be sleeping in my car right now... It’s not so much that AntFarm changed my life; it’s that they gave me an opportunity to change mine,” echoed Nolan, another individual helped by this program.
Similarly, Ash, who spent much of his life moving between temporary living spaces, found a new beginning through LiFEBoat Services, an organization in Clatsop County supported by OHCS. “LiFEBoat has provided me with the opportunity to get a home—a space of my own after living in rooms and cars and closets for my whole life,” Ash said.
Organizations like LiFEBoat Services, AntFarm, and others, including Church at the Park (C@P) in Marion County, highlight the critical role of state support in combating homelessness.
“The EO funds have been absolutely essential. At this family site, we’re able to support 35 households at a time and up to 132 people. The folks who exit here are 75% of the time landing in permanent supportive housing,” said DJ Vincent, founding pastor and director of C@P. “I don’t believe we can do work without the state, county, and city support.”
Over the past five years, OHCS has led the charge in creating sustainable housing solutions. With a focus on human impact and community-driven progress, the department remains focused on ensuring every Oregonian has a safe place to call home.
Watch and read more on how the governor’s homelessness emergency response is transforming lives at https://orhomelessnessresponse...
OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
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