January 26, 2015

Oregon Receives Nearly $27 Million to Put Roofs Over Oregonians’ Heads

Senators Wyden and Merkley laud program that promotes community efforts designed to end homelessness

Washington, DC  – Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today praised the announcement of federal funding for more than 130 programs across the state that seek to house people who are experiencing homelessness.

”When people can’t afford a roof over their head, they suffer and the entire community suffers,” Senator Wyden said. “Too many folks are still suffering the aftereffects of the recession, making it more important than ever to pull together as a compassionate nation to house the men, women and children who might otherwise be left on the street.”

“We have far too many Oregonians in all corners of the state who are struggling to find a permanent home or even a place to sleep at night,” Senator Merkley said. “This funding will help communities across Oregon put a roof over the heads of homeless families and individuals and get them the resources to get back on their feet.”

The $26.7 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program goes to Oregon nonprofits as well as state and local governments.

The federal program targets its funding to efforts that quickly rehouse individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; promote access to and use of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among families experiencing homelessness.

A complete list of the 135 Oregon programs qualifying for the $26.7 million in awards is available here.