August 31, 2021

Wyden, Merkley: More than $100,000 to Rural Counties in Affordable Housing Vouchers

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Klamath, Malheur, Umatilla and Douglas counties will receive a combined more than $100,000 in Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) for affordable housing.

“Too many Oregonians devote more than half of their monthly take-home pay to keep a floor under their feet and a roof over their head,” Wyden said. “I am gratified these housing vouchers will go to some of Oregon’s rural communities hardest hit by an housing affordability crisis worsened by the ongoing public health crisis. Housing is a human right and every dollar counts to treat it as such.”

“Oregonians should not have to struggle in order to find affordable housing, especially during a public health crisis,” Merkley said. “We must take care of the most vulnerable in our communities, and I am pleased that these housing vouchers will go to areas that need them the most. Every Oregonian deserves the right to have a home, and I will continue fighting to make that a reality.”

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The funds will be distributed as follows:

  • Klamath Housing Authority: $14,141
  • Housing Authority of Malheur County: $14,620
  • Housing Authority of the County of Umatilla: $35,503
  • Housing Authority of Douglas County: $45,135