The 2 years long COVID Pandemic has made clear that Oregon renters and homeowners who followed temporary stay-at-home- mandates, resulting in mass job losses, financial ruin, business closures, and a stalled Oregon economy that may last for years, we need a broader and more comprehensive definition of the state of emergency, including its triggers and, long-term protective housing safeguards.
Temporary fixes that increase the risks of mass displacement, eviction and homelessness, drastically reducing the gains in public safety is No Longer an Option.
Major changes in policies and our shift in values are needed immediately.
Expanding the definition of State of Emergency Declaration
Oregon's Housing State of Emergency Bill
We will be putting forth an amendment to the Oregon State of Emergency Declaration adding housing to the weather and financial disaster threats to public safety, and identifying 5 major qualifying triggers.
( to include any city or statewide threat leading to f displacement, eviction, and homelessness)
Preparation:
This legislation would establish clear limits on rent payments (as a percentage of income) in order to protect low-fixed-income seniors and disabled renters from unsustainable rises in rents due to escalating nhousing market forces.
Many seniors and disabled renters are paying 50% -80% of their $20,000/Year and below incomes for rent.. Some are skipping medical treatments, stopped paying their imedical insurance premiums and have no dental care, and have cut back significantly on food and other vital household needs in order to remain housed. They lay awake worrying about how long they can sustain one more rent increase.
The significant rise in homelessness amongst low-income seniors is "frightening" stated a Gresham widow living on one Social Security payment following the loss of her husband. "We're"e the next homeless". Governor Kate Brwon expressed her concern for this population and stated that she was willing to discuss exemption protection.
The 30% of income paid for rent rule does not work for lower-income residents struggling to keep up with continually rising prices in an already overpriced real estate market that is using daily computerized pricing tools that have over time priced huge populations of renters out of housing altogether.
Our Housing Pricing System is Creating Our Homelessness Problem
We believe the real purpose of housing is to serve as shelter, protection and, enriching the lives of our citizens Vs housing as a commodity.
Continuing this insane and dangerous profiteering practice by wagering public safety and people's lives for economic gains for a few investors is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.
The Rent / Income Bill
Goal: Shift to a Community Based Housing System
Plan:
Start an open dialogue thru public forums to discuss this important 21st-century shift in values related to the purpose of housing in general.
New tools:
Issuance of Housing Card - housing file (similar to social security # and database)
Housing Account is paid according to income ( monthly or quarterly)
Arrears Proof System due to job loss, illness- payment is suspended, until you return to full employment)
Oregon Renters In Action is an all-volunteer, grassroots group, fully supported through community donations.
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