September 17, 2021

Wyden, Merkley: Lane and Douglas Counties to Receive More than $1.7 Million in Housing Choice Vouchers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Lane and Douglas Counties will receive a combined $1.7 million in housing choice vouchers from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“Housing is a human right,” Wyden said. “Since we are in this COVID-19 pandemic for the long haul, it is imperative to continue to ensure that basic human needs are being met—and that starts with housing. I’m gratified to see Lane and Douglas counties putting federal dollars to good use keeping roofs overhead.”

“As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives, reliable and affordable housing is more important than ever for Oregon families,” Merkley said. “I am pleased that Lane and Douglas counties will use these housing vouchers to provide shelter to those who need it most, and I will continue to push for federal resources that ensures housing as a human right for every Oregonian.”

The housing choice voucher program assists very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program, and in this instance are distributed as follows:

  • Housing Authority & Community Services of Lane County: $1,680,169
  • Housing Authority of Douglas County: $90,045

“Many families we serve with our Housing Choice Voucher program needed our support because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on their employment income,” said Jacob Fox, Executive Director of Homes For Good in Lane County.  “We were able to help these families by providing a higher amount of rental assistance.  This American Rescue Act funding adjustment is instrumental in keeping our families stable in their housing and it would not have been possible without the vision and leadership from Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley.”

“The Housing Authority of Douglas County, Oregon is pleased to receive additional funding for the Housing Choice Voucher Program under the American Rescue Plan,” said Janeal Kohler, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Douglas County and Douglas Multi-Family Property Management Corporation. “The continued support of Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley  has been instrumental in ensuring affordable housing continues to be a priority. This funding is important to HADCO continuing to meet the affordable housing needs of our community during these challenging times”.