January 12, 2023

Wyden, Merkley: Oregon Housing Authorities Receive more than $900,000 in Housing Vouchers for Oregonians with Disabilities

Klamath, Lincoln, Lane, Clackamas, Washington and Yamhill counties to benefit

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this week announced that six Oregon counties will receive 80 vouchers from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to fund permanent affordable housing assistance to Oregonians with extreme mental health concerns and disabilities.?

“As the weather continues to be wet and cold, I’m gratified to see more Oregonians get a roof overhead,” Wyden said. “Housing is a basic human need. These permanent housing vouchers are critical to ensuring that more Oregonians living with mental illness and/or disabilities gain access to a stable, safe place to call home. I am devoted to ensuring vulnerable people get a roof over their heads in Oregon and across the country.”

“I’ve heard from many Oregonians who are struggling under the enormous weight of America’s affordable housing crisis—a weight that is only amplified for individuals with disabilities,” said Senator Merkley. “These critical federal housing investments will help Oregonians with disabilities access affordable and safe housing across our state.” 

“People with disabilities deserve access to affordable housing that meets their needs,” HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said. “Today’s funding is an important step forward - one that will help more persons with disabilities serve as fully integrated members of their communities and allow them to live independently and with dignity.”

This housing assistance will go to assist non-elderly people with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional or other isolated settings, are at serious risk of institutionalization, are homeless, or are otherwise without stable housing. To help public housing authorities address rental market conditions that are creating challenges with leasing, HUD awarded both new vouchers and extraordinary administrative fees, which can be used to support the housing search and leasing up of eligible applicants, in addition to easing costs like security deposits, signing bonuses, vacancy payments and damage mitigation. The funds will be allocated as follows:

  • Klamath Housing Authority: 10 vouchers, $44,089
  • Housing Authority of Lincoln County: 10 vouchers, $64,068
  • Housing Authority of Lane County: 30 vouchers, $237,654
  • Housing Authority of Clackamas County: 30 vouchers, $361,166
  • Housing Authority of Washington County: $89,000 for extraordinary administrative fees
  • Housing Authority of Yamhill County: $108,000 for extraordinary administrative fees