Oregon Housing and Community Services Invests $165 Million to Build 550+ Affordable Homes
In a landmark decision on Friday, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced a $165 million investment aimed at tackling the state’s critical affordable housing shortage. This funding, approved by the Oregon Housing Stability Council, will support the construction of eight housing developments across the state, ultimately providing over 550 affordable homes.
Andrea Bell, OHCS Executive Director, emphasized the transformative impact of these new projects, particularly for families struggling to find stable housing. “With each new home, we are building a brighter future for the state we love,” Bell stated. “A future where families won’t be forced to move multiple times in a school year to find an affordable place to live. A future where progress is driven by the community and supported by the state. A future where we bridge the gap between our current reality and our potential, making life better for all Oregonians.”
The developments will create 465 new rental homes and 87 homes available for low-income buyers. Additionally, The Commons on MLK in Eugene will provide both rental assistance and on-site support services to its residents, highlighting OHCS’s commitment to providing more than just housing.
The rental projects, designed to support diverse communities, will include spaces for resident services, from community rooms and playgrounds to on-site programs aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life. Salem’s Colonia Libertad II, for instance, will feature after-school programs and financial literacy workshops tailored for agricultural workers and their families, providing resources that go beyond basic housing needs.
In Beaverton, the 81-unit Elmonica Station will be developed by REACH CDC and Mercy Housing Northwest, while Salem will see 120 new homes with the creation of Gussie Belle Commons by Green Light LLC and Seed of Faith Ministries. In Portland, Legin Commons, led by Our Just Future and the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, will add 124 units, with plans to foster a community inclusive of Portland’s diverse population. Smaller developments, like Marine Drive in Astoria and Woodland Hearth in Tigard, aim to meet specific local needs, ensuring each project reflects its community’s unique characteristics.
“Each of these developments reflects our commitment to creating safe, stable, and affordable housing throughout the state,” said Bell. “We know there is more work to do, yet these gains show what’s possible when we work together.”
The new homeownership developments, Murphy Crossing 2 in Bend and Thompson Springs in Tillamook, offer affordable pathways to homeownership. Designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, Thompson Springs will incorporate universal design features to cater to residents with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.
OHCS operates as Oregon’s housing finance agency, primarily working through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. The agency’s programs are designed to ensure that low- and moderate-income Oregonians have access to quality, affordable housing, contributing to overall housing stabilization across the state.
The approved developments underscore the state’s focus on addressing not only the shortage of affordable housing but also the broader needs of Oregon’s diverse communities. With projects ranging from multi-unit rental buildings to accessible homeownership options, OHCS aims to support families and individuals from various backgrounds and income levels.