Housing and homeless services saved for now...
Mayor Sam Adams and housing commissioner Nick Fish announced a total of $9.98 million increase in base services for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in the FY 2009-2010 proposed budget. The entire proposed city budget was slashed by $8.8 million - with 62 percent of that being administrative costs at the city level.
Street Roots along with Oregon On, 211 Info, Sisters Of The Road, and many faith based community members, including Chuck Currie, have been leading a campaign to save $6.7 million dollars in one-time funding.
Commissioner Fish says the move is a win for people experiencing homelessness and poverty and will bridge existing services and allow for expansion during the economic crisis.
Fish told Street Roots when the city started the budget discussions, it was looking at a 20 percent shortfall in funding, but that with an 11 percent increase in homelessness in the city, it was crucial that the city step up.
Here's the breakdown:
- Ongoing funding to Resource Access Center operations: $1 million
- Additional one-time bridge funding for housing services: $5.8 million
- Expansion of rent assistance, housing and economic opportunities: $3.1 million
