A For Rent sign in Portland, July 27, 2015. (KOIN)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- As rent and home costs continue to rise across the Portland area, supporters of two new ballot measures say they have a solution for affordable housing.
There is such a shortage of affordable housing that supporters say families are being forced to move further away from their jobs, children have to change schools and some are even facing homelessness.
A group of advocates kicked off their campaign Thursday to increase support for affordable housing. Some shared their stories of how hard it is to make ends meet and still pay rent.
Voters will see two ballot measures that supporters say are designed to ensure safe and affordable housing for up to 12,000 people in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties.
A regional bond would create more access to affordable housing, while across the state, Oregon voters will be asked to support passing a constitutional amendment that allows local housing dollars to be used in partnership with non-profit organizations.
"That's 12,000 people today don't know if they are going to have a roof over their head tomorrow," city commissioner Nick Fish said. "These kids are getting yanked out of school because they don't have stability. Older adults on fixed incomes, struggling families. It's a historic moment because it is the first time the region as a whole, three counties have stepped up and said 'we want to be part of the solution.'"
The regional bond comes at a cost of $652 million over a 20-yer period and will help and estimated 7,500 people, according to those leading the effort. That would cost the average homeowner about $60 a year.
The money will be used to build new affordable homes and renovate existing ones.
Around 3,900 new affordable homes will be created throughout Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties if both measures pass and 2,400 if only the regional one passes.
All homes will remain affordable for low-income people under the ballot measures.
Copyright by KOIN - All rights reserved
