The Oregon Senate Committee on Housing and Development convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing homelessness and housing assistance in the state. The meeting highlighted two key bills that are part of Governor Kotek's ongoing efforts to combat the homelessness crisis, which has seen a significant rise in recent years.

Matthew Schawbold, the Governor's Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director, and Liz Weber, Director of the Housing Stabilization Division at the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), presented an overview of the current situation. Since Governor Kotek took office in January 2023, the number of Oregonians experiencing homelessness has surged to over 20,000, with more than 13,000 living unsheltered. This represents a staggering 44% increase from 2017 to 2022. In response, the governor initiated emergency measures aimed at preventing homelessness and expanding shelter capacity.

The committee learned that significant progress has been made under these emergency orders. The state has successfully rehoused 3,300 households and prevented 24,000 households from becoming homeless. If the governor's proposed budget is approved, it is projected that one in three individuals experiencing homelessness at the time of the emergency declaration will be rehoused by the end of the 2027 biennium.

The two bills discussed during the meeting are House Bill 3644, which aims to establish a statewide shelter system, and House Bill 2139, which proposes a tribal housing grant program. The statewide shelter system is designed to create a coordinated response to homelessness across Oregon, utilizing proven interventions and addressing the needs of regions that have seen significant increases in unsheltered homelessness.

Schawbold emphasized the importance of a unified approach to funding and delivering shelter services, moving away from one-time funding models to a more sustainable system. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that funding for shelter and rehousing services is consistent and transparent, allowing for better outcomes for those in need.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing homelessness in Oregon and the state's commitment to providing effective solutions. As the legislative process continues, the outcomes of these bills could significantly impact the lives of thousands of Oregonians facing housing instability. The committee's work reflects a broader goal of creating a more equitable and effective housing system that meets the needs of all residents.