HB 3644 hearing surprise: People turn against 1/4 billion shelter

HB 3644 will make Housing and Community Services Department to create a statewide shelter program
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

By 3-to-1 on online testimony people came out to oppose a new statewide quarter billion homeless shelter system HB 3644.  Roughly 73 testimonies against HB 3644 and 28 in support of HB 3644 (not including in-person testimony).

This week lawmakers held a hearing on House Bill (HB3644) which would have the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (HCSD) create a shelter program across Oregon. This settler program would be focused on using local governments and non-profits as regional coordinators to create action plans, reports, and distribute funds.

One Beaverton woman testified on key points why HB 3644 is problematic, “Our government has already wasted hundreds of millions of dollars across this state on homelessness issues with little transparency. I for one am tired of paying supplemental housing and services taxes as I watch the problem expand. These efforts are better handled by the private sector and for much less cost. Look at Bybee Lakes Hope Center as an example, or Union Gospel Mission. Taxpayers are tired of being asked to spend more money on a problem that has only increased because of our current government ineptitude. We need to stop funding this industrial homeless complex and find ways to support the proven organizations that are already making headway on these issues. “

Newly elected Portland Mayor pleaded in support for the bill saying that Portland is falling apart,“We’re losing our identity as a community of entrepreneurs, and worse, our livability has gone from being one of the most desirable cities in the country to one of the least,”

HB 3644 details:

The House Bill (HB3644) reads, “Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to establish a statewide shelter program through which regional coordinators are selected to administer funding to shelter providers. ”

Section 1 (3) of the bill highlights the core objectives of the program.

“(3) In implementing the program, the department shall:

(a) Focus on the outcomes of reducing unsheltered homelessness, transitioning people experiencing homelessness to housing stability and housing retention for people rehoused through the program;
(b) Foster equity in outcomes for those disproportionately impacted by structural inequities in homelessness and the homelessness response system;
(c) Require regional coordination in planning, funding and services;
(d) Provide flexibility to allow regional coordinators and shelter providers to meet the needs of each community;
(e) Facilitate consistent, predictable and trackable systems and services that allow the state, regional coordinators and shelter providers to plan for needs and reduce administrative burdens; and
(f) Ensure accountability for regional coordinators and shelter providers for minimum expectations and outcomes.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek requested the bill (HB3644), which is also sponsored by Representative Pam Marsh (D) and Mark Gamba (D).

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