New partnership seeking ‘bold solutions’ to C. Oregon’s housing crisis grows to 20 members, plans Jan. 13 workshop
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Partners for Affordable Housing announced Thursday that it has expanded its diverse coalition membership, with "20 members now united behind a mission to develop and advocate for bold solutions that increase housing supply and lower housing costs across Central Oregon," the organization said.
Here's the full announcement:
The advocacy coalition is unique in the region, bringing together policy experts, affordable and market rate housing builders, and organizations representing people impacted by the housing crisis—sometimes devastatingly so. Through education, powerful storytelling and policy recommendations, the coalition hopes to support elected leaders to feel empowered by the community to enact bold solutions to support families across the region.
“Even folks making a middle income salary—nurses, teachers, first responders— struggle to find affordable places to rent or buy in Central Oregon,” said Jim Roberts, a lead with Bend YIMBY and a founding member of Partners for Affordable Housing. “We must take bolder and more immediate action to get more homes of all types built at all price points.”
The coalition now consists of 20 organizations including unions, employers, market rate and affordable housing builders, and housing advocacy groups. All partners recognize that adequate affordable and workforce housing is critical to a strong economy and ensuring people are able to stay and thrive in Central Oregon.
New groups include:
- Ashley & Vance Engineering
- Bethlehem Inn
- Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity
- Bliss Sequoia Insurance and Risk Advisors
- CASA of Central Oregon
- Katherine Austin Architect
- Mountain View Community Development
- Northwest Housing Alternatives
- Open Concept Architecture
- Roost Development
- Thistle and Nest
Members already engaged in the coalition include Bend Chamber, Bend Police Association, Bend YIMBY, East Cascades Association of REALTORS, Central Oregon Builders Association, Oregon Nurses Association, and RootedHomes.
The next step for the coalition is to host a virtual Partner Workshop on Monday, Jan. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. Topics will include review and input on the coalition’s 2025 Q1 advocacy agenda, as well as how and partners can engage their constituencies to tell the stories of housing impacts in Central Oregon.
Interested organizations should visit www.partnersforaffordablehousing.com to learn more about coalition mission, vision, shared values and partner commitments, and to fill out the partner interest form. New partners should fill out the form by Thursday, Jan. 9 to ensure participation in the workshop.
