Donations after a disaster
■ In the aftermath of a disaster, Oregonians often ask, “How can I help?” While offers of donated goods, such as clothing, food, and household items, are heartfelt, they can create serious logistical challenges for emergency responders and community organizations already stretched thin. Unless specifically requested, these types of donations can slow down relief efforts, according to the state’s emergency officials. The most effective way to support disaster survivors is by donating cash to reputable relief organizations.
Cash donations:
- Allow relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed
- Help local businesses recover by sourcing supplies locally
- Requires no transportation, storage, or sorting
- Can be deployed immediately to where they’re most needed
Helping hands for our parks
■ Join Lane County Parks staff for Stewardship Saturdays, where you can help improve local parks. Volunteer at least 10 hours in a year to earn a free parking pass for the next year ($40 value). Visit the Lane County Parks webpage for more info.
Oregon Legislature approves housing investments
■ The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session concluded last month, delivering significant investments in the state’s housing and homelessness efforts. Highlights from the 2025-27 agency budget and key legislation include:
- $204.9 million to sustain homeless and emergency shelters, helping communities across Oregon meet the immediate needs of people living unsheltered.
- $100.9 million for the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership program, which supports the development of affordable homes for families with low to moderate incomes.
- $10 million to support the housing priorities of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Native American Tribes, affirming the state’s commitment to tribal partnership and housing justice.
- $24 million for the Senior Housing Initiative through House Bill 3589, a targeted investment in preventing and reducing homelessness among Oregon’s aging population.
- House Bill 2698 establishes a statewide goal for homeownership.
- House Bill 3792, which increases funding for low-income energy bill assistance by raising the cap from $20 million to $40 million, a move that will allow Oregon Housing & Community Services to serve more households in need of relief from rising utility costs.
A year later
■ Oregon Housing and Community Services has introduced a non-competitive funding process through the Oregon Centralized Application. This always-open system allows for rolling applications and ongoing project evaluations, enabling quick advancements for ready projects. In the past year, 91 affordable housing projects applied, with 42 receiving money for 2,797 homes. The agencies track over 15,000 rental homes in the development pipeline.
