News from the Continuum

By Sarah Owens

Lts Quinton and Deanna Markham

The new leadership of The Salvation Army of Marion and Polk Counties has moved quietly into position.  Lts Quinton and Deanna Markham are recently arrived from their previous assignment in Modesto, CA.  See "West Announces 2019 Officer Moves."  

Will Salem see the Lighthouse Shelter continue to decline under the Markhams' leadership?  Depends on whether they share their predecessors' view that "it's all about kids."  (They might not.  See  "Salvation Army commits to doubling impact on homelessness.")    

The Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and City Council recently authorized extending the HRAP grant agreement through June 2020 to allow about $720K unspent 2019 funds to roll over to the current fiscal year.  The funds cover everything from rent assistance and  barrier removal to admin and salaries.

HRAP's going through some changes.  Several Salem Housing Authority staff who got the program through its first two years -- Andy Wilch, Kellie Bataglia, Sonya Ryland and Pamala Garrick -- have all left the building.  There was a definite shift in the feel and focus of the program as it moved into its second year, and pressure mounted to move stable participants onto vouchers.  By year three, the eviction rate had risen slightly, and new management was contemplating limiting participation to those with  lower needs.  (Never mind that vulnerability outside is not an accurate predictor of housing stability).  The continued shortage of affordable housing, budgetary pressures, and sensational headlines haven't helped.  See Bach, J. "Can Salem continue to pay for its 'housing first' program to get homeless off the streets?"  (Statesman Journal, May 19, 2019.)   Brynelson, T. "Landlords say they're taking a risk renting to Salem's homeless."  (Salem Reporter, July 17, 2019.) Brynelson, T. "Former Salem Housing Authority staffer slams 'toxic environment' in resignation letter."  (Salem Reporter, August 14, 2019.)

Some HRAP graduates have been forced to search for new housing, versus remaining in their homes on the voucher as the program intended -- Michael (at right) being one example.  And, as we all know, it's really, really hard to find housing at voucher rates.  In a handful of cases, graduates have had to turn to MWVCAA's The ARCHES Project, for help.  As far as anyone knows, the City's five-year financing commitment to the program remains unchanged, but given certain councilors' flip-flop on the sit-lie issue, nothing is certain.  See "City to Market Sit-Lie at Community Forum." 

The state's housing finance agency, Oregon Housing and Community Services, had a successful legislative session.  See the OHCS's legislative budget summary here at page 133.  We are talking success in the hundreds of millions, some of which will come to Marion and Polk counties.

The 2019 Session also brought statewide upzoning reform (ban on single-family zones).  The effect of that ban locally remains to be seen. 

Pros might be interested in the recent OHCS-commissioned studies on affordable housing costs (here at 67), and on statewide shelters here.  The shelter study recommends that the state support the development of navigation centers in Salem and Eugene.  Nav centers are emergency low-barrier shelters that accommodate partners, pets, and possessions, operate 24/7 and provide intensive case management to connect people to public benefits, health services and permanent housing.

Finally, a mere two years after OHCS was caught colluding with MWVCAA to cover up the misap-propriation of EHA/SHAP funds for the purchase of 615 Commercial Street NE (see "MWVCAA Purchase Sidesteps State Approval Process"),
OHCS is implementing formal procedures for approving and overseeing the use of emergency housing funds for real estate purchases.  See here at 43.  The new procedures are, of course, to be applied prospectively, and make no provision in the event of fraud, misrepresentation or non-compliance.