WashCo to sell affordable housing, forcing up to 60 families out of homes
WashCo to sell affordable housing, forcing up to 60 families out of homes KOIN.com
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PORTLAND, Ore. – Affordable Housing to be Sold, Impacting 60 Families
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Nearly 60 families will be forced out of their homes when Washington County sells the affordable housing it owns in the area.
Cost and Community Considerations
According to county officials like Policy and Planning Manager Melissa Sonsalla, the cost of ownership and maintenance for the single-family houses is too expensive, and selling them would be best for the community.
Challenges with Federal Funding
“We receive federal funding for the upkeep of these homes, but nationally, this particular portion of funding has fallen behind for decades,” Sonsalla said.
Timeline and Potential Disruptions
However, it could be two to three years before they choose to sell. Fifty-eight families are currently in these homes – some of whom have lived in them for years. When the county sells the properties, family ties to schools, communities, and jobs could be interrupted.
Rent Assistance Vouchers
The Department of Housing Services plans to offer rent assistance vouchers that could help these families stay in their neighborhood.
Relocation Support
To lessen the blow, the county is also providing a relocation company and moving cost assistance. “That can cover moving expenses, security, deposit first and last month’s rent utility hookup application fee. All of that,” Sonsalla said.
Encouraging Homeownership
In fact, the county encourages the families to buy the homes for themselves. “Because we’re responsible for federal taxpayer money, we do have to sell these homes at some comparable fair market value, but we’re trying to figure out if we can offer the homes at a discount,” Sonsalla said.
Financial Impact and Community Investment
According to an estimate from 2021, the county could receive roughly $21 million by selling these homes, but that number could be much higher in 2024. “This income will go directly back into the community, either to continue to improve the properties that we own or to build new affordable housing in the future,” Sonsalla said.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the issue of affordable housing and the potential displacement of families.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the need for affordable housing and mentions the potential use of funds from selling the properties to improve existing properties or build new affordable housing.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 1.4: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
- Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: koin.com
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