Dear partners,
As you know, the Legislature allocated $24.1 million to OHCS to support the ongoing operation of shelters that received one-time funding from the agency in the last two biennia.
Knowing the need for operational support statewide would exceed the allocated resources, OHCS conducted a survey and outreach to shelters statewide to determine their operational needs. This would inform the allocation process for the $24.1 million allocated and collect much-needed data about shelter operational needs. We want to thank those who supported this critical data collection and provided valuable information and input.
OHCS values transparency in our decision-making and wants to ensure the data collected is available to our partners. As such, the survey and outreach approach, a complete list of shelters responses with and without financial need, and the shelters approved for contract execution are attached to this email. We’ve also attached a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding this funding and process.
It is crucial to ensure safe shelter options for people experiencing homelessness, particularly during the winter months. To this end, it is of the utmost importance that the state maintains its shelter capacity. OHCS will distribute this one-time funding directly to the shelter operators listed so they can quickly receive the funding needed to ensure continued operation through the winter.
We recognize that operational needs persist both for shelters previously funded by the state and those that are locally funded. The information provided by many organizations, including yours, tells a powerful story around statewide shelter needs. Governor Kotek and OHCS are seeking to work with the Legislature during the 2024 Short Session to establish shared principles in pursuit of any proposed shelter funding to achieve a more stable statewide system. Beyond 2024 Legislative Session, OHCS will build on this information to expand collective transparency around local and state funding paired that can create a sustainable and predictable shelter system across the state.
We invite you to drop in an optional office hour at one of the times below to ask any questions you have:
Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Noon-12:30pm
Registration link
Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 1:30pm-2pm
Registration link
Thursday, Nov. 30 | 11am to 11:30am
Registration link
Thank you for your continued partnership,
Jill Smith
Director of Housing Stabilization
Attachments:
State Shelter Operations Needs Study Results
2023 Shelter Allocation Outreach Summary
2023 Shelter Allocation Frequently Asked Questions
