Bolster our community by voting “yes” on affordable housing

Oregon Food Bank endorses Measures 102 & 26-199

September 25, 2018 – This November, Oregonians that care about ending hunger have a job to do—pass policies that support people experiencing hunger and defeat policies that do not.

Oregon Food Bank has taken a stance on the following ballot measures in the November 2018 election because we believe they will directly impact the people our network serves. If you can vote, join us in voting on these critical measures. If you cannot vote, educate and encourage other people in your life to take action.

Measure 102: State Constitutional Amendment on housing – YES
This measure lifts the current ban on the ability of local governments to work with non-profits and local businesses to build affordable housing with bonds. It will enable our local communities to build more affordable homes with bond dollars.

Every day, across the state, our clients tell us that they have to make the tough choice between rent and food. They tell us that the reason they need food assistance is because their rent is too expensive and they are struggling to find a safe, affordable place to call home. In order to end hunger, we have to address housing.

This measure will let communities that want to build or preserve affordable housing reach even more people in need. Oregon Food Bank urges a YES vote on Measure 102.

Measure 26-199: Metro Housing Bond – YES
Measure 26-199 is a $652.8 million general obligation bond issued by Metro that creates affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. The bond is estimated to fund permanently affordable homes for over 7,500 people in the region, or 12,000 people if the statewide constitutional amendment (Measure 102) passes as well.

Oregon Food Bank supports Measure 26-199 because far too many of our neighbors cannot afford housing and food. In Oregon, nearly half of households visiting food pantries tell us that they have at least one member of their household working, but income is not keeping up with the high cost of rent. Every day, people tell us they need food assistance because housing costs too much or is simply not available. In order to end hunger, we need to address housing.

Oregon Food Bank urges you to vote yes on Measure 26-199 because it will provide much-needed safe and affordable housing for families across the Metro region and will be an important step forward in addressing the interlinking issues of housing and hunger.