The Homelessness Crisis is a Top Concern for Oregon Voters. Only One Candidate for Governor has a Track Record and a Plan that Housing Leaders Trust

Statement

Oregon is in the midst of a housing and homelessness crisis.

All three candidates for governor are campaigning on homelessness because it is understandably a top concern for Oregon voters. However, it is crucial to note that all three candidates served together in the legislature in positions of leadership -- but only one candidate made housing and homelessness her top priority as a legislator: Tina Kotek.

With a crisis of this magnitude, it's easy to point fingers and criticize. It's much more challenging to roll up your sleeves and do something about it. While Christine Drazan and Betsy Johnson were busy voting "no" or walking off the job, Tina was sounding the alarm and doing everything she could to help. And the crisis on our streets would be much worse if the state had done nothing.
An Urgent Plan of Action

Tina has a comprehensive plan to tackle Oregon's housing and homelessness crisis as Governor.

Three main steps she would take in her first year in office to take on housing and homelessness include:

Within the first 30 days, she will form a special emergency management team with one mission: end unsheltered homelessness for veterans, families with children, unaccompanied youth, and seniors by 2025.
She will immediately prioritize expanding managed shelters, improving access to mental health and addiction services, and getting new street outreach teams on the ground to help people.
On Day One, she will issue an executive order to increase the pace and scale of housing production statewide, with a focus on financing housing that's affordable for middle class families.

She will have specific goals that are transparent and accountable. For example, "how often does someone living on the streets have consistent and reliable contact with a street outreach team?" Success will be measured by how many Oregonians experiencing homelessness move into permanent housing and how many Oregonians at risk of homelessness remain housed.

Tina also recognizes that mental health and addiction services are a critical part of addressing this crisis. As Governor, she will:

Make sure that the state is delivering on what voters demanded when they passed Measure 110: expanded recovery services statewide so that as soon as someone struggling with addiction is ready for treatment, they can find the support they need in their community right away. Christine Drazan and Betsy Johnson want to go against the will of the voters, repeal the measure, and keep kicking the can down the road. Lives are on the line, and Oregonians do not want to go backward.
Ensure the state is effectively spending the $500 million the legislature added to expand mental health and addiction care, and the millions more from voters by Measure 110. She will demand results, including an immediate review of Oregon Health Authority management and the practices of coordinated care organizations.
Direct a top-to-bottom review of the workforce shortage that is keeping us from serving people. That likely means increased wages, lower caseloads, financial assistance to complete certifications, and emergency streamlining of licensing requirements.

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