My View: Metro Councilor Simpson says expand homeless services program

Published 4:33 pm Monday, November 18, 2024

Everyone in our region knows our housing system needs to change. From unaffordable market-rate housing to the struggles faced by our homeless services, the greater Portland region must ensure everyone has access to an affordable roof over their heads. (Editor’s note: See story, Page A1.)

As a Metro councilor, addressing this issue is my top priority. Metro, our regional government, was established to promote collaboration among cities, counties, local governments and state agencies to tackle our most pressing challenges from a regional perspective. It manages essential programs and infrastructural services that our community relies upon.

When I ran for Metro Council in 2020, I aimed to leverage my unique expertise in an agency that profoundly influences our region’s future. As a veteran, a father, and a transplant from Houston, I bring a diverse perspective to this role.

Creating and implementing public policy is tough, and change is hard. However, we have made significant strides in housing over the past few years, even as many challenges remain. Thanks to the voter-approved 2018 Metro affordable housing bond, we have constructed over 2,000 new affordable homes across greater Portland, with another 2,700 currently under development, surpassing our initial goal of 3,900 new apartments. I want you to know that acknowledging these accomplishments while recognizing that additional work lies ahead is essential.

Following recent research and extensive community feedback, my Metro Council colleagues and I are contemplating asking voters for reforms to our regional Supportive Housing Services system to maintain this momentum.

These changes would further the success of the 2018 construction ballot measure and introduce essential governance reforms to the 2020 Supportive Housing Services measure. While some may express urgency over high taxes and the need for immediate change, I understand this sentiment, given my life experiences.

Although many assumptions from the 2018 plan remain valid, some have yet to realize their potential fully. Even with good intentions, we cannot control all factors affecting our housing situation. Addressing deeply rooted social issues is a gradual process requiring patience, persistence, and the willingness to adapt as we learn together.

Portland often takes center stage in the national discussion about homelessness, yet neighboring cities like Gresham, Fairview and Troutdale face similar challenges, often with fewer resources and less public attention. These communities require a more robust infrastructure and a coordinated, regional approach to significantly impact their situations, as social problems do not adhere to geographic boundaries.

Despite the tireless efforts of dedicated local leaders, the challenges remain overwhelming, leaving them stretched thin and unable to implement sustainable solutions. Consequently, residents of encampments are frequently shuffled from one location to another without a comprehensive, coordinated response to address the root causes of the crisis.

Currently, Metro is considering various reforms — rooted in public feedback — that aim to enhance accountability and efficiency within the Supportive Housing Services system, ensuring we meet the goals set forth by voters. However, we are also exploring innovative ideas worth considering.

One proposal is establishing innovation funds for cities like Gresham and Troutdale to address specific homelessness-related issues within their jurisdictions. These funds would provide seed money to enable local governments and their partners to respond effectively to challenges they face, especially as budget cuts loom.

Another emerging idea, in collaboration with Multnomah County Commissioner-elect Vincent Jones-Dixon, is a pilot program to finance targeted housing for frontline non-profit workers. Recent data illustrates that these critical responders — the individuals essential for solving our homelessness crisis — often cannot afford housing. I support utilizing Supportive Housing System funds to reduce housing costs for lower-income nonprofit employees.

As I contemplate the future, I think of my son and his peers in the context of our work at Metro. Addressing these issues requires clear outcomes and tough decisions while ensuring everyone has a fair chance. With clarity of heart and mind, we can collectively tackle these significant problems and create a brighter future.

Creating and implementing public policy is tough, and change is hard. However, we have made significant strides in housing over the past few years, even as many challenges remain.

Ashton Simpson, Metro Councilor