Kaylee Domzalski
Originally published on May 3, 2021 4:06 pm
For the second time in a year, the Oregon Legislature has approved a bill that lowers the bar for creating homeless shelters across the state.
In a 26-1 vote, the Oregon Senate on Monday approved House Bill 2006. The bill requires cities to approve proposed homeless shelters if they meet certain criteria, such as offering access to transportation, complying with building codes, and posing no health or safety threat.
As long as the standards are met, zoning rules or other planning regulations that can frequently stymie shelters will not be an obstacle.
HB 2006 now awaits a signature from Gov. Kate Brown, and will take effect once signed.
May 4, 2021
Photo: ODOT
The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2006 today, a bill that allows local governments greater flexibility in siting emergency shelter locations.
While the nation battled the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the northwest experienced the compounding tragedy of devastating wildfires. Those wildfires led to the loss of homes, businesses, communities and lives. Many Oregonians have been displaced, many have lost jobs, and many have confronted extreme loss.
“Prior to COVID-19 taking hold in our state, many were suffering due to our housing crisis,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D-Salem) who carried House Bill 2006 to passage. “Our housing emergency preceded, and has been exacerbated, in the past year. And it’s harmed our vulnerable community members disproportionately,” Senator Patterson added.
May 4, 2021
Photo: ODOT
The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2006 today, a bill that allows local governments greater flexibility in siting emergency shelter locations.
While the nation battled the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the northwest experienced the compounding tragedy of devastating wildfires. Those wildfires led to the loss of homes, businesses, communities and lives. Many Oregonians have been displaced, many have lost jobs, and many have confronted extreme loss.
“Prior to COVID-19 taking hold in our state, many were suffering due to our housing crisis,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D-Salem) who carried House Bill 2006 to passage. “Our housing emergency preceded, and has been exacerbated, in the past year. And it’s harmed our vulnerable community members disproportionately,” Senator Patterson added.
May 4, 2021
Photo: ODOT
The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2006 today, a bill that allows local governments greater flexibility in siting emergency shelter locations.
While the nation battled the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the northwest experienced the compounding tragedy of devastating wildfires. Those wildfires led to the loss of homes, businesses, communities and lives. Many Oregonians have been displaced, many have lost jobs, and many have confronted extreme loss.
“Prior to COVID-19 taking hold in our state, many were suffering due to our housing crisis,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D-Salem) who carried House Bill 2006 to passage. “Our housing emergency preceded, and has been exacerbated, in the past year. And it’s harmed our vulnerable community members disproportionately,” Senator Patterson added.
New House Bill aims to expedite emergency shelter process
House Bill 2006, which the Senate passed 26-1, will remove barriers to siting shelters by temporarily adjusting land use laws and waiving some design, planning, and zoning regulations.
Posted: May 3, 2021 9:51 PM
Posted By: Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) A lack of adequate shelter beds has long plagued Oregon. It was recently estimated that 10,000 people in the state sleep outside on any given night a number that has likely increased during the pandemic.
But on Monday, Oregon lawmakers passed a bill that will make it easier and quicker for communities to create emergency shelters and temporary housing. House Bill 2006, which the Senate passed 26-1, will remove barriers to siting shelters by temporarily adjusting land use laws and waiving some design, planning, and zoning regulations.