Oct. 3, 2018
On September 25, The Intertwine Alliance hosted an event to educate our partners about the affordable housing bond that will be on the ballot this November, and to make connections between it and our sector’s ongoing work.
When Metro made the leap to take on funding affordable housing in such a significant way, there were many questions from the conservation/recreation community about how the work fits with Metro’s other priorities, its commitment to the environment, and ultimately to our sector’s focus on the natural world. Metro Councilor Shirley Craddick started the evening with a clear statement about the need for housing throughout Metro's three counties and how housing must be everyone’s concern. She also made it clear that Metro is perfectly positioned to assist in tackling this challenge in an equitable way, given its ability to reach across the entire region and to use this effort to leverage even more funding.
Shannon Singleton from JOIN and Kari Lyons Eubanks from the Welcome Home Coalition/Housing Oregon then painted the dire picture of Metro-area housing and how it’s becoming more and more challenging to access for those of median and low incomes. They dispelled myths and shared facts about how this effort will make a big difference for thousands of Oregonians. Eileen Reavey from the Yes for Affordable Housing campaign shared the campaign strategy and on-the-ground activities that will hopefully lead to the passage of this bond measure and the accompanying statewide Measure 102. Passing both measures is important for maximum regional benefit.
Finally, Intertwine Alliance Board Member Owen Wozniak and Bob Sallinger of the Audubon Society of Portland shared their thoughts on why the affordable housing effort should matter to conservation-focused groups. “I hope that the leaders in charge of implementing [the measure] will make it clear to everyone that they are not just addressing a housing crisis but are doing the citizens’ work of building a community," Owen said. "Just like when we conserve land, we’re not only protecting something abstract called 'nature,' we’re actively building community by creating places -- civic spaces with room for everyone, human and nonhuman.” (See the full text of Owen’s presentation.)
Following Owen’s lead, I think our frame here at The Intertwine is that we, the 150 partners, are in the business of creating thriving communities through greater investments in and access to nature and its many benefits. And that the right to be housed and feel safe in our neighborhoods must be part of this equation. Please take the time to understand these measures and the need for allyship. There are many ways to get involved, but first and foremost, vote! Learn about what these measures do, share the information with others, and take action as you see fit. Here's a sign-up form to join the Welcome Home Coalition's canvassing and phone bank events.
We must continue to consider housing, transportation, health and nature as one interwoven whole and to show up because it’s all “our common ground.”