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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 6, 2017)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017 Housing from 7A One resource to connect people and housing services is HACSA. The agency is com- mitted to providing safe, affordable and energy-efficient housing for low-income fami- lies, elderly citizens and per- sons with disabilities. It pro- vides housing and supportive services to more than 5,000 Lane County families a year through Section 8 and its pub- lic and affordable housing pro- grams. Section 8 is a subsidized rental assistance program based on household income where participants locate their own rental unit. HACSA reported that as of October, there were 84 Section 8 house- holds in Florence. Under its affordable housing branch, HACSA has 1,628 units of affordable housing in the county, and 707 units are public housing, which HACSA manages and maintains. In Florence, Munsel Park has 44 units and New Winds has 18 units, which together serve 64 residents. HACSA Public Relations Director Ela Kubok said, “If you successfully receive the housing voucher based on your income, we estimate how much PASS q PORT ART FLORENCE | OREGON you pay in rent and how much Outreach Services, located in are any of us here? Quality of cies to look at our applications, needs to be subsidized. The Florence, also offer similar life. It’s the No. 1 best response our properties, our potential, premise is for households to services. on what Florence has going for and saying, ‘We’ve got to find never pay more than 30 percent In addition to assistance it.” something in Florence to of their income for rent.” services, HACSA has a whole She said that current growth invest in, because we want to She said it is up to the list of resources for landlords, is just going to help Florence be part of that.’ We’re a little renters to find housing, as all including workshops and ways get better. jaded, but we think we’re awe- HACSA can provide is the that the agency can provide Bozievich agreed. some. We’re trying to appeal voucher. support. “The need for workforce to those agencies to sink some Besides providing housing “I had a meeting with housing is critical,” he said. “If money into Florence.” options, which unfortu- In the end, nately have closed FarleyCampbell said “The need for workforce housing is critical. If Florence the city has been waiting lists at this time, HACSA also pro- can solve it, it will put us ahead of other communities. working behind the vides energy services on the housing Whichever areas solve the housing issue will likely win scenes for property owners issue, but, until now, future economic development battles.” and renters. This divi- waited for a grant sion provides weather- — Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich cycle to try to secure ization, conservation funding. strategies and energy “The city is drop- education to reduce cost and HACSA, and it was exciting. I Florence can solve it, it will ping a big nickel doing this improve livability of property. had no idea they had all those put us ahead of other commu- HEOP study without a grant. It HACSA encourages people programs,” FarleyCampbell nities. Whichever areas solve shows the commitment of the to join its Family Self said. “They’re looking to do the housing issue will likely city council to say, ‘Listen, we Sufficiency Program, which something in Florence and try- win future economic develop- need to do this. We can’t wait teaches about savings, goal set- ing to find opportunities and ment battles.” year after year to try to be ting and time and resource people to partner with.” For FarleyCampbell, it will competitive for a grant,’ which management in order to help According to HACSA start with taking the HEOP is how a lot of communities families achieve financial inde- Executive Director Jacob Fox, results and updating city code. rely on getting it done,” she pendence. “We’re actively looking for “There’s some amazing said. “It’s designed to help people land to develop affordable things we can do in the short Reynolds said the HEOP achieve their goals,” Kubok homes in the area. We’re pre- term,” she said. “Policy stuff process is just getting started, said. “From purchasing homes, serving affordable housing as a may take a little longer, even as the final meeting graduating with a degree, priority and seeking new and because there’s a financial wraps up this week. changing jobs or no longer out-of-the-box development angle that needs to be pursued. “While the HEOP commit- needing rent assistance, people opportunities.” But, if we get one big develop- tee’s role, in having the con- in the program get to learn how Other housing and commu- er in here and we’ll feel relief. sultant and doing the survey, is to do that with the help of a nity resources include You will see the waters recede. coming to the end, it signals a counselor.” Neighborhood Economic “There are some interests in kicking off point for Florence NEDCO and Siuslaw Development Corporation local businesses that are going City Council and the Planning (NEDCO) and Oregon to generate a need for housing Commission to start doing Housing and Community — lots more housing than their part of the work,” she Services. what we have. It’s possible said. “Our role is to provide a To help you Despite the struggles, people that some of that need may be healthy, safe community envi- navigate are still moving to Florence. accomplished by developers ronment from which people Social media pages often show that would directly benefit can live and make those choic- all the Florence new people reaching out to the from having suitable housing es. … As a city, we’re really in art community community about anything for a suitable workforce. But the foundations by providing a from housing options to recre- we’ll see. We’re looking at great place to work and live has to off er ation recommendations. grants with the state, not nec- and play. It’s up to the individ- “People love it here,” essarily to be competitive but ual or community group to FarleyCampbell said. “Why to try to get those state agen- move in what has been deemed Pick Up YOURS Today! 9 A a successful direction.” This is echoed by Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bettina Hannigan, who sees multiple people in her office each week talking about housing. Some are stopping by the Visitor’s Center to pick up a relocation packet, and some are asking her about the state of the hous- ing. “It’s all about the three A’s: awareness, advocacy and action,” Hannigan said. “Our community cannot depend on the government to meet these needs. It’s not the govern- ment’s responsibility to do private sector work, its responsibility is to govern. It’s important for people to start saying, ‘We’re going to need to step up.’” People are encouraged to serve on city boards and com- mittees, or work with agencies that help match people and resources. The point is to get creative. Hannigan said she intends to invite a friend who works in the housing development field to stay with her to give her ideas on what she, personally, can do. The chamber can be a hub of resources for people look- ing to help, she added. It can be a solution center as the city, chamber, county and local non-profit and for-profit groups work together to tackle housing. “The future of our solutions is in partnerships,” Hannigan said. “Not one person is going to have the solution or be the answer. It’s going to have to be a partnership for what’s best for our community. “It’s time to step up.” Passports are available at the following locations: Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Th e Siuslaw News FRAA - Florence Regional Arts Alliance Backstreet Gallery Vardanian Gallery Th e River Gallery Rodger Bennett Photography Purple Pelican Siuslaw Public Library Florence Events Center Florence City Hall BeauxArts Fine Art Materials & Gallery See Jim for your auto sales needs! 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 VOICE YOUR OPINION! Write a Letter to the Editor today. Email: E DITOR @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM PORT HOLE PUBLISHING 179 Laurel Street, Suite D FLORENCE LET US PUBLISH YOUR BOOK Gift Certifi cates now available for any ticketed event at the FEC. PORT HOLE BOOKS $25,000 77567 Hwy. 101 • GARDINER Available in any amount you choose. Perfect for that last-minute Christmas or any occasion gift . 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