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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 18, 2021)
SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 | 5A Ambassador from page 1A around town, most re- cently at the opening retired or moved away. We of Miller Park’s new have a great group of people concession facility on and it is fun to represent the Aug. 3. city. So, if anyone is interest- Bones was the Flor- ed, they should just give us ence First Citizen in a call or come out for our 2005 and has long- monthly meetings, which term connections to are usually at my house. We the Florence Garden have dinner and talk about Club and the Florence events, and get to know each Chapter of the Amer- other.” ican Rhododendron The Florence Ambassa- Society. His participa- dors can often be seen at tion as a volunteer in ribbon-cuttings and events fundraising endeavors HOUSING from page 1A Each month, the food share serves 50,000 pounds of food, and about 60 per- cent of the food donated to the pantry comes from the hands of local businesses and people. “Without that, there’s so many families that wouldn’t be able to succeed in this community,” Morgan said. In the late weeks of June, there was a “significant in- crease” of shoppers at the pantry, he said. More people were experiencing food in- security due to a decrease in federal aid and keeping up with rent payments. “We perceived that in- crease was as more individ- uals were having to either catch up on rent, or were ex- periencing some of the feder- al aid go away,” Morgan said. “And that should be a real concern.” He talked about the area’s low unemployment rate, and how people are having a hard time hiring their open posi- tions. “Most of the issues with our inability to hire, or inabil- ity to find folks to hire, is due to their workers available. It’s something that we as a com- munity can definitely tackle,” he said. He talked about how a grassroots organization like food share heavily relies on community support in order to pass on the assistance to others. Around 90 of Florence The Florence Ambassador Board of Direc- tions consists of (from left) Vice President Igor Kusznirczuk, President Mike Bones, Secretary Kathy Bones and Treasurer Terry Woodward. Food Share’s clients are un- housed, which could mean couch hopping, staying in their cars or living on the streets. Morgan reiterated how the foundation of the community is dependent on housing, and therefore it should be a com- munity effort to address it. “We really try to connect those folks with resources that help them out of that sit- uation,” he said. “Because as a community, it’s just better for everyone to be staying some- where safe.” On Aug. 16, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown extended the residential mortgage foreclo- sure moratorium until Dec. 31, 2021. This means Oregon homeowners are protected from losing their homes due to foreclosures if they have experienced lost income during COVID-19 and are unable to pay their mortgage. For the 30 percent of Or- egonians who fell under the likelihood of eviction or fore- closure earlier in August, this may be helpful announce- ment. “As we continue to see record high numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations driven by the Delta surge, I am committed to ensur- ing that Oregonians have a warm, dry, safe place to live during this pandemic,” said Brown. “Extending the temporary residential fore- closure moratorium another three months will prevent removal of Oregonians from their homes by foreclosure, which would result in serious health, safety, welfare and fi- nancial consequences, and which would undermine key efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19.” For Oregon renters, rent- al assistance continues to Get Results...List With Mike. Your guide to great locally owned restaurants. Surfside Restaurant at Drift wood Shores Resort Is Open for Dine-in & take out from 4pm - 8:30 pm Tuesday - Saturday Mike Blankenship Broker 541 991-7826 Lake Point Dr #33 – Beau- tiful! One-of-a-kind location with lovely wooded setting, seasonal lakes, and nature preserve areas. Partially cleared, buildable lot in The Reserve at Heceta Lake, one of Florence’s most elegant neighborhoods! $147,000. #3213-21404831 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Call for local nonprofits continues. After Bones was named First Citizen, he spoke about the importance of volun- teers. “I was raised in this caring community. Giving back by vol- unteering is a way to show that appreciation, be- sides making me just plain feel good,” he said. “Giving back and helping others is a very rewarding experience in itself. Besides helping our community look good and prosper, there are many opportunities for everyone to volunteer in our commu- nity. Do your part.” provide a 60-day safe har- bor period from eviction for nonpayment of rent. People can find more information at OregonRentalAssistance.org. Though Florence ranks the sixth-best place to retire in Oregon, founded by Smar- tAsset’s 2021 list, affordable and available housing re- mains scarce behind closed doors. The impacts of this have opened an economic re- cession, negatively impacting the overall livelihood of the community, its local busi- nesses, organizations, em- ployees and families. The need for housing grows as newcomers move in and pull housing opportu- nities from right underneath long-term residents who live in search of a home. Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate Principal Broker Andy Johnson believes hous- ing affordability and avail- ability are an issue, and what used to be considered af- fordable homes have “almost evaporated,” he said. “The main driver is the popularity of Florence and people retir- ing, or perhaps buying a sec- ond home.” Local real estate compa- nies have noticed a steady number of people buying homes. On average, there are new listings every day, but the demand for available and affordable housing outweighs the supply. “Anything that was once $100,000 is now over $300,000. It’s just the nature of supply and demand with the market,” Johnson ex- plained. “We’re just doing the best we can, trying to bring good homes to the market that are affordable, and at the same time trying to get sellers the most for their property.” In terms of local real es- tate’s involvement in the economy, Johnson believes homeownership facilitates several business opportuni- ties in the community. “If somebody is here buy- ing a house, perhaps they’re going to remodel, and maybe that’s going to give contrac- tors, flooring and appliance companies some work. In- surance companies as well,” he said. “All of those things that are associated with homeownership. It’s multi- faceted, and that’s how we kind of help the economy.” Johnson reiterated how important a collaborative ef- fort is in bringing affordable and available housing to the area. “That’s what it’ll take,” he said. See CONT. page 6A Helping Hands Coalition Come and join us for a Summer-time BBQ Selling hamburgers, polish and hot dogs We will also have soda, bottled water & chips. 541-902-6447 Date: August 21, 2021 Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Location: Grocery outlet parking lot Drift wood Shores Resort 88416 1st Avenue, Florence All proceeds to stay in Florence and help those in need of a free meal. We are open for dine-in, take-out, sidewalk & patio seating We are doing everything we can to safely serve our community. We are open: Noon to 8pm every day 2020 VOTED F F LO E R E BEST O NC Clean the Air in Your Home 1285 Bay Street, Old Town Florence (541) 902-8338 Professional air duct cleaning can eliminate the circulation of dust, debris and allergens for a safer and healthier home. www.1285Restobar.com Big Fish Café & Dinner House 345 Riverfront Reedsport • 541-361-6331 Daily Fresh Seafood Specials Steaks • Salads Homemade Desserts Pastas • Vegetarian/Vegan Full Bar All Occasion Catering Private Parties Beautiful Riverview Open Tuesday - Saturday 4:00-8:30pm Reservations Suggested 240 COVID Special 10% Off Whole-House Air & Dryer Vent System Cleaning With Sanitation Free Estimate Call or contact us online today for details and scheduling. Ask us about other services we do also. Licensed & Insured now through 08.31.21 HOURS Is your family prepared? If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 240 hours. We are open and ready to assist you! Weekly Special: Friday: Lobster Rolls New summer menu Check it out at www. nosheateryfl orence.com/menu Get your emergency kit started with these essentials: ❑ Pen and paper ❑ Money ❑ Address and phone numbers ❑ Work gloves ❑ Basic tools Johnston Motor Company Since 1939 Wed-Sat 11am-9pm www.nosheateryfl orence.com 541-997-5899 • 1269 Bay Street Old Town Florence This message brought to you by the West Lane Emergency Operations Group. www.wleog.org IDENTIFY • PREPARE • SURVIVE 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475