March 6, 2023 3:00 a.m.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that organizations in five Oregon cities will receive a combined nearly $2 in federal grants to develop and preserve affordable housing, revitalize and sustain neighborhoods, and create jobs in communities.

Wyden said, “Sustainable, resilient communities where Oregonians can thrive start with quality, affordable housing”. Wyden said, “These federal resources will help communities come together to build and preserve quality, affordable, lasting housing options needed so urgently to combat the ongoing housing crisis in the Metro area, Central and Southern Oregon”.

Merkley said, “At a time when Oregon’s working families are struggling with the high costs of everything from gas and groceries to prescription drugs, it’s critical our country prioritizes quality, affordable housing”.

A release said the funds come from NeighborWorks America, a public, nonprofit organization, established by Congress in 1978. It supports local and regional nonprofit organizations that collaborate with private-sector business leaders and representatives of local government to create neighborhoods where every family has a chance ot get ahead. The grants were allocated as followed:

*NeighborWorks Umpqua in Roseburg: $259,000

*CASA of Oregon in Sherwood: $313,000

*DecNW in Springfield: $303,000

*NeighborImpact in Redmond: $262,000

*Portland Housing Center in Portland: $434,000

*REACH Community Development, INC in Portland; $426,000

NeighborWorks Umpqua CEO Erica Mills said the funding will help the organization with renovations and enhance resident service for low-income families living in their housing throughout Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson, Josephine and Lane counties.

Other organizations receiving grants expressed their appreciation as well.