Propel Studio Architecture recently had the privilege of attending the NE Oregon Housing Summit, an event organized by Housing Oregon.

The summit brought together key stakeholders—including local jurisdictions, developers, service providers, and community leaders—to create a regionally workable housing continuum that spans shelter, supportive housing, and workforce housing solutions. We are grateful to Housing Oregon for bringing together such knowledgeable moderators and panelists to discuss the critical issues Oregon is facing with affordable housing development.

The summit highlighted the urgent need for more housing of all types in Oregon to address the ongoing affordability and homelessness crisis. It was an enlightening experience to hear from experts and community leaders about the innovative solutions and collaborative efforts being made to tackle these challenges.

Key topics discussed at the summit included:

• Current Status of Housing Development and Supportive Services in NE Oregon: An overview of the existing housing projects and the supportive services available to residents.

• Demystifying Affordable Housing Development: Breaking down the complexities and misconceptions surrounding affordable housing projects.

• Meeting Future Needs for NE Oregon Communities: Strategies and plans to ensure that future housing developments meet the growing needs of NE Oregon’s communities.

• Saving NE Oregon Housing Stock for Future Generations: Efforts to preserve and maintain existing housing stock to ensure long-term availability.

• The Intersection of Homelessness, Mental/Behavioral Healthcare, and Supportive Housing Services: Addressing the critical link between housing stability, mental health, and supportive services.

• Getting Housing Built: The process of building affordable housing can be complex, especially for smaller projects. The summit aimed to demystify the steps involved in affordable housing production, from concept development and funding to design, construction, and lease-up. By breaking down these steps, Propel Studio and other participants are better equipped to navigate the challenges of affordable housing development.

• Creating a Vision: The summit focused on developing a comprehensive vision for housing in Northeast Oregon. This vision includes creating a continuum of housing solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of the region. From emergency shelters to workforce housing, the goal is to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and supportive living environments.

At Propel Studio, we are committed to contributing to the development of sustainable and inclusive housing solutions. We believe that by working together, we can create a future where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

Thank you, Housing Oregon, for hosting such an impactful event. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working towards a brighter future for all Oregonians.

For more information about Propel Studio’s experience and process as a Portland architect specializing in affordable housing design, please visit this page.