HB 3644
Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to establish a statewide shelter program through which regional coordinators are selected to administer funding to shelter providers.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Governor Tina Kotek)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
27%
Oppose
73%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a statewide shelter program overseen by the Housing and Community Services Department. Regional coordinators will be selected to administer funding to shelter providers, focusing on reducing unsheltered homelessness and transitioning people into housing stability. The department must adopt rules and select coordinators by specific deadlines, and the program will prioritize equity and consistent services. An emergency declaration allows the bill to take effect immediately.
Key provisions
- Establishes a statewide shelter program administered by regional coordinators.
- Regional coordinators are selected by the Housing and Community Services Department.
- The department must adopt rules and select coordinators by specified dates (January 1, 2026, and May 1, 2026, respectively).
- Shelters receiving funds must be available 24/7 and prioritize immediate access to housing.
- Regional assessments and plans must be updated every two years.
- The program will utilize evidence-based practices and coordinated entry systems.
- A funding formula will consider regional needs and past performance.
- A grievance system will be established for disputes between providers and coordinators.
Who is affected
- Housing and Community Services Department
- Shelter Providers
- Local Jurisdictions
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Community Action Agencies
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Emerson Levy
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3644 urge the committee to adopt a statewide shelter system to address unsheltered homelessness, citing a humanitarian crisis and its impact on vulnerable community members. They emphasize the need for prevention, compassionate care, and stable environments where individuals can find safety and access essential services. Key supporters highlight the success of innovative shelter models, regional coordination, and flexible funding in addressing homelessness, particularly among marginalized populations such as BIPOC communities. The bill is seen as a crucial step forward in building a sustainable shelter system, providing continuity across the state, and empowering local governments to develop tailored solutions.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed legislation express concerns that it will exacerbate financial struggles for Oregonians, increase taxes, and perpetuate a cycle of dependency on government-funded programs. Many that existing alternatives in Southern Oregon are effective and sufficient, while others believe that forcing religion or using tax dollars to fund initiatives is not necessary or fair. Concerns about lack of transparency, accountability, and oversight in taxpayer-funded spending are also raised, with some testifiers suggesting that the bill falls short of addressing the root causes of homelessness and may even worsen the problem. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact on small businesses, local economies, and affordable housing options for low-income families.