By MIA RYDER-MARKS The Columbian
A new report shows a slight increase in availability of low-income housing in the Vancouver-Portland metro area.
The number of affordable units available for every 100 low-income households increased to 25 in 2022, up from 22 the previous year, according to the report from the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance and the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
The Vancouver-Portland metro area has less available affordable housing than the Seattle-metro area, according to the report.
Although the numbers increased between 2021 and 2022, they are still lower than pre-pandemic years. Vancouver-Portland had 27 affordable units per 100 people in 2018 and 25 in 2017, according to past reports.
“We’re still a long way off,” said Duana Ricks, a low-income renter in Vancouver.
Closing the gap
The report’s figures reflect projects completed in 2022, including Columbia Heights Apartments. PeaceHealth and Mercy Housing Northwest developed that complex, which includes 69 units for low-income residents.
Also that year, Vancouver Housing Authority opened Miles Terrace Apartments in downtown Vancouver for low-income seniors. And Community Roots Collaborative opened Fruit Valley Terrace — 21 permanent tiny homes located in Vancouver’s Fruit Valley neighborhood.
The nonprofit recently opened other affordable options for formerly homeless residents at 3600 O St. One side of the property houses men. Next door, a cottage cluster under construction will house families and the nonprofit hopes to cap rent at $760, including utilities… Read the full article here!
