Hi John,
I wanted to reach out today to talk about an issue that I care deeply about: affordable housing.
Housing is one of the most basic needs that human beings have, yet it's not a guaranteed right in this country.
While on the Multnomah County Commission, I'm proud to say I worked tirelessly to address our housing crisis. Notably, I secured millions in funding for recovery and transitional housing to support individuals overcoming addiction and championed $850,000 towards a supportive housing services center for our Trans and Queer community. Additionally, I led on obtaining $2 million for eviction legal defense services and rent assistance. I also initiated funding for mobile shower facilities and culturally specific services, emphasizing the need for both dignity and hygiene for the unhoused.
In partnership with the City of Portland, we worked together and distributed $9.75 million of county funds to acquire or complete affordable housing projects!
John, this is a great start, but the issues of affordable housing and homelessness can't be solved at the city and county level alone. We can only guarantee housing as a guaranteed right if the federal government steps up.
We need Congress to put affordable housing front and center on its agenda. If elected, I'll fight for Senator Bernie Sanders’ Green New Deal for public housing; to expand rental vouchers to all who need them; and increase federal funding for shelters, homeless services, and, recovery and transitional housing. We also must expand avenues for homeownership, especially for first-time homebuyers and those who’ve been shut out of the housing market.
It breaks my heart that generations of Americans are currently resigning themselves to the idea that they will never be able to own a home. We must do better, and creating new pathways to affordable rent and housing is just the start.
If you're with me, it'd mean the world if you could chip in a grassroots donation to help me get there.
Thank you so much for your support, John.
Gratefully,
Susheela
