Housing is essential, and during the coronavirus pandemic it's threatened far too many individuals and families.

Because of the Trump administration's failed response to COVID 19, too many of our friends and neighbors now face an impossible situation; they can't pay their rent or mortgage payment and they don't know if help is on the way.

Making sure people get by during this pandemic has been at the heart of my work in Congress over these last months. And that's why, right now, I'm focused on housing.

House Democrats passed a strong, progressive stimulus package that addresses housing, but the Senate has been slow to act.

The fight to end houselessness is important for all, but having a home is especially crucial for children and young adults because they need security to learn and grow.

I support robust housing relief and more direct payments in any upcoming stimulus because we need to help the millions of people who are living day to day.

We must make housing aid and security a priority. To do otherwise risks leaving people out in the cold — literally.

Leading into 2020, The Oregonian reported that our state had seen an increase in houselessness of nearly 10 percent. And it was 20 percent if you counted back to 2015.

Then along came the worst pandemic in a century.

I'm going to fight each step of the way to make sure everyone has a safe place to live and thrive, and I thank you for standing with me.