MACG Housing Assembly

by Sr. Phyllis Jaszkowiak

MACG met on Thursday September 29, for their Housing Assembly.  In attendance was Matthew Tschabold from the Portland Housing Bureau. We heard many stories of people fighting to remain in their homes, and for some who no longer can remain because of high rent.  In view of this crisis, MACG had 4 goals for the Assembly.

1. Strengthen accountability for promises of affordable housing.  Matthew Tschabold agreed with us and will work with us to strengthen accountability of promises for affordable housing.
2. Protect tenants with careful phase-in of mandatory inspection program.  The ‘careful phase-in’ piece was needed so that landlords do not raise rents if they need to improve their properties.  Again Mr. Tschabold agreed this is necessary and will work with us to achieve this goal.
3. Increase public funds to meet the growing need of affordable housing.  Proposition 26-179 is proposed.  It is a bond measure for money now to build more affordable homes and apartments.  The ‘Welcome Home Coalition’ is asking for a yes vote come November.  MACG agreed to help get the word out on this proposition.
4. Advance creative community solutions.  Solutions that come from the community usually have a better chance of working well, ideas like the Oak Leaf Co-operative.  We will continue to work with MACG’s various communities to come up with such proposals.

The next MACG Training is Friday evening November 4 and Saturday November 5.  Each institution is asked to bring members to this training.  We will be asking some of you to attend this training.  MACG is working hard, with us and all its institutions, to make a positive difference in people’s lives.  Right now the main issue facing many is affordable housing.  We will need you, at various times, to come to rallies and meetings so that we can move in a positive direction.  Keep tuned for up-to-date news.