Oregon’s homeless shelters face a potential funding crisis if timely action isn’t taken. With the state budget deadline approaching on June 18 (or June 29 if there is an emergency declaration), your advocacy is critical to ensure shelters can continue operating without interruption starting July 1.
An update on Unity Shelter Funding
As some of you may have seen in multiple news outlets, or from our social media, Unity Shelter is at a critical point. While we have been solidly funded for the past 2 years by the State of Oregon, changes in the federal funding landscape are likely to cause challenges to the State’s ability to maintain the level of funding we’ve had in previous years. Click below to read a note from our Executive Director about how we’re responding and the changes to Unity Shelter operations.
Click Here for a funding update
Unity Shelter needs your advocacy! How to Advocate for Shelter Funding in Corvallis: A Guide for Action
The Urgency: Why Your Voice Matters Now
Oregon’s homeless shelters face a potential funding crisis if timely action isn’t taken. With the state budget deadline approaching on June 18 (or June 29 if there is an emergency declaration), your advocacy is critical to ensure shelters can continue operating without interruption starting July 1.
In Corvallis, if emergency shelter is closed, at least 160 individuals will be impacted by the closure of 3 Unity Shelter programs alone: Two congregate shelters and our emergency hoteling shelter.
Understanding the Legislation at Stake
Two bills are particularly important to Oregon’s shelter system:
HB 5011: This budget bill funds Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), including essential shelter funding. Currently in Ways and Means Committee, this bill directly impacts whether shelters receive timely funding.
HB 3644: A policy bill directing OHCS to establish a coordinated shelter system by mid-2026. While this does have long-term implications, it’s not connected to our immediate funding concerns.
Follow the bill and see the full text here: HB5011 2025 Regular Session – Oregon Legislative Information System
Step-by-Step Advocacy Guide
Step 1: Contact Key Decision-Makers
The most effective action right now is contacting members of the Ways and Means Committee, particularly those on the Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee who review the OHCS budget.
Who to Contact:
- Ways and Means Committee members: view full committee membership
- Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee members: view subcommittee membership
- Find Your Legislator: Legislator Lookup
Step 2: Craft Your Message
When contacting legislators, emphasize these key points:
- Continuity of Services: Explain how any funding gap would force shelters to close in July, leaving vulnerable Oregonians without critical services
- Community Impact: Describe specific impacts on your local community if shelter funding is delayed (Remember – closing shelters means an additional 160 people outside, including children and the elderly. The city’s current practice of posting and clearing camps means that folx are perpetually dislocated. The data is clear that this is a harmful practice, see this article as just one example of recent research on the topic.) In addition to the impact to those without shelter, 40 people will be laid off.
- Urgency for Distribution: Stress the need for not just approval but rapid distribution of funds once approved
Step 3: Mobilize Your Network
- Share this information broadly and encourage advocacy!
Step 4: Follow the Process
- Monitor committee hearings and votes on HB 5011
- Stay connected with OHCS’s workgroup on “continuation” funding for shelters
- Be prepared to provide testimony if public comment periods are available
Stay Informed
- OHCS is aware of the critical timing issues and has established a workgroup focused on continuation funding for shelters
- Follow updates from providers like Unity Shelter about budget developments
Remember: Your Advocacy Makes a Difference
Legislators need to understand the real-world consequences of funding decisions. Your specific examples of why this matters to you and how shelters impact our community are powerful tools for effective advocacy.
Sample Advocacy Message
Subject: Urgent Support Needed for Shelter Funding in HB 5011
Dear Representative/Senator [Name],
I’m writing regarding HB 5011, which contains critical funding for Oregon’s homeless shelters through Oregon Housing and Community Services.
Our emergency shelter organization, Unity Shelter, serves over 1,200 unique individuals annually, providing essential safety and support. Without timely funding at the start of the fiscal year, we face the possibility of service closure beginning July 1.
This would mean [include something about the specific impact this would have on our community – like, 160 individuals, including families with children, would lose emergency housing options in our community, 40 employees will be laid off.]
I urge you to:
- Support full funding for shelter services in HB 5011
- Prioritize rapid implementation to prevent any funding gaps in July
- Recognize shelters as essential human services requiring funding continuity
I appreciate your consideration and your care for our most vulnerable citizens.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Organization, if applicable]
[Contact Information]
