by Eric Lendrum
In the state of Oregon, a newly-proposed bill would see the state government hand out $1,000 to the state’s homeless residents, with no limits on how the money could be spent.
As the New York Post reports, the bill was introduced by State Senator Winsvey Campos (D-Ore.) and State Representative Khanh Pham (D-Ore.), and would establish a “People’s Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program.” The program would give 12 monthly payments of $1,000 to Oregon residents who are either homeless or about to become homeless. The handouts are also available to those who either spend half or more than half of their monthly income on rent, as well as those who earn 60 percent or less of their area’s median income.
“Payments may be used for rent, emergency expenses, food, child care or other goods or services of the participant’s choosing,” the bill reads, with no restrictions or enforcement measures regarding how the money is used.
The bill also requires the Portland State University Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative to conduct a study on the efficiency of the financial handouts based on demographics and household populations, and to also consider other circumstances that may affect the use of funds by certain populations, including domestic violence. The study would then be presented to the state in January of 2026, when the program expires.
The homeless population of Oregon currently stands at about 14,650. A significant portion of that population is located in Portland, the state’s biggest city, where there are over 700 homeless encampments, or “tent cities.”
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Eric Lendrum reports for American Greatness.
Photo “Homelss Camp” by Elvert Barnes. CC BY-SA 2.0.
