Portland Housing Bureau 2020-21: By the Numbers

News Article
A message from PHB's Director and a look back at the work accomplished during this last year.
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A Message from Director Shannon Callahan

Dear Partners, Colleagues, and Neighbors,

As 2021 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary year we have had—both the challenges we faced in our second year of a pandemic, as well as the remarkable things we have accomplished together despite these unprecedented circumstances.

I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our exceptional network of community and agency partners, who came together to deliver for Portland families when our community has needed it most. Together with Multnomah County and nearly 40 community-based organizations, we have distributed $1 million in rent assistance every week throughout the pandemic, supporting more than 13,000 families with critical lifelines to housing. We also opened more than 1,150 new affordable homes, housing 1,945 Portlanders. And we are on track to do even more in 2022.

Finally, I want to express my profound gratitude to the incomparable staff at the Portland Housing Bureau. This year has not been easy. With all you have had on your plates, your tireless commitment to this work for the people of Portland has been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve handled these challenges with grace, patience, and ingenuity. I couldn’t ask for a better team. I'm proud to work alongside each and every one of you.

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year.
 

Sincerely,

Shannon Callahan


View the overview below or download a PDF copy:

3,400+ Affordable units opened during the Housing State of Emergency. 9,511 People assisted by the Rental Services Office. 13,000+ Households supported with COVID-19 rent assistance in Multnomah County.