Bill > SB814

This bill amends Oregon Revised Statute 458.390 to modify the long-term rental assistance program for youth under 25 years old. The program will now include youth from a broader range of backgrounds, specifically expanding the eligibility to include those in substitute care programs, child care centers, and those confined in correctional facilities. The Housing and Community Services Department will continue to implement the program across three or four regions, including urban, rural, and coastal areas. The bill requires the department to consult with additional stakeholders, including the Oregon Youth Authority, when designing the program. The department must continue to collect comprehensive data on program participants, tracking demographic information, subsidy amounts, tenancy details, housing situations, and access to support systems. The department retains the ability to partner with housing authorities, community action agencies, and social service providers to deliver rental assistance and report program data. These changes aim to provide more targeted and comprehensive rental support for vulnerable youth transitioning to independent living.