Housing

Affordable housing

Stable housing is critical to rebuilding and strengthening our communities and to our economic recovery. Accordingly, I have voted for, and advocated on behalf of, full funding for these important programs:

The HOME program, which is used by states and local governments to assist low-income families with affordable housing,
Neighborworks America, which has been a leader in affordable housing and community development since 1978,
The Fair Housing Initiatives Program, which plays a crucial role in educating communities on the housing industry, and enforcing housing discrimination laws.
Community Development Block Grants, the linchpin in the federal government’s commitment to help cities, counties, and states meet the needs of low- and middle-income residents and communities.

As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, I will continue to work to address the lack of access to affordable housing, and will continue fighting for the fair treatment of homeowners and renters.

Mortgages and Foreclosure

If you are facing foreclosure, please visit www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov or call my Oregon Office at (503) 469-6010. Be wary of foreclosure consultants who make promises and make sure that any housing counselor you work with is HUD certified. More information is available at www.oregonhomeownersupport.gov.

The foreclosure crisis has caused devastation for many Oregonians. Too many families are underwater on their mortgages and many people, including families with children, have lost their homes. I am carefully monitoring the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as the work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to ensure that strong regulations prevent another financial crisis.

The economy won’t fully recover until the housing market is vital again. We need to explore policies that will help homeowners stay in their homes while the economy is recovering. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and with advocates and the industry to address this important issue. I have joined with many of my colleagues in calling on the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to reconsider his decision that prohibits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from reducing the principal owed on underwater mortgages. With so many mortgages underwater, this change could an immediate and constructive role in restoring confidence in the housing market.

Additionally I am supporting legislation to extend the availability of USDA home loans in rural communities. The USDA program has helped with homeownership in rural towns across the country and in Oregon for years, and communities that have qualified for the program in the past should be able to continue to participate if they have maintained rural characteristics.

More on Housing

Bonamici Helps Pass American Rescue Plan to Send Important Relief to Oregonians

February 26, 2021 Press Release

Our communities need more help. The American Rescue Plan will give security to struggling families, hope to business owners, and fuel to our vaccination efforts.

Bonamici Celebrates Passage of Equality Act

February 25, 2021 Press Release

Our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, colleagues, and community members should not miss an educational opportunity, or be denied housing, credit, or health care because of who they are or who they love.

Bonamici Helps Secure Relief, Unemployment Benefits, Cash Assistance for Oregonians

December 21, 2020 Press Release

The pandemic has raged for nearly a year, threatening the health of Oregonians and pushing many working families to the brink of financial collapse.

Oregon Delegation Urges FEMA to Approve Direct Housing Assistance for Wildfire Victims

October 5, 2020 Press Release

In times of disaster, people seek comfort and safety in their homes.

Bonamici Statement on Updated COVID-19 Relief Package

October 1, 2020 Press Release

As the coronavirus death toll tragically surpasses 200,000 and the pandemic continues to devastate our communities and economy, the American people need relief.

Oregon Delegation Pushes Federal Emergency Management Agency for Urgently Needed Housing Assistance as State Reels from Unprecedented Wildfire Damage

September 22, 2020 Press Release

With several large fires still burning across the state, the full scale of damage will not be known for several weeks. What we do know is that thousands of families have lost their homes and will be in need of transitional housing and longer term relief.

‘Can’t be more thankful’: Rep. Bonamici visits WashCo fire crews

September 19, 2020 In The News

Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici stopped in Washington County Saturday afternoon to thank firefighters for their efforts in battling the Chehalem Mountain Fire.

She met with crews from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and heard from firefighters about what they needed to finish putting out hotspots from the wildfire.

Live updates: Oregon wildfire damage approved for federal disaster declaration

September 15, 2020 In The News

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, noted the approval in a tweet saying she appreciated it was done quickly “so we can promptly send more help where it is desperately needed.”

Rep. Greg Walden, the only Republican in Oregon’s delegation connected the speedy approval to a meeting he held with President Trump this week.

Oregon congressional delegation urges FEMA to speed wildfire disaster aid

September 13, 2020 In The News

They specifically asked FEMA to immediately offer help including paying for hotels or other shelter for people who lost their homes or are under evacuation orders.

Bonamici, Oregon Members Call for Immediate Housing Aid for Evacuees Displaced by Oregon Wildfires

September 13, 2020 Press Release

Tens of thousands of Oregonians have been placed under evacuation orders, and hundreds have already lost their homes.