I have been a longtime resident of North and Northeast Portland, a district with some of the worst history of systemic displacement of low-income neighbors in our city, disproportionately affecting communities of color.

Currently, there are plans to eliminate 100 units of senior affordable housing in Northeast Portland's Piedmont neighborhood -- the Rosemont Court.

This decision will further exacerbate the housing crisis we face and displace more seniors who have already been marginalized by previous policies.

The loss of affordable housing is not just an economic issue, or a housing issue; it's a human rights issue that directly impacts our most vulnerable citizens.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Oregon ranks among the top states with the largest shortage of affordable rental homes for extremely low-income renters. In fact, for every 100 extremely low income households needing affordable rental homes in Oregon, only 26 units are available (NLIHC).

We cannot allow this trend to continue unchallenged. We cannot build our way out of our housing crisis while losing affordable properties at the same time. You can't fill a bucket with a hole in the bottom.

We must stand up for those who are most at risk - our seniors - and ensure they have access to safe and affordable housing.

By signing this petition, you are taking a stand against systemic displacement and advocating for the preservation of senior affordable housing units in Northeast Portland. Your signature sends a clear message to all of our local governmental jurisdictions that we value all members of our community and believe everyone deserves access to safe and stable housing.

Please sign this petition today – let's preserve these essential 100 units!

It currently costs $450,000-500,000 per unit to build new affordable housing, and acquiring land in the heart of our communities to do so is all but impossible. To lose 100 units for a lack of $7 million dollars is unacceptable.

The 8 acre mixed affordable housing community that is Rosemont Commons is an exemplary model for development that we should be emulating, not forgetting.

Background References:

• Help Preserve 100 Units of Senior Affordable Housing in Northeast Portland, Jennifer Park, persistwithpark.com, April 23, 2024

• Rosemont Court residents wonder, ‘What is our fate?’, Elise Haas, KOIN6, April 22, 2024

• Rosemont Court and the housing crisis, Steve Duin, Oregonian, January 13, 2024

• Seniors displaced from North Portland apartments forced to move again, KGW News, October 13, 2023

Find out more about Jennifer Park, candidate for Portland City Council in District 2, at persistwithpark.com.