Counties currently included in the Governor’s Emergency Order 23-02 and counties that wish to be included are recommended to read through the entire webpage that has been established as the single point of information and contact for the homelessness state of emergency. The webpage was updated early Feb. with more specific directions for those intending to request inclusion.
The rollout of the executive order will be a collaboration between state and local emergency management offices and state and local housing authorities.
‘Local jurisdictions’ requesting inclusion will need to follow the steps below (sourced from the state webpage) and assemble a “Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) group”
Instructions for requesting inclusion in the homelessness state of emergency
The governor will complete her first scheduled review of the emergency order on March 10, 2023. Local jurisdictions that would like to be included in the state of emergency must meet the qualifications listed below and are then encouraged to submit their request to The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) at the email address below before March 10, 2023. To qualify for a review, a local jurisdiction must meet the following requirements:
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- The unsheltered population in 2022 must be greater than 30 households, and
- The community has declared a local state of emergency related to homelessness, and
- At least one of the following is true:
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- Unsheltered homelessness increased by 50 percent or more between 2017-2022, and/or
- The rate of unsheltered homelessness in 2022 was 80 percent or greater.
Once the jurisdiction confirms they meet the qualifications above, a request containing information will need to be submitted through ODEM at oem.recovery@oem.oregon.gov
and approved by the governor. What is a Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group?
A Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) group is a group for interagency management planning, coordination, and operational leadership to provide strategic coordination, identify resources, and manage goals.
The MAC group will lead in the development, completion, and deployment of the community plan. Local communities will work to identify interventions based on the needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness within the service region. The MAC groups will work continuously with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and ODEM throughout the year to review data and amend plans as needed to ensure goals are met.
The local MAC group will include:
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- Local jurisdictions (homelessness and emergency management staff);
- Public housing authority;
- Local homelessness agencies;
- Rapid rehousing service providers;
- Shelter developer/operator;
- Landlord associations; and
- Behavioral Health providers.
Contributed by: Jessica Pratt | Legislative Affairs Manager