Unlocking the doors of homeownership to thousands of Oregonians

THE PROBLEM

Homeownership is key to building household stability, generational wealth, and strong communities, yet it remains out of reach for far too many Oregon households.

Affordable Oregon Homes

Oregon is facing a shortage of nearly 75,000 housing units…

…causing home prices to nearly DOUBLE in the last 10 years.

Home in Oregeon
Homes for Oregon

Our state ranks 43rd in the nation for homeownership.

Oregon needs to produce approximately 500,000 units over the next 20 years.

This crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color, with a
15% homeownership gap between white and BIPOC individuals.

Family in Affordable Oregon Home

The lack of affordable homeownership is not just an economic issue—it's a social crisis.

Homeownership is a primary driver of wealth-building, civic engagement, and better health and educational outcomes.

Without access to homeownership, Oregonians miss out on these critical benefits, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality​.

  • Through our trials, tribulations and triumphs, we are beyond grateful to have a place we can finally afford and call our own for generations of our family to come … I have watched my family thrive.

    — Eastern Oregon New Homeowner

  • I feel great knowing that my kids can now have a place to call home, a place where they can grow and a place where they can feel safe.

    — Willamette Valley New Homeowner

  • We love our home, we have a sense of security here, we feel empowered because we are responsible for our own stability.

    — Portland Metro New Homeowner

THE SOLUTION

The Unlocking Homeownership Coalition is fighting for everyday Oregonians who are struggling to make the dream of owning a home a reality.

We're pushing for smart, people-focused policies in 2025 that can make a meaningful difference in addressing our state's homeownership crisis

Family in Affordable Oregon Home

Creating a path to affordable access to homeownership for all Oregonians

  • Expanding Access to Affordable Homes: The LIFT program will create more affordable homes for families across Oregon. By building new homes that families can actually afford, this program helps make the dream of homeownership a reality for those who need it most.

  • Helping First-Time Homebuyers: This program provides financial help to first-time and first-generation homebuyers, especially those from communities of color. It helps families secure the down payment they need to buy their first home, opening doors to stability and opportunity.

  • Building more homes: The HDIP program helps create new, entry-level homes, particularly in rural areas. It’s all about expanding opportunities for families to own their own homes by supporting the construction of affordable, starter homes​.

  • Empowering Savers: IDAs match the savings of Oregonians who are working hard to buy their first home. This program has been a proven tool for helping families save for big goals like homeownership, education, or starting a small business.

  • Setting a clear path: By setting a statewide homeownership goal, Oregon can focus on making homeownership accessible to more families, ensuring stability and closing the racial wealth gap. This goal will keep homeownership front and center in policy discussions, helping more Oregonians build wealth and secure their futures.

  • Righting Past Wrongs: A Covenant Homeownership Study will reveal how past discriminatory policies still limit homeownership for people of color. Understanding these impacts will guide us in crafting policies that ensure everyone, regardless of race, has a fair chance to own a home and build lasting wealth.

  • Making Condos Accessible: Reforming outdated CDL laws will lower risks and costs for developers, making condos a more affordable option for first-time buyers. This change will increase the availability of entry-level homes, helping more Oregonians take their first step into homeownership and build a secure future.

    Read the condominium defect liability report

COALITION MEMBERS

Habitat for Humanity of Oregon
Habitat for Humanity organizations across 18 counties
Oregon Realtors
Portland Housing Center
Housing Oregon
Oregon Home Builders Association
Proud Ground
Neighbor Works UMPQUA
Zillow
Rooted Homes
DevNW
NAHREP Western Oregon
North American Youth and Family Center
Oregon Cooperative Housing Network
Better Housing Together
Oregon NAREB Realtist
Portland: Neighbors Welcome
Sightline Institute
Columbia Cascade Housing
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Oregon Credit Unions
Oregon Housing Alliance

“More housing. More reasonable home prices. Fewer people experiencing homelessness. That’s how we make things better.”

— Governor Tina Kotek

Together we can make the dream of homeownership a reality for thousands of Oregonians.

Contact your legislator and Governor Kotek today and tell them you support Unlocking Homeownership for Oregon

IN THE NEWS

Gov. Kotek says "We must also do more to help working class Oregonians have the opportunity to become homeowners no matter their zip code." in her 2025 - 2027 recommended budget.

Download the PDF: Governor Kotek's 2025 - 2027 Recommended Budget

According to OHCS's inaugural State of the State's Housing Report, "For every dollar Oregonians earned in wage increases between 2013 and 2022, the median sales price of a home increased by $7.10."

Read the article: OHCS State of the State's Housing Report

The Common Sense Institute recommends paths to removing barriers to homeownership in Oregon.

Read the article: Construction Defect Liability Reform Report