City of Newberg and Yamhill County Collaborate on Successful Housing Rehabilitation Project

by Rebecca Wallis
Newberg, OR – June 30,2024

In a collaborative effort, the City of Newberg and the Yamhill County Affordable Housing Corporation (YCAHC), along with the Housing Authority of Yamhill County (HAYC), successfully completed the 2021 Newberg Housing Rehabilitation Project. This initiative, funded through a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Business Oregon, aimed to assist low-income households by providing critical repairs to their manufactured homes.

The primary goal of the project was to aid between 30 to 40 low-income households, ensuring their homes met health and safety standards. The project ultimately succeeded in assisting 30 households, benefiting a total of 64 individuals. These households included elderly residents, disabled individuals, and families with young children, all of whom faced significant financial barriers to maintaining their homes.

The funds were allocated for various essential repairs, including:
– Replacing or repairing leaking roofs
– Installing or repairing porches and ramps
– Upgrading heating systems
– Fixing plumbing and water damage issues
– Replacing windows and doors
– Installing new flooring

The project also covered lead and asbestos testing, treatment, and abatement, ensuring homes were safe from environmental hazards. The grant funds were meticulously managed, with $395,000 allocated for housing rehabilitation loans, $5,000 for environmental reviews, $25,000 for grant administration, and $75,000 for program management. The project achieved a near-perfect expenditure rate, utilizing $499,998 of the $500,000 awarded.

The Newberg City Council played a pivotal role in this initiative. They passed Resolution No. 2020-3711 in December 2020, supporting the grant application, and held multiple public hearings to gather community feedback. Despite extensive public notices and invitations for comments, the final project hearing noted that no public comments were received.

City Councilor Derek Carmon shared his thoughts on the project’s impact and execution in an email with Yamhill County News. He expressed immense satisfaction with the project’s outcomes, highlighting the substantial improvements in living conditions for the beneficiaries.

“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. It was so nice to hear about the wonderful things that this grant was able to accomplish for those struggling in our community,” Carmon stated. “To hear of the decks repaired, the updated plumbing, the accessibility improvements; just phenomenal work. I am happy with the partnership between the city and the Housing Authority of Yamhill County. I am also grateful for the assistance of the Yamhill County Affordable Housing Corporation, and state and federal agencies.”

When asked if he wished there was more money to help more residents, Carmon responded, “I do wish there was more grant money available. I am excited about the hiring of a grant writer for the city so that we will have someone focused on seeking money that could be very beneficial to the city and the community members within.”

Regarding the number of people still needing assistance, Carmon expressed his concern, “I can’t say that I was surprised, I am rather saddened by the amount of people who need assistance. That waiting list just represents those who were identified as needing assistance. It raises the question in my mind, ‘how many more are there?’”

Carmon also discussed potential future funding avenues to continue similar projects. “I think this will be one of the directives given to a future grant writer. Grants, in my mind, are the best ways to take care of issues like this without diverting money from the general fund, creating taxes, or raising taxes.”

When asked if he foresees using CET funds for furthering the project, Carmon was cautious. “I would like to see a portion of CET funds being used to support projects like this. However, this money was collected to assist with the creation of affordable housing. Its purpose is to create additional living space through new structures, adding square footage to existing structures, or remodeling that adds extra living space. In this program, we are making much-needed improvements, not adding affordable housing. Unless I am wrong or there are exceptions, I am not exactly sure we can do it.”

With the project now officially closed, the City of Newberg and its partners are evaluating the outcomes and considering future initiatives to continue supporting low-income residents. The success of this project sets a strong precedent for future collaborations aimed at enhancing community welfare through strategic investments in housing and infrastructure.

A comprehensive overview of the housing rehabilitation project, highlighting the collaboration between the City of Newberg, YCAHC, and HAYC, along with detailed insights from Councilor Derek Carmon.

Photo Credit Ronstik-stock.adobe.com