Background: Statewide challenges
Both OHCS and ELD have documented challenges across the state with access to affordable and high-quality housing and early childhood services. In the next 20 years, the State of Oregon will need to build nearly
600,000 housing units to meet demand. Prior to the Co-Location legislation, OHCS hosted a forum with child care and housing providers highlighting co-location strategies as a priority. Additionally, a
report from Oregon State University indicated that as of March 2020, all 36 counties in Oregon qualify as child care “deserts" for infants and toddlers — meaning that there are at least three children under the age of 2 for every available child care slot in the county. The Low-Income Investment Fund (LIIF) completed a
study on opportunities, considerations, partnerships, financing options, and funding sources as required by legislation. The study was used to design the program framework and to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for a subsidy program to incentivize co-location activities across Oregon.
LIIF completed extensive partner engagement with over 60 organizations, including:
- Early learning providers
- Private and nonprofit developers
- Housing authorities
- Community development corporations
- Philanthropic organizations
- Continuum of care organizations
- Tribal nations
- Other state agencies
The study shows families face challenges of affording housing, child care and early childhood education at the same time. Those on the margins, many of whom from Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities, have been particularly impacted by the decrease in supply and affordability of both housing and early childhood services.
Read the study to learn more about co-locating early care and education facilities with affordable housing developments.