Councilor Loretta Smith's Partnership with Path Home saves Eight families from Eviction

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PORTLAND, OR - Today, Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith (District 1) announced a bold move to combat housing instability by allocating $25,000 from her unspent office budget to partner with Path Home. This emergency funding is specifically earmarked to provide immediate rent assistance to eight families in East Portland who are currently facing imminent eviction.

By utilizing these unspent administrative funds, Councilor Smith is taking a direct, "prevention-first" approach to the homelessness crisis. The initiative focuses on catching families up on their rent, allowing them to remain in their current homes and avoid the trauma and long-term displacement associated with the shelter system.

"Keeping families in their homes and catching them up on their rent is critical to preventing the cycle of homelessness before it begins," said Councilor Loretta Smith. "I looked at my office budget and saw an opportunity to put those dollars to work immediately for the people of District 1. These funds will serve as a lifeline for eight families and twelve kids who were on the brink of losing everything, ensuring they have the stability they need to move forward."

Path Home, located on SE 92nd Avenue in Councilor Smith's district, was selected for this partnership due to their proven track record in family stabilization. The organization leveraged the $25,000 to clear rental arrears and provide case management to ensure these households remain secure in the long term.

"Eviction prevention is the most effective and humane tool we have to end the crisis of family homelessness," said Brandi Tuck, Executive Director of Path Home. "Councilor Smith's decision to reinvest her office budget directly into the community shows a deep understanding of the urgency of the challenges our neighbors are facing. This $25,000 investment will quite literally change the trajectory of these eight families' lives."

For Councilor Smith, this initiative is about fiscal responsibility meeting community need. Rather than allowing office funds to go unused, she is prioritizing the residents of East Portland-an area that has been disproportionately affected by the rising costs of housing.

"We cannot wait until a family is on the sidewalk to offer help," Councilor Smith added. "By intervening now, we are keeping children in their schools and parents in their jobs. This is about more than just rent; it's about maintaining the fabric of our District 1 neighborhoods."

Media Contact: Elijah Crawford, 971-710-2557