The Legislative Assembly finds that:

1. (1) The number of people who are homeless is on the rise in this state, as across the nation.
2. (2) Homeless people can be found in every county and city in this state.
3. (3) Family members, including children, represent the majority of the increase in the homeless population.
4. (4) Facilitating housing for families with children reduces the need for other state services such as foster care and child abuse treatment.
5. (5) Facilitating shelter so that homeless people do not have to live outdoors or in cars reduces weather-related illness, thereby reducing health care costs and services required for this population.
6. (6) Developing affordable housing in Oregon is necessary to maintain the quality of life, create jobs and to further economic development.

[1991 c.736 §2; subsection (6) enacted as 1991 c.740 §1]