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AFFORDABLE HOUSING A search for solutions to housing crisis All-day program set for Saturday at SOU Comment By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Aug. 18, 2016 at 8:21 PM By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Aug. 18, 2016 at 8:21 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Ashland home sales slow, but prices don't • Family that helps the homeless may lose their home • WE to offer meals for homeless weekly • Verde Village rises again near dog park in Ashland » Social News A fundraising and awareness campaign about the lack of affordable housing in Ashland is the subject of an all-day forum Saturday organized by Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice, Wellness for Everyone (WE) community meals, the Residential Outreach Options Team, Ashland Culture of Peace Commission and several Southern Oregon University student groups at SOU's Meese Auditorium. The event, called “Take action on the housing crisis!,” promises workshops on how to move forward with Ashland car camping and tiny house programs, discussions of use of public spaces, supporting the Ashland Housing Trust Fund and “defending against predatory property management practices.” The housing crisis in Ashland and surrounding communities continues to be on the forefront of community forums and Ashland City Council discussions. With a vacancy rate on rental properties between 1 and 2 percent, the demand for housing is far outstripping supply, which drives up prices charged by landlords who can raise rents in a competitive market. Add to that that home prices continue to rise. Zillow’s home prices and values report sets the median home price in Ashland at $386,600. Ashland home values have gone up 8.9 percent in the last year and are expected to rise 4.6 percent in the next year, according to the report. Others, such as city Councilor Pam Marsh, argue the realistic cost of buying a home in Ashland is more than $400,000. “Medford and Ashland have the fastest rate of housing affordability burden in the country right now,” said Jobs with Justice activist Rich Rohde in a recent social media push to bring people out to housing forums seeking solutions. His information comes from a recent report on governing.com which says, “Over the past 12 months, rental affordability in the Medford metro area has worsened at a faster rate than any other area in the country. Median income households there spend 35.3 percent of their incomes on rental costs, up from 31.8 percent a year ago, according to Zillow data.” According to US Housing and Urban development, Oregon’s homelessness rate has increased by 9 percent over the past year. Lack of affordable housing combined with low wage jobs is in part fueling that rise. Among those personally affected by the statistics are Jason and Vanessa Martynse Houk. The Saturday event is in part a fundraiser for the Houks, who are being forced to leave their rental home in roughly one month because the owner is selling it. They are local homeless advocates and activists who often sponsor community meals and work with social justice groups. As of now they do not have another home lined up for themselves and two school-aged daughters. They began a gofundme campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/2gs6dcs) in hopes of raising enough money to buy their rental home, but the cost is prohibitive for them. It’s estimated to be in the sale-price range of $375,000. Workshops begin at 11 a.m. and the day ends with a benefit concert. Throughout the day there will be silent auction items and opportunities to network and donate. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Aug. 18, 2016 at 8:21 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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