Housing Voices

Edward Fulford
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

Housing Voices is a regional civic platform dedicated to advancing thoughtful, solutions-driven housing leadership across Oregon. We focus on the full spectrum of broad housing needs — workforce, seniors, attainable, disabled and affordable housing — and the broader systems that shape them, including land use, infrastructure, development economics, and public policy. Housing is not a single issue. It intersects with economic vitality, community stability, healthcare access, environmental resilience, and long-term regional growth. Housing Voices brings together builders, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and engaged citizens to examine these intersections with clarity and purpose. Through structured conversations and systems-level thinking, we highlight the policies, partnerships, and practical actions that can move communities from challenge to progress. Our mission is simple but ambitious: To accelerate informed dialogue and coordinated action that expands housing opportunity, strengthens families, supports local employers, and enhances long-term community livability.

  1. Homelessness Isn’t Laziness: The Hidden Work of Surviving Without a Home | HV09 P2

    5h ago

    Homelessness Isn’t Laziness: The Hidden Work of Surviving Without a Home | HV09 P2

    In this episode of Housing Voices, hosts Bre Irish and Marty Fulford continue their conversation with Shawn Collins, Executive Director of Unity Shelter in Corvallis, Oregon, diving deep into the realities of homelessness prevention, shelter operations, transitional housing, and what it truly takes to help someone rebuild their life. - Why prevention is the holy grail of solving homelessness and how Adverse Childhood Experiences directly predict adult housing instability - The real cost of homelessness across healthcare, law enforcement, and community systems - How Unity Shelter operates as a low-barrier shelter and what that actually means in practice - The journey from emergency shelter to micro-shelter transitional housing and why 30 to 50 percent of residents successfully move into permanent housing - Why getting housed is not the finish line and how isolation after housing placement is one of the most overlooked risks in the entire continuum - Oregon's housing undersupply crisis and how building 50 percent fewer homes than needed raises the floor for everyone, especially the most vulnerable - How myths about laziness and handouts distort public understanding of what surviving without housing actually demands - Concrete ways community members can get involved, from low-barrier food service volunteering to street outreach Resources and People Mentioned: - Unity Shelter, Corvallis, Oregon, director@unityshelter.org, 541-313-8776 - Corvallis Housing First (CHF) - Community Services Consortium - St. Vincent de Paul - We Care (Corvallis) - Vina Moses organization - South Corvallis Food Bank - Compassion Church (micro-shelter site) - SafeCamp - ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study - Housing Opportunity Action Council - United Way - HousingVoices.com - MartyFulford.com and Cynit.net (show partners) - Music by Karen DeWolf and Adrian Kriz Chapters (00:00:00) - Housing Voices: Unhoused Communities(00:00:53) - Homelessness: Preventing the Problem first place(00:08:26) - Homelessness and the cost(00:11:24) - How to get out of emergency shelter and into transitional housing(00:13:57) - Homeless people talk about housing(00:15:04) - On Section 8 and Rent Assistance(00:16:46) - Transition from shelter to affordable housing(00:17:17) - What it Takes to Get Out of the Homeless(00:19:57) - What kind of transitional housing do you provide to homeless people?(00:24:11) - Contraband in the Shelters(00:26:00) - What are some of the barriers to getting people out of shelter?(00:28:26) - Need for more transitional housing in Corvallis(00:33:03) - Do you need a fridge in your home?(00:33:50) - Helping the Homeless: One Success Story(00:35:49) - Oregon's housing supply(00:40:28) - Sen. Ron Wyden on Homelessness and Policy(00:45:59) - The Case for Individualism(00:48:38) - What is an action item that you can leave people with?(00:51:40) - Volunteer Opportunities in Corvallis(00:56:37) - Directorate of the Homeless Shelter(00:58:18) - Housing Voices: When Real People Talk, Solutions Meet

    59 min
  2. What Homelessness Actually Costs Per Person Per Month Will Surprise You | HV09 P1

    Jul 7

    What Homelessness Actually Costs Per Person Per Month Will Surprise You | HV09 P1

    In this episode of Housing Voices, hosts Bre and Marty sit down with Shawn Collins, Executive Director of Unity Shelter in Corvallis, Oregon, to explore what emergency shelter and transitional housing truly look like on the ground, and why the gap between need and resources keeps growing. - How Shawn went from corporate librarian and HP research manager to leading one of Benton County's most critical homeless services organizations - What Unity Shelter actually operates, including two 50-bed emergency shelters, a hotel shelter program, and 34 micro-shelter transitional housing units - How the post-pandemic funding landscape has shifted dramatically, with federal dollars drying up and state funding projected to be cut by 50 percent - Why Unity Shelter's board has refused certain federal funding tied to requirements that residents be checked against an ICE database - The 267 percent increase in homelessness in the area between 2016 and 2025, and what that looks like for the people showing up at the door - The real demographics of homelessness, including the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries, physical disabilities, generational poverty, and people aging out of foster care or exiting incarceration with nothing - How city and ODOT sweeps destroy identification, job opportunities, and trust, creating cycles that make it harder for people to escape homelessness - How Unity Shelter serves people for approximately 135 dollars per person per month, beating inflation by a wide margin while growing the number of people served by 65 percent Resources and People Mentioned: - Unity Shelter, Corvallis, Oregon - Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) - Corvallis Housing First - Benton County Health - Corvallis Downtown Drop-In Center - Housing Opportunity Action Council (HOAC) - Hope Board (Housing Opportunity Planning and Equity) - Jackson Street Youth Services - MartyFulford.com and Cynit.net (episode sponsors) - Music by Karen DeWolfe and Adrian Kriz Chapters (00:00:00) - Housing Voices: The Need for More Housing(00:01:25) - Sean Collins on the Journey into Homeless Services(00:05:55) - Unity Shelter(00:11:47) - Oregon's homeless services funding environment(00:19:43) - Do street sweeps violate federal immigration law?(00:23:21) - Local organizations talk about the state's funding of housing programs(00:27:11) - How have your conversations been with state legislators?(00:32:14) - What Does the Homeless Look Like?(00:37:58) - How many of your clientele are on the street?(00:44:11) - Immunity in our Communities: The Need for Prevention and Rehabilitation(00:46:35) - Housing Voices: Practical Solutions Meet

    47 min
  3. Wildfire Didn’t Just Burn Homes. It Exposed Oregon’s Housing Crisis | HV08

    Jun 30

    Wildfire Didn’t Just Burn Homes. It Exposed Oregon’s Housing Crisis | HV08

    Housing Voices hosts Marty Fulford and Bre Irish sit down with Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a civil engineer, city planner, and attorney who served as interim city manager of Talent, Oregon following the devastating 2020 Alameda Fire. Drawing on experience ranging from post-war reconstruction in Bosnia to statewide emergency resilience work in Oregon, Jamie shares the hard-won lessons of wildfire recovery and what communities must do now to prepare for the fires ahead. - What the aftermath of the Alameda Fire actually looked like on the ground, and why the most vulnerable residents were hit hardest - Why FEMA assistance left entire populations behind and how Oregon's state government attempted to fill that gap - The four north stars Jamie used to guide Talent's recovery: team building, community engagement, resource development, and housing - How Jamie expedited permitting, waived zoning restrictions, and secured nearly 30 million dollars in state and federal resources in six months - The role of community trust, bilingual outreach, and hiring locally-connected staff in reaching farmworker and Latino communities - What the New Spirit Village affordable homeownership project in Medford grew out of the disaster and how it is progressing - Why wildfire resilience must now be a baseline standard in all Oregon development, not just rural or high-risk zones - Specific steps everyday Oregonians and state legislators can take right now to prepare for the next disaster before it arrives Resources and People Mentioned: - Jamie McLeod Skinner, housing developer and former interim city manager of Talent, Oregon - Hector Flores, publisher of Caminos magazine and community liaison during Talent recovery - Barry and Catherine Thalden, founders of New Spirit Village - Proud Ground, Portland-based community land trust - CASA, affordable housing developer involved in Talent recovery - Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) - Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) - Oregon Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) - Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) - Senator Jeff Golden - Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley - John Viall, former county director and current interim city manager of Medford - Gold Beach, Oregon, cited for lending planning staff to Talent during recovery - Fortaleza and Coliseo, organizations involved in mobile home park recovery Chapters (00:00:00) - Housing Voices: wildfire recovery in Oregon(00:01:57) - Housing Voices: Jamie McLeod Skinner(00:06:47) - Oregon wildfire recovery coverage(00:12:28) - The City of Covid helped communities after the wildfire(00:21:10) - Local perspectives on the wildfire disaster housing(00:28:49) - A New Spirit Village: Building affordable housing(00:33:44) - Oregon's wildfire resiliency(00:37:42) - After the wildfire, what lessons have been learned?(00:42:05) - How to better manage wildfire risk in Oregon(00:46:46) - Oregon Floods and wildfire mitigation(00:54:35) - How to Help Oregonians During the Long Session!

    1 hr
  4. The Senior Care Crisis Is Worse Than We Think | HV07 P2

    Jun 23

    The Senior Care Crisis Is Worse Than We Think | HV07 P2

    Housing Voices hosts Bri and Marty continue their conversation with Jenn Bustamante, a senior care advocate with 33 years of experience in the aging industry. Jenn runs Embrace Age Prepared, a wraparound company that helps families navigate the complex world of senior care and housing options. This episode reveals the harsh realities of long-term care costs, systemic failures, and the challenges facing our aging population. Key topics discussed: Adult foster care costs range from $7,000-$16,000 monthly vs. assisted living at $4,800-$6,500In-home 24-hour care can cost $25,000+ per month, making it unaffordable for most familiesThe dirty secrets of long-term care: Medicaid covers very little and most facilities don't want Medicaid patientsThe trillion-dollar senior care industry and where the money actually goesHow cultural differences in family care (Hawaii's tribal mentality vs. American individualism) impact agingProblems with transparency and exploitation in the senior care industryIssues with state assessment agencies improperly evaluating care needsThe upcoming "silver tsunami" of baby boomers and Oregon's lack of preparednessResources mentioned: Jenn Bustamante and Embrace Age PreparedPower of Partnership event (September 17th)Open Bed Oregon initiativeNorthwest Senior and Disability Services (DHS) Chapters (00:00:00) - Housing Voices: Talking With Jen Bustamante(00:01:34) - Seniors living in home care(00:05:50) - Are we treating our elders appropriately?(00:11:47) - More Transparency in Adult Care Industry(00:13:44) - The Power of Partnerships(00:16:52) - Long Term Care: The Dirty Secrets(00:22:02) - Oregon Medicaid: Need to change the policy(00:26:59) - Oregon Hospital CEOs on the Long Term Care Industry(00:33:17) - The call to action on aging issues(00:38:20) - How to Start a Talk About Relationships in the Family(00:40:21) - Housing Voices: The Long Term Care Conversation

    44 min
  5. When Medicaid Isn’t the Safety Net You Think It Is | HV07 P1

    Jun 16

    When Medicaid Isn’t the Safety Net You Think It Is | HV07 P1

    This episode of Housing Voices features Jennifer Bustamante, CEO of Embrace Age Prepared, who has 33 years of experience helping seniors navigate housing transitions and aging complexities. The discussion covers the urgent reality many families face when aging loved ones can no longer safely live independently, often triggered by medical emergencies, falls, or cognitive decline. Key topics discussed: The "Silver Tsunami" - 71 million Americans will be 65+ by 2030, creating massive strain on housing and healthcare systemsFinancial realities: Independent living starts at $4,800/month, assisted living at $6,500+, with many facilities requiring 2-3 years of cash upfrontMedicaid's five-year lookback period that examines all financial transactions and asset transfersThe breakdown of generational wealth transfer as care costs consume family assetsIncreased illness at younger ages and prevalence of dementia, stroke, and Parkinson's diseaseAlternative housing options like adult foster homes ranging from $7,000-$16,000/monthThe importance of planning at age 65 with proper legal structures like irrevocable trustsResources and people mentioned: Jennifer Bustamante, CEO of Embrace Age PreparedElder law attorneys and senior real estate specialistsAdult foster care homes in Oregon, Washington, and ArizonaMedicaid spend-down planning and qualification requirements Chapters (00:00:00) - Seniors: Housing for seniors(00:02:46) - Housing Voices: Voices for Housing(00:03:21) - Jennifer Bustamante on Aging and Aging-related advocacy(00:11:15) - Seniors and the Caregiving Process(00:14:16) - How to Plan for Your Family's Aging Journey(00:17:24) - What Would Your Magic Wand Look Like?(00:20:26) - Seniors on Independent Living and Abolo Living(00:27:31) - Seniors and the Caregiving Industry(00:33:59) - Will and Testament: Irrevocable Trusts(00:35:58) - Sen. Olympia on the challenges of aging Americans(00:40:25) - Aging Americans and the alternative housing solution

    45 min
  6. Why This Eugene Factory Is Breaking Every Rule About Affordable Housing | HV06

    Jun 9

    Why This Eugene Factory Is Breaking Every Rule About Affordable Housing | HV06

    Housing Voices hosts Bre Irish and Marty Fulford interview Jake from Hope Community Homes in Eugene, Oregon, discussing their innovative approach to affordable manufactured housing. Hope Homes builds energy-efficient, fire-resistant manufactured homes specifically designed for long-term affordability and durability, while also providing workforce training programs for high school students and employing second-chance workers. Hope Homes has produced 50 manufactured homes since getting HUD certification in November 2024 Two-bedroom units cost $80,000, one-bedroom units cost $68,000-$73,000 (factory price) All homes built to wildland urban interface standards with fire-resistant materials and maximum energy efficiency Partnership with St. Vincent de Paul provides initial customer base for affordable housing communities High school career and technical education program teaches trades skills on-site Second-chance employment program hires justice-involved individuals and those with experience of homelessness or addiction recovery Major barriers include financing challenges for low-income buyers and regulatory processes Future plans include potential cooperative housing communities and expanding production capacity Resources mentioned: Terry McDonald (emeritus director at St. Vincent de Paul), Representative Pam Marsh, Lane County Education School District, Senate Bill 1537, Hope Community Homes website (hopecommunityhomes.org) Chapters (00:00:00) - Housing Voices: When Truth Breaks Through(00:01:38) - Housing Voices: Hope Homes in Eugene(00:06:18) - What Makes a Manufactured Home Affordable?(00:14:05) - How Affordable Homes Are Made at Hope Homes(00:19:41) - Arkansas wildfire victims need more mobile homes(00:25:28) - HUD Certification of One Bedroom, One Bath Homes(00:29:16) - Oregon Home Builders on Fire Preparedness(00:35:21) - The Hope Factory in Eugene(00:40:26) - Second-Chance Employment(00:41:28) - Will Hope Homes create a co-op community?(00:44:10) - How to solve a problem with resources(00:45:17) - Oregon homeowners: What are the barriers to home ownership?(00:51:17) - What do you think is the biggest bottleneck to building more housing in(00:54:29) - Oregon Affordable Housing: A Nugget(00:59:22) - Housing Voices: Practical Solutions Meet

    1 hr
  7. The Missing Middle Nobody Talks About: Why Teachers Can't Afford to Live Where They Work | HV05

    Jun 2

    The Missing Middle Nobody Talks About: Why Teachers Can't Afford to Live Where They Work | HV05

    This episode Marty Fulford and Bre Irish interview guest Nathan Wildfire, CEO of Missing Middle Housing Fund, discussing his innovative approach to solving Oregon's housing crisis. Nathan shares his personal journey from growing up in Pittsburgh to leading workforce training and housing innovation efforts. The conversation explores how missing middle housing fills the gap between subsidized affordable housing and market-rate housing for workers earning 80-120% of area median income. Key topics discussed: The four quadrants of housing innovation: red tape/policy, workforce/labor, financing, and materials/assembly Why middle income housing is rarely built and how to make it financially viable Creating local housing funds and innovation partnerships across Oregon The Housing Innovation Village Experience (HIVE) project in Newberg featuring five different building technologies Digitizing zoning codes and streamlining development processes Building coalitions of enthusiastic community partners Resources and people mentioned: Missing Middle Housing Fund Urban Form (zoning code digitization company) Build to Scale program (MODS PDX and HONE) Nathan Young and the Home Building Foundation Cities of Boardman, Newberg, and south coast regional housing initiatives SEDCOR economic development agency Portland Incubator Experiment Community Innovation Partners

    1h 3m
  8. Why Housing Doesn’t “Pencil” Anymore — And What’s Really Blocking Supply | HV04 P2

    May 26

    Why Housing Doesn’t “Pencil” Anymore — And What’s Really Blocking Supply | HV04 P2

    Building housing today isn’t just difficult—it often doesn’t make financial sense anymore. In Part 2 of our conversation Marty Fulford and Bre Irish interview with Ryan McAllister from Gerding Builders, we dig into the real reasons housing projects are stalling across Oregon and beyond. From skyrocketing construction costs to regulatory bottlenecks, this episode breaks down why even well-intentioned projects struggle to move forward. We explore: Why projects that worked 5–10 years ago no longer “pencil out” How construction costs have doubled or tripled in a decade The hidden impact of land constraints, wetlands, and infrastructure limits Why delays in permitting and regulation can stall projects for years The trade-offs communities avoid—and the consequences of inaction This isn’t just about builders—it’s about a system where cost, policy, and process collide, making it harder to deliver the housing people need. If we’re serious about solving the housing crisis, we need to understand what’s actually blocking progress—and what it will take to fix it. Take action: Get involved in local and state housing conversations, especially around land use and development barriers. Chapters (00:00:00) - Housing Voices: Ryan McAllister Part 2(00:00:43) - Girding Builders: Oregon Housing Voices(00:05:29) - Projects Penciling Out Today(00:11:32) - Local Issues: City and County(00:14:06) - Do we need wetlands for development in Oregon?(00:20:29) - Local perspectives on the 3rd Street Commons housing project(00:23:58) - Community resistance to development on wetlands(00:25:30) - Trade Offs in the Housing Debate(00:28:01) - Will Florida Make Its Apartment More Adaptive?(00:32:14) - Local Lenders: What Should They Know About Construction?(00:34:18) - Voices on Housing and Watersports

    39 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Housing Voices is a regional civic platform dedicated to advancing thoughtful, solutions-driven housing leadership across Oregon. We focus on the full spectrum of broad housing needs — workforce, seniors, attainable, disabled and affordable housing — and the broader systems that shape them, including land use, infrastructure, development economics, and public policy. Housing is not a single issue. It intersects with economic vitality, community stability, healthcare access, environmental resilience, and long-term regional growth. Housing Voices brings together builders, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and engaged citizens to examine these intersections with clarity and purpose. Through structured conversations and systems-level thinking, we highlight the policies, partnerships, and practical actions that can move communities from challenge to progress. Our mission is simple but ambitious: To accelerate informed dialogue and coordinated action that expands housing opportunity, strengthens families, supports local employers, and enhances long-term community livability.

Information

  • Creator
    Edward Fulford
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Housing Voices