Demand surges for Central Oregon housing voucher program for low-income residents

Earlier this month, individuals and families had just five days to apply for a housing rental assistance program funded by the federal government that serves Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. Eligibility is based on income limits and other requirements, with vouchers awarded through a lottery system to only about 1 out of every 4 applicants. Demand for the vouchers grew by more than a third since 2023, but obstacles still remain for those lucky enough to obtain one.  Reporter David Dudley wrote about the Housing Choice Voucher program after moving to Bend eight weeks ago to work on “Homelessness: Real Stories, Real Solutions.” The series was launched last month by the nonprofit media organization FORJournalism. Dudley joins us to talk about his recent reporting and work on the series, which aims to dispel misconceptions about homelessness in Central Oregon.