Rep. Salinas Secures $500,000 for Low-Income Senior Housing in Salem

Salem, OR - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) announced that she secured $500,000 in federal Community Project Funding for emergency power generators for low-income senior housing in Salem. This funding will provide backup diesel generators and improve electrical systems for two low-income senior housing properties to ensure the safety of residents. Rep. Salinas presented the funding alongside local leaders from the City of Salem and the Salem Housing Authority.

"Nobody should be left in the cold when a crisis hits," said Rep. Salinas. "I am proud to have secured this investment so our seniors can count on heat, power, and safety regardless of the circumstances. I will keep fighting to bring back resources for Oregon's Sixth District so that all residents - from our youngest to our oldest - can live safely, comfortably."

In 2021, the Willamette Valley was hit by an ice storm that lasted several days and left 114 seniors in two affordable housing projects in Salem without lighting, heat, elevators, power for critical medical equipment, and the ability to alert emergency services. With the broader community also affected, staff were unable to respond quickly, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure.

The newly secured funding will ensure essential systems remain operational during future crises, including elevator service, emergency lighting, community spaces, medical equipment access, and nurse call systems powered by backup power. These upgrades will significantly strengthen emergency preparedness and protect residents' health and wellbeing.

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