BendBroadband donates to Bend Chamber housing initiative

Bend, Oregon (November 18, 2021) – As Bend leaders work to address a severe housing shortage, BendBroadband has donated $10,000 to become a lead investor in the Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Housing Initiative.

Limited housing inventory and rising costs have made it more difficult for workers to live in Bend. The Bend Chamber of Commerce is undertaking a multi-year initiative that includes a concerted public affairs, research, and communications plan, as well as convening public and private sector leaders to develop solutions.

“Bend’s shortage of workforce housing is at a critical level,” said Katy Brooks, Bend Chamber CEO. “We are very grateful to BendBroadband for being one of the first to step up in helping us make Bend a place you can both live and work.”

The housing shortage in Bend has reached a high level of urgency. In the last year alone, home values in Bend have skyrocketed more than 40%. For the wide variety of labor sectors in the community, employers have experienced more employee loss due to the decline in affordability and lack of adequate housing. The chamber’s effort seeks to raise awareness about the housing shortage impact on employers, the labor force, and the local economy.

“As an active member of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, we jumped at the chance to partner on such an important, urgent initiative and assist in addressing housing issues,” said Nicole Christensen, BendBroadband associate manager of field marketing.

As a part of the Central Oregon community for more than 60 years, BendBroadband takes a vested interest in the success of the communities we serve. Giving back is a core part of BendBroadband’s mission.

“Housing shortages are a critical issue facing Bend and communities across the country. We are proud to partner with the Bend Chamber of Commerce and do our part to help workers, employers, and the community thrive,” TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Andrew Petersen said.

Learn more about the initiative by visiting https://bendchamber.org/workforce-housing-initiative/.

###