Before the pandemic, Phil and Megan Gordon were happy to be in Bend. They had jobs, they launched a business, and they were close to their kids. But amid the pandemic housing crunch and the cost-of-living crisis, they were forced out of a house and into a hotel. Then, when they moved into an RV, they found that even asking for help has a price.

As Central Oregon sees spikes in homelessness, record numbers of cost-burdened renters and increased eviction filings, lawmakers slash $100 million from budget for eviction prevention and legal aid.