La Grande is taking a big step toward solving its housing shortage. The city has received a grant that will allow it to conduct an analysis of the housing crisis, which is defined as where 25 percent of the residents are paying more than 50 percent of their income toward rent or mortgages. The intention is to come up with a strategic plan now, that will help solve the crisis. It comes after the city’s housing issues have become more visible. An example is the warming shelter, which opened last winter. Many of those who had to use the warming shelter are homeless because of the housing shortage.