State Launches Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Starting on Wednesday, May 19, qualified renters may begin submitting applications to the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) for funding to pay rent, rent arrears, future rent and certain home utility costs.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will distribute $204 million to qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the Coronavirus pandemic and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. OHCS is coordinating with 17 community action agencies and one public housing authority across the state to emphasize an equitable approach in the processing of applications and distribution of funds. This coordinated partnership helps ensure the OERAP has the greatest impact on reducing housing instability and homelessness.
Every renter who applies will have their application reviewed, and relief resources will be distributed to those who meet the following federal eligibility requirements:
Must have income less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI);
Must have an individual in the household who has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic; and
Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability due to past-due rent or utilities.
Federal guidance requires that grantees prioritize households with incomes less than 50% AMI, and households with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days.
OHCS received approximately $204 million in federal funds for this program. The city of Portland, and the counties of Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Lane and Marion received approximately $76 million in additional federal Emergency Rental Assistance allocations and opted to accept applications from residents through their own application process. Applicants are prohibited from accepting payment on the same expense from different providers and are asked to select one program. All Oregonians are welcome to apply to OERAP. Tribal governments also received allocations directly from the U.S. Treasury. OHCS is partnering with the Oregon Human Develop Corporation (OHDC) to provide additional assistance to Spanish speaking applicants.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until 2022 or until program funds run out. In most cases, payment will be made directly to the landlord or utility provider. To find out additional information about criteria or to apply to the OERAP program, visit OregonRentalAssistance.org. Oregonians in need of assistance can contact their local Community Action Agency or local program administrator or contact http://211info.org or call 2-1-1.
Please note: The application portal is not yet open to residents of Clackamas County. Oregonians in that community can contact Clackamas County’s Coordinated Housing Access line for more information about rental and utility resources available: (503) 655-8575 or visit their webpage at www.clackamas.us/communitydevelopment/cha.
Contact: Ariel Nelson, Lobbyist – anelson@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/21/21
