Oregon Rent Relief: A Current Directory of Programs and Assistance

For Oregonians facing housing instability, finding reliable information on Oregon rent relief is a critical first step toward security. While the large-scale, pandemic-era Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) has concluded, a diverse network of state, regional, and county-level housing assistance programs continues to provide support.

The system for accessing aid has shifted from a single, broad program to a more targeted and localized approach. Navigating this new landscape can be challenging, but help remains available for those at risk of eviction or struggling to pay rent. The key is knowing where to look and how to connect with the right resources. This directory provides a clear and current map to the housing stability programs available to renters across Oregon.

Immediate Help for Oregon Renters Facing Eviction

For individuals and families who have received a termination notice from a landlord or a court summons for eviction, the situation is urgent. A specific set of resources is designed to intervene directly at this crisis point, combining immediate financial aid with critical legal support to prevent displacement.

The First Call: Connecting with 211info

The primary gateway to social services and housing assistance in Oregon is 211info. This is not a direct funding source but a crucial information and referral service that acts as a central navigator. A specialist will assess your specific situation—including location, income, and household size—and connect you to the local agencies that administer funds.

The closure of broad programs like OERAP has made 211info the essential starting point for nearly every renter seeking help. It is the most effective way to identify which local organizations have available funding at any given time.

How to Contact 211info:

• Phone: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
• Text: Text your zip code to 898211.
• Website: Visit 211info.org to search for resources online. 

To make the call as effective as possible, be prepared to discuss your current living situation, all sources of household income, and the number of dependents living in the home. If an eviction notice has been received, having that document on hand is also beneficial.

If You Have an Eviction Notice: The Oregon Eviction Prevention Rapid Response Program (OR-EPRP)

The Oregon Eviction Prevention Rapid Response Program (OR-EPRP) is the state's most direct intervention for tenants on the brink of displacement. It is a specialized program that provides financial support to households that are already in the formal eviction process. With limited post-pandemic funding, resources are triaged to the most critical point of intervention—an active court case—to prevent the final step of a household losing its home.

This program is a partnership between Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and a third-party administrator, Public Partnerships (PPL), which handles the intake, review, and payment process.

Eligibility Requirements

The single most important eligibility criterion for OR-EPRP is that the applicant must have an active eviction court case number. Additional requirements include meeting specific income levels and not having received assistance from OHCS within the current biennium (July 2025 – June 2027).

Covered Expenses

OR-EPRP funds can be used for a wide range of housing-related costs to resolve the eviction and stabilize the tenancy, including:

• Past-due rent.
• Future rent (up to one month).
• Rental security deposits.
• Utilities paid to a landlord or utility company.
• Associated rental fees, such as pet fees, application fees, or housing-related legal fees.
• Repairs and damage remediation up to $2,500.
• Partial payments to reduce housing debt, allowing a tenant to relocate if necessary.

Application Process

Applications are accepted when funding is available, which is typically announced on a monthly basis and can be exhausted quickly. Applicants have two ways to apply:

1. Online Application: Submit an application through the PPL portal when it is open.
2. Phone Intake: Call the intake message line at 833-746-8167. It is critical to leave a clear message with all required information: full name, phone number, complete address, date of birth, and the eviction court case number. Failure to provide all details will result in no callback.

Once an application is fully approved, payment is typically sent to the landlord within about 10 days.  

Securing Legal Support: The Eviction Defense Project (EDP)

Financial assistance alone may not be enough to stop a legal eviction. The court process has strict timelines and procedures that require expert navigation. The Eviction Defense Project (EDP) provides free legal assistance to low-income tenants across Oregon who are facing eviction court cases. It is a collaborative effort between Legal Aid Services of Oregon, the Oregon Law Center, and other legal aid organizations.

The EDP works in close coordination with the OR-EPRP. This linkage is fundamental to the state's eviction prevention strategy. While PPL processes the financial aid, the EDP provides the legal advocacy needed to use that aid effectively in court, negotiate with landlords, and ensure the case is properly dismissed. For the best chance of success, tenants with a court summons should pursue both financial and legal help simultaneously.

Who is Eligible and How to Get Help:

• The EDP assists low-income tenants in all Oregon counties who have received eviction court papers. 
• In Multnomah County, tenants may be able to receive help even before a court case is filed if they have received a formal termination notice from their landlord.
• Contact the EDP immediately after receiving court papers. The eviction process moves quickly, and it is crucial to get legal advice before the first court appearance date.
• Contact Information: Call 888-585-9638 or email evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and eviction case number.

It is essential for tenants to show up for their scheduled court date, even if they have applied for rent assistance and provided proof to their landlord. Failure to appear in court can result in an automatic judgment and eviction, regardless of a pending assistance application.

State and Regional Housing Stability Programs

Beyond immediate crisis intervention, Oregon has developed several programs aimed at providing longer-term housing stability. These resources are designed for households that are at risk of homelessness but may not yet have an active eviction case. Access to these programs often involves a more comprehensive assessment of a household's needs.

A New Pathway: Housing Assistance Through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

In a nationally recognized initiative, Oregon has begun to address housing instability as a public health issue. The state is the first in the nation to use federal Medicaid funds to provide housing assistance through its Oregon Health Plan (OHP). This approach is based on the understanding that stable housing is a critical determinant of health.

These housing benefits are delivered through the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiative. This is not an emergency program; the application and approval process can take several weeks or months, so it is not suitable for those facing immediate eviction.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for HRSN housing benefits is complex and targeted. An applicant must be an active OHP member and meet four distinct criteria:

1. A Social Health Need: The household must be experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, or climate-related needs.
2. A Life Transition or Risk Factor: The applicant must be experiencing a qualifying situation, such as being at risk of homelessness, transitioning from foster care, or being recently released from custody.
3. A Clinical Health Need: The applicant must have a qualifying health condition, such as a complex physical or behavioral health need, pregnancy, or a developmental disability.
4. An Income Threshold: Household income must be at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their region. For a family of four in the Portland metro area, this cutoff is approximately $35,400.

Covered Services

The HRSN program offers a robust set of supports designed to achieve and maintain housing stability :  

• Up to six months of rental and utility assistance, including payment for past-due amounts.
• Coverage for up to six months of storage fees.
• Medically necessary home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars, pest control, or the provision of air conditioners and air filters.

How to Access HRSN Benefits

The entry point for HRSN benefits is through an OHP member's Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), such as Health Share of Oregon or Trillium Community Health Plan. Members can also be connected to the application process by calling 211 and explaining their situation. The application often involves a digital form or a phone screening to determine eligibility.

Long-Term Rent Assistance (LTRA and RLRA)

For households with very low incomes who are experiencing or at high risk of chronic homelessness, Oregon offers long-term rent subsidies. These programs are not open for general application but are accessed through a "coordinated entry" system designed to prioritize the most vulnerable residents.

This model acts as a centralized intake and assessment system for a region's housing resources. It ensures that individuals with the highest needs are prioritized for limited long-term support.

Distinguishing the Programs:

• Long-Term Rent Assistance (LTRA): This is a statewide, state-funded program created under Governor Tina Kotek's executive orders on homelessness. It provides a permanent housing subsidy for households that have been successfully rehoused from homelessness through other state initiatives.
• Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance (RLRA): This program operates in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties and is funded locally by the voter-approved Supportive Housing Services (SHS) measure. It provides an ongoing rent subsidy to households with very low incomes, often with wrap-around supportive services.

Individuals and families cannot apply directly for these programs. Access is granted exclusively through a referral from a region's coordinated entry system or from a case manager at a partner social service agency.

Federal Housing Subsidies in Oregon (Housing Choice Voucher / Section 8)

The federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is the nation's largest rental assistance program. It provides a long-term subsidy to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities, allowing them to rent housing in the private market. The program is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

While this program is a vital resource, the demand far exceeds the supply of vouchers. In Oregon, the waiting lists for the Housing Choice Voucher program are typically closed and can be several years long. Openings are infrequent and often announced with little notice. Renters should monitor the website of their local PHA for any announcements.

County-Specific Rent Relief Resources

Access to rent relief is highly dependent on a resident's location, as funding is often administered by a network of county governments and local non-profit organizations. The primary intake point and available programs vary significantly from one county to another.

Multnomah County

• Primary Intake: The central starting point for all housing assistance is 211info. Callers will be screened and referred to the appropriate agency.
• Key Agencies: Home Forward is the county's housing authority and a primary administrator of rent assistance.
• Key Programs:
• Short-Term Rent Assistance (STRA): Provides up to 24 months of rental assistance to households experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance (RLRA): Provides ongoing subsidies to very-low-income households referred through the coordinated entry system.
• OHP/HRSN Benefits: Eligible OHP members can access housing benefits through their Coordinated Care Organizations.

Washington County

• Primary Intake: Community Connect is the county's coordinated entry system. Contact them at 503-640-3263 or communityconnect@caowash.org.
• Key Agencies: The Washington County Department of Housing Services and Community Action are the lead organizations.
• Key Programs:
• Referral-Based Programs: Community Connect provides referrals to long-term programs like RLRA and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH).
• Eviction Prevention: A dedicated program assists households that have already received an eviction notice.
• Community Action Emergency Assistance: Offers emergency rent assistance when funding is available.

Clackamas County

• Primary Intake: Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) is the centralized point of contact. The CHA line can be reached at 503-655-8575.
• Key Agencies: The Housing Authority of Clackamas County (HACC) and Clackamas County Social Services manage the county's primary housing programs.
• Key Programs:
• Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance (RLRA): The HACC administers the RLRA program with unique incentives to attract landlords.
• Housing Rights and Resources Program (HRRP): This program provides education and referrals on landlord-tenant law and fair housing issues.
• Rent Well: A tenant education program that helps individuals with rental barriers become successful renters.

Lane County

• Primary Intake: The primary starting point is 211info, which refers callers to local service providers.
• Key Agencies: A network of non-profits delivers services, including Catholic Community Services and Siuslaw Outreach Services.
• Key Programs:
• Homelessness Prevention Programs: Local providers offer services that can include rent and utility assistance, payment for arrears, and case management.
• Catholic Community Services: A major provider of rent assistance in the Eugene-Springfield area, though their waitlist is frequently closed.
• OR-EPRP: Residents with an active eviction court case number can apply for the statewide rapid response program.

Marion County

• Primary Intake: Residents should start by contacting 211info for referrals to the appropriate local agencies.
• Key Agencies: Key service providers include Northwest Human Services, the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, and The Salvation Army.
• Key Programs:
• Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA): Northwest Human Services offers limited assistance with rent and utilities.
• The ARCHES Project: This program provides a range of homeless prevention services, including potential grants for rent and security deposits.
• The Salvation Army: Provides emergency assistance, often requiring a 72-hour eviction notice to qualify.
• Rental Assistance Program (RAP): A specialized program for adults diagnosed with a Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) who are homeless or at risk.

Oregon County Rent Assistance Quick Reference

The fragmented nature of rent relief means the first step depends entirely on where one lives. This table provides an at-a-glance summary of the primary point of contact for residents in Oregon's most populous counties.

Specialized Assistance Programs for Oregonians

In addition to general rent relief, several programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of specific populations. Exploring all applicable categories can reveal multiple potential streams of aid.

Support for Veterans

• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH): This federal program combines a HUD Housing Choice Voucher with ongoing case management and clinical services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is specifically for veterans experiencing homelessness who have a diagnosed disability. The VASH program is referral-based, and veterans can be connected to it through the VA or their county's coordinated entry system.

Aid for Seniors and Older Adults (Age 58+)

• Elderly Rental Assistance (ERA) Program: This state-funded program assists very-low-income seniors, defined as age 58 and older, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The program provides financial assistance and case management. Seniors should contact their local Community Action Agency or 211info to inquire about availability.
• Legal Assistance: Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) receive funding to provide legal services for adults age 60 and over. This can include help with improper evictions or issues with subsidized housing. Seniors can connect with these services by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 855-673-2372.

Resources for Youth and Families

• Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative: This program provides housing assistance for youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who are leaving the foster care system. It is a referral-based program, with eligible applicants identified and referred by the Oregon Department of Human Services. 
• Family Rental Assistance Program (FRAP): Operating in Marion County, FRAP provides a housing subsidy and case management for families where the primary caregiver has a diagnosed Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and the family is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Assistance for Agricultural Workers

• Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC): The OHDC is a primary resource for agricultural workers in Oregon. Their housing assistance programs offer a variety of support, including rental assistance, help with back rent, and emergency shelter to help farmworker families maintain stable housing. They serve multiple counties, including Marion, Polk, Linn, Benton, and Lane.

Preparing Your Application: Required Documents and Information

The process of applying for rent relief can be administratively demanding. Being prepared with the correct documents is one of the most important steps an applicant can take to ensure their request is processed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Core Documentation Checklist

While specific requirements may vary, most rental assistance applications in Oregon will require the following core documents for all household members aged 18 and older.  

1. Proof of Identity (Provide ONE):

• State-issued driver's license or ID card.
• U.S. Passport or foreign passport.
• Birth certificate or Social Security card.
• Military ID or VA Medical card.
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
• Letter from a government agency or non-profit attesting to identity.

2. Proof of Income (For ALL household members 18+):

• For tax filers: Most recent signed federal tax return (Form 1040).
• For non-tax filers:
• Recent consecutive pay stubs.
• W-2 or 1099 forms for the most recent tax year.
• Benefit letters for Social Security, SSI, unemployment, or TANF.
• A signed statement from an employer detailing wages.
• For those with no income, a signed "Certification of No Income" form is often required.

3. Proof of Residence and Housing Crisis (Provide ONE or MORE):

• A current, signed lease or rental agreement.
• A utility bill in the applicant's name at the listed address.
• An eviction notice or a court summons for eviction.
• Proof of rent payments, such as bank statements or check stubs.
• A written confirmation of rent due from the landlord.

4. Program-Specific Documents:

• OHP/HRSN: Applicants will need their OHP ID card and may need records related to their qualifying health condition.
• OR-EPRP: The eviction court case number is mandatory.
• VASH: A DD214 may be required to verify veteran status.

Navigating the Process: Tips for Success

Securing rent relief in the current environment requires preparation and persistence. Call wait times can be long, and agency responses can sometimes take weeks. The following steps can help:

• Be Prepared: Gather all necessary documents before starting an application or calling an intake line. This single step can prevent significant delays.
• Be Persistent: If phone lines are busy, try calling at different times. If you leave a message, ensure it is clear and contains all requested information.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of every call you make. Note the date, the agency's name, the person you spoke with, and what was discussed.
• Know Your Rights: Understand your legal rights as a tenant in Oregon. Resources like the Oregon Law Center provide information on legal notice periods, limits on rent increases, and defenses against eviction.

 Frequently Asked Questions