Oregon Rent Relief Due to COVID-19
The State of Oregon has put together an $8.5 million Coronavirus relief package to help tenants pay rent during the pandemic. The money has been divided between 18 local agencies who are tasked with distributing fund to renters, who under the statewide eviction moratorium can delay rent but have to pay it back once the moratorium ends. This brought on widespread fear that once the moratorium ends, renters would be left with with large backlogs of rent payments that would lead to mass evictions.
Who Can Get Money?
Anyone who makes up to 50% of the area median income can apply for rent relief. Applicants will be prioritized based on need, and those who’ve been financially impacted by the pandemic will be highest on the list. With the unemployment rate spiking, most of the money will go to those applicants whose loss of income is COVID-related.
Renters will need to show proof of income loss. The specific forms of documentation required will vary by agency.
What Can It Be Used For?
The money is meant to address some of the backlog of rent payments. This means it can be used to cover April and May rent, as well as future payments. Tenants whose applications are accepted should see the money go straight from the agency to their landlord.
How To Apply?
The state’s housing finance agency has provided contact numbers for each organization, which can be found below. Renters should give the organization a call or go on their website to find out more specifics on how to apply.
The state has also set aside nearly $456,000 as part of the rent relief program to help farm workers make rent. The Oregon Human Development Corporation, a nonprofit that assists farm workers statewide, will be distributing the money. Eligible renters should call 855-215-6158.
Agency Contacts:
Jackson County: ACCESS, Inc., (541) 779-6691
Washington County: Community Action, (503) 648-6646
Lane County: Lane County Human Services Commission, (541) 682-3798
Hood River County, Wasco County, Sherman County: Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, (541) 298-5131
Umatilla County, Morrow County, Gilliam County, Wheeler County: Community Action Program of East Central Oregon, (800) 752-1139
Polk County, Marion County: Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, (503) 585-6232
Clatsop County, Columbia County, Tillamook County: Community Action Team, Inc., (503) 397-3511
Multnomah County: Multnomah County Department of Human Services, (503) 988-7453
Wallowa County, Union County, Baker County, Grant County: Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, (541) 963-3186
Jefferson County, Deschutes County, Crook County: NeighborImpact, (541) 548-2380
Clackamas County: Clackamas County Social Services Department, (503) 655-8640
Harney County, Malheur County: Community in Action, (541) 889-1060
Lincoln County, Benton County, Linn County: Community Service Consortium, (541) 752-1010
Klamath County, Lake County: Klamath/Lake Community Action Services, (541) 882-3500
Coos County, Curry County: Oregon Coast Community Action, (541) 435-7080
Josephine County, Douglas County: United Community Action Network, (541) 672-5392
Yamhill County: Yamhill Community Action Partnership, (503) 472-0457
