Coming up short on rent can be distressing to say the least. Thankfully, in the state of Oregon, there are plenty of resources to help those who may be struggling financially. Here’s what to know about emergency rental assistance in Oregon and the organizations dedicated to housing those in need.

Who Qualifies for Emergency Rental Assistance in Oregon?

Emergency rental assistance in Oregon is available to households that meet certain criteria, though these requirements vary by county and organization. Usually, eligibility is determined by income, personal circumstances, and risk of eviction.

For most applications, you must provide:

Proof of income.
Proof of residency.
Some form of valid ID.

Many programs have online portals where you can apply, but some ask that applicants meet with them in person to discuss aid.

ACCESS Rental Program

The ACCESS Rental Program is funded by the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and is currently accepting applications for rental assistance. To qualify, your household income must be no more than 80% of the area median income (AMI).

To learn more about their services, get in touch with the ACCESS Rent Relief team at 541-414-0317.

Home Forward

Home Forward can be a great option for those seeking emergency rental assistance in Portland, Oregon. They offer a number of rental assistance programs, including:

Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance Program (RLRA)
Short-Term Rent Assistance Program (STRA)
Moderate Rehabilitation Program (Mod-Rehab)
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH)

Eligibility is determined by household size and AMI. You can check here to see if you qualify.

Catholic Charities of Oregon

Catholic Charities’ Housing Transitions Program (HTP) aims to remove housing barriers for childless women 25+ years old. This program helps with rental appeals and applications and can be a valuable resource for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

While not a traditional rental assistance program, HTP has helped hundreds of women secure stable housing and get on track to a brighter financial future.

Salvation Army

For over 150 years, the Salvation Army has been helping people with services ranging from food to shelter. You can search here to find assistance in your area. The Portland-based Gresham Corps Community Center offers several services, such as:

Gresham Music Academy
Family Services
Christmas Assistance
Volunteering
Community Partners

Give them a call at 503-661-8972 to learn more about rental assistance in Portland, Oregon and how they can help your household during your time of need.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF offers Oregon emergency rental assistance. The program is specifically designed for low-income families with children and distributes monthly cash payments to states for funding.

Their goal is to support families while they work towards financial self-sufficiency. The amount they get depends on their income and the number of people in the household. Oregon’s TANF program requires that recipients:

Have little to no income and assets.
Be the parent or caregiver for a child 18 or younger OR be pregnant OR be 18 or younger and head of the household.

After applying, they will schedule an appointment with you, either in person or over the phone. If you are approved, you will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail, also known as the Oregon Trail Card in Oregon.

You can use this card to buy items or withdraw cash, and it can be extremely helpful for paying rent in an emergency situation.

Section 8

This federally-funded program provides affordable housing to low-income households. With Section 8, you can choose your own housing with government rental assistance. To qualify for Oregon’s Section 8 program, you must meet various income and citizenship requirements.

This information determines the amount of money you can receive. It’s usually restricted to households that earn no more than 50% of the AMI, though certain exceptions are made for vulnerable populations.

For example, an individual in Oregon qualifies for Section 8 housing if he or she makes $20,850 or less per year. A family of four can have a max income limit of $29,750, and an eight-person household is restricted to $39,300. These limits may change from year to year.

How to Apply

If you’re seeking rental assistance through Section 8, there are several steps you will need to take to apply:

Determine your eligibility.
Find your local housing authority.
Get and complete the application.
Submit the application online, in person, or by mail.

Bear in mind that the application process for Section 8 can take weeks, or even months. While this may not be the best option for those facing immediate eviction, it can still be helpful for those struggling to keep up housing costs.

Get Emergency Rental Assistance in Oregon Today

No matter your situation, there are people and organizations who can help you through tough times. By thoroughly researching your options, you can find the program that’s right for your household and get on track to financial recovery.

To learn more about emergency rental assistance in Oregon, check out the resources listed above, or view our guide on emergency rental assistance.