COVID-19: Oregon Releases 12 Million in Housing Funds
May 14th, 2020
As we continue in these unprecedented times more people are becoming unemployed and need help in many aspects of their lives. Housing accounts for the largest portion of our expenses. I recently ran across this article from the Oregonian, discussing a no strings way to obtain money for housing for those who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
Oregon Releases 12 million in Housing Funds
What is it?
The Oregon Legislature’s emergency board recently approved $12 million in housing assistance -- more than half of which will go to Oregonians who are on the edge of homelessness.
How can you benefit from this assistance?
In all, $8.5 million is set aside for people who have lost their income due to COVID-19 and can’t pay their rent. The money will pad existing housing assistance funds available to nonprofit and government agencies around the state.
How soon will these funds be available?
State officials said that the money will pushed out to those agencies starting May 4, and anyone who can’t pay their rent should contact their local agency as soon as possible.
How Do I Learn More?
No matter where you live in Oregon, you can call 211 or use the 211 app.
Tell the operator where you live and that person will direct you to the nearest community action agency, as the organizations designated to disbursing the funds are called.
How Do I Get The Funds?
You need to prove that you are unable to pay rent because of Coronavirus, using one of the following:
- letters from clients who canceled appointments
- documents that prove you were laid off or
- pay stubs that show your pay was reduced because of COVID-19.
If you need assistance navigating your expenses in this difficult time, we have Financial Coaches who can help you with a spending plan. You can apply for services here, or you can contact our Coaching Hotline at 503-622-9167, Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.