Housing Choice (Section 8) and HUD Subsidized Homes

• The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for both subsidized housing and Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers. Low income, elderly, and disabled people can qualify for either a subsidized apartment or home, or a Housing Choice voucher. With a Housing Choice voucher, you can rent the home of your choice from a private landlord. The voucher pays part of your monthly rent, while you pay the rest. You must apply at your local public housing agency for HUD subsidized housing and Housing Choice.
  
  

Rent Guarantee Program

• If you can afford to rent a home but have poor credit, a previous eviction, or a history of problems with previous landlords, Oregon's Rent Guarantee program can help you get approved for a new housing situation. To participate, you must complete a class on being a good tenant. After course completion, a caseworker approves you for a specific "rent guarantee" amount, which reimburses a landlord in case you break your lease or damage your rental home. This guarantee, plus your certificate of course completion, can help you persuade a landlord or property manager to approve your rental application. You must apply for this program through your local Community Action Agency.
  
  

HOME Tenant-Based Assistance Program (HTBA)

• If you and your family survive on a very low income (less than half the median household income for your area), you may qualify for the HOME Tenant-Based Assistance Program (HTBA). This program pays a significant portion of your rental costs as well as a refundable security deposit for any home you choose. The rent assistance terms range from six to twelve months and can be renewed. Applications for this program should be made at Community Action Agency office.
  
  

Low Income Rental Housing Fund Program

• If you are facing a temporary loss of income or other financial problems, you may qualify for short term rental assistance through the Low Income Rental Housing Fund Program. This program assists individuals coping with involuntary financial hardship, such as unemployment or illness, as well as those who are homeless but working on getting a home and a job. This is another program administered by local Community Action Agencies, and you can either apply directly to the agency or get a referral from another social service agency. You can receive up to six months of rental assistance while participating in this program.