As rising housing costs continue to push many families to the financial brink, Portland is investing an additional $5 million in emergency rental assistance that officials say will help approximately 1,000 households avoid eviction.
The funding, approved by the Portland City Council last month through the Technical Adjustment Ordinance, was allocated to the Portland Housing Bureau, which is partnering with Multnomah County’s Department of County Human Services to distribute the assistance.
“Stable housing is the foundation for a healthy and thriving community. This investment allows us to work in partnership and move quickly to deploy these dollars, preventing displacement and reducing strain on our shelters and other emergency systems,” said Quisha Light, interim director of the Portland Housing Bureau. “We’re grateful for our continued partnership with Multnomah County to ensure rent assistance reaches households in time to prevent eviction and the impacts it has on families and communities.”
Of the $5 million allocation, $4.5 million will be distributed through emergency rental assistance programs administered directly by Multnomah County and through a network of community-based organizations. County officials estimate the funding will support approximately 1,000 households. The remaining $500,000 will be used for program operations and administrative expenses.
County and city leaders acknowledge that demand for financial assistance continues to exceed available resources as rising costs for rent, food, utilities and fuel place increasing pressure on household finances.
“One of the most powerful things we can do to reduce homelessness is to prevent it before it starts,” said Rachel Pearl, Multnomah County’s Department of County Human Services Director. “These funds allow us to reach more households before eviction becomes a reality, slowing the inflow into homelessness and ensuring families–especially children–have the safe, stable home they need to thrive.”
Residents seeking eviction prevention assistance can access services through 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or emailing [email protected]. Assistance is also available through the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Latino Network, Native American Youth and Family Center, El Programa Hispano Católico, Self Enhancement, Inc. and Bienestar de la Familia.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must be residents of the City of Portland and have household incomes at or below 65% of the Area Median Income. Eligibility is based on a snapshot of current household income at the time of application or total household income for the full calendar year before intake. There is no citizenship requirement for the program.
The funding builds on a partnership established during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the City of Portland and Multnomah County aligned efforts to help households facing eviction. Using existing contracting systems, payment mechanisms and case management expertise, the county distributed millions of dollars in emergency rental assistance funded by both governments.
Since the pandemic, the Department of County Human Services has maintained that capacity through its Youth and Family Services division, which continues to provide emergency rent assistance and crisis case management services aimed at preventing imminent evictions. The additional city funding will support those ongoing efforts.
