Open this email in your browser. https://t.e2ma.net/message/6exqv2e/qq3uqgmd 

On Nov. 25, 2025, Oregon joined several other states in a lawsuit to block the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from imposing changes that would impact the federal Continuum of Care (CoC) program. CoCs are regional strategic planning bodies that deliver locally driven solutions to reduce the experience of homelessness among individuals, youth, and families.

OHCS is not a pass through of these funds, as other states are, but CoCs often serve as grantee partners of other state and federal resources OHCS administers. Among HUD’s changes, include imposing a severe cap on how much funding CoCs can put towards permanent housing solutions and directing communities to put resources primarily towards temporary housing. Meaning, Oregonians would have fewer options to access permanent housing.

We will continue to update our webpage with information about how federal changes could affect housing programs in Oregon.

Construction underway at Gussie Belle Commons earlier this year in Salem.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) furthers housing progress this year by funding the creation or preservation of 4,806 affordable rental homes across Oregon. It’s a 50% increase from the 3,208 affordable homes funded in 2024. This growth is significant as the housing industry continues to experience supply chain delays and rising costs.

“When we place people at the center of every decision, no barrier is too great to transform our work into meaningful progress,” said Executive Director Andrea Bell. Oregon’s Housing Stability Council approved over 450 new affordable rental units for funding.

Learn more about these new housing developments.

The deadline for new HARP applications is Dec. 31. Even if you are unsure you are eligible, OHCS encourages you to take the Eligibility Questionnaire right away. It does not require any documents and should take 15-20 minutes to complete. If you are eligible to move forward, you will receive an email inviting you to apply in about a week. Regional HARP Intake Centers are available to assist survivors. 

If there are people hesitant about applying, OHCS urges them to visit a new webpage highlighting survivors who have been through the process and received a HARP award for a new home.  

Dierdri Muñoz is a survivor from Jackson County who applied for HARP. With help from ACCESS, a ReOregon partner, Muñoz applied for HARP and was approved for a new home to replace the one she had lost to the Almeda Fire just two months after getting it. She moved into her home in June 2025 and is already looking forward to celebrating her first Christmas there with her granddaughter.   

“It’s such a blessing to have her through all of this,” Muñoz said. “She’s a miracle. This new house is a miracle.”  

To learn more about HARP and other ReOregon programs, visit re.oregon.gov or contact the ReOregon Call Center at 877-510-6800. 

Dierdri Muñoz of Jackson County lost the home she had recently moved into after the 2020 Almeda Fire hit, but she now has a new home through the ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program.

Over the past few months, eligible survivors who are participating in the ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) have been picking designs for new stick-built homes. DRR staff have been meeting individually with each household to show the designs, explain their options, and describe what to expect in the HARP construction process. As of Dec. 1, five households have selected their home design.  

The home designs provide three style options: craftsman, modern, and farmhouse. While the homes may not be an exact replica of the ones survivors lost, the options available are designed to be comfortable, energy-efficient, and built to today’s standards. All homes will be fire hardened, using special materials and construction methods to make them more resistant to wildfire embers, heat, and flames. 

Along with being fire hardened, the homes are designed to handle other natural disasters. These innovative home plans can be built within 90% of Oregon counties, meeting local building and zoning requirements, to plan for quicker implementation of permanent housing needs after a disaster. These home designs are not only designed to provide new housing for 2020 wildfire survivors, but in the event of future disasters, OHCS can be more ready to meet the needs of Oregonians. 

The Centering Voices of Lived Experience report, released in June 2025, was prepared by the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO), now known as the Peer Company. This peer-run, community-based nonprofit partnered with OHCS to conduct statewide listening sessions and an online survey to gather insights from Oregonians with lived experience of housing instability or homelessness. The report highlights the importance of feeling respected and valued when navigating housing systems, the need for a streamlined application process — ideally a single application for multiple programs — and more flexible eligibility requirements.  

Download and read the full report on MHAAO's website. 

When Sandra P.'s furnace gave out in October, it was the start of a bitterly cold Eastern Oregon winter and a deeply stressful time for her and her husband. With no central heat, they turned to unsafe methods to warm their home: a kitchen stove and space heaters. 

Sandra was luckily able to get in touch with the Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) and received assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is administered by OHCS and provides energy bill assistance. It can also help repair or replace broken or unsafe heating systems.  

Not only did Sandra get help with her energy bills, but she also received a new heat pump and an energy-efficiency inspection. Lower energy bills mean families, like Sandra’s, can better afford other necessities like groceries, medication, or rent. 

Read Sandra's full story.  

Executive Director Andrea Bell recently joined the Youth Emergency Housing Assistance (YEHA) cohort meeting in Roseburg to hear directly from program participants. 
 
YEHA funding supports five organizations across Coos, Josephine, Douglas, Lincoln, and Klamath counties. Representatives from each organization gathered in Roseburg to share insights and explore solutions to the challenges youth face in their communities. 
 
A key theme that emerged was the importance of collaboration. Participants discussed the value of working across organizations and pooling resources, especially as funding remains a persistent challenge. The meeting highlighted the inspiring partnerships formed among rural organizations, all committed to addressing youth homelessness together. 

Read more about the meeting. 

The Factory-Produced Housing Initiative, created by House Bill 3145 in 2025, seeks to spur awareness and adoption of factory-produced housing across the state. As part of that bill, the Network of Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH) is convening a series of Factory-Produced Housing Advisory Committee (FPHAC) meetings through January to discuss project selection criteria and a technical assistance plan for the initiative. 

The meetings are open to the public, though participation is limited to FPHAC members. Learn more about the Factory-Produced Housing Initiative and register to attend any of the advisory committee’s upcoming meetings. 

For more information, visit the initiative webpage.

OHCS is hosting a series of training sessions for developers who are interested in applying for the 2026-27 Homeownership Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

OHCS Director Andrea Bell, right, speaks at the Women of County Government panel. 

Director Andrea Bell attends women in counties panel

OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell joined the Women of County Government panel alongside Brenda Bateman, director of the Department of Land and Conservation Development, and Sophorn Cheang, director of Business Oregon.

During the visit, they discussed their shared draw to public service, the important role of local governments in housing work, and the steadfast responsibility of state government in supporting local leaders to make everyday life better and more affordable.

It was great being in conversation with other women leaders across Oregon.

Exterior of Berry Ranch Apartments

East Portland celebrates grand opening of 49 new homes

Staff from OHCS joined the grand opening of Berry Ranch Apartments, which brings 49 affordable homes to the Lent neighborhood in East Portland and has a space dedicated for local youth.

Units use a universal design concept that ensures spaces are accessible for all residents, and many homes are family-sized. The building also features spaces for children and teens that prioritize their well-being.

Great work to the developer, ROSE Community Development, and all the partners who had a hand in this, including Mercy Housing, Metro, Community Vision, and many others.

OHCS staff, from left to right: Meghan Von Tersch, Monica Avila, and Martha Tena-Lopez

90 units of permanent supportive housing opens for older adults in the heart of Portland

OHCS staff attended the grand opening of Julia West Apartments, a 90-unit permanent supportive housing development that prioritizes homes for older adults exiting homelessness.

Permanent supportive housing provides on-site wraparound supportive services for residents and typically serves those who have experienced chronic homelessness. Northwest Pilot Project and Native American Rehabilitation Association will provide these services for residents and ensure that they receive the resources they need.

The development used cross-laminated timber (CLT), reducing its carbon footprint and making it the tallest CLT building in Oregon. Residents have access to amenities such as a rooftop patio, community room, communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and more.

Great work to Community Development Partners, City of Portland, Multnomah County, Metro, and all the partners who contributed to the development.

OHCS staff and partners pose for a group photo in Roseburg.

Executive director joins housing leaders in Southern Oregon to discuss Youth Emergency Housing Assistance

Executive Director Andrea Bell joined the Youth Emergency Housing Assistance (YEHA) cohort meeting in Roseburg recently to hear from participants in the program.

YEHA funds were awarded to five organizations in Coos, Josephine, Douglas, Lincoln, and Klamath counties. Members from each organization attended the Roseburg cohort to brainstorm solutions to obstacles facing youth in each community.

One solution discussed was to work together across organizations and pool resources as funding continues to be a challenge. It was encouraging to see amazing collaboration happening between rural organizations to address youth homelessness in their communities.

Read more about the meeting. 

Jan. 5 – Affordable Rental Housing Partner Call 
The Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) division hosts a monthly Zoom call for partners in affordable housing development to give updates and answer questions. Learn more about ARH partner calls.

Jan. 9 – Housing Stability Council meeting
The Housing Stability Council holds regularly scheduled monthly meetings, usually at 9 a.m. PT on the first Friday of each month. The council is charged with meeting the need for affordable housing for Oregonians living on lower incomes. Register to watch the meeting or provide public comments on the OHCS website. 

Rules engagement
OHCS seeks community members to join the rulemaking process in various engagements. Regardless of your experience level, OHCS wants you to bring your perspective to our discussions. Sign up for future opportunities. If you’re not part of an organization, you can put “self” in the form. The goal is to make this process accessible to everyone, regardless of their preferred language. Let OHCS know if you need an interpreter or materials translated into a non-English language to participate. Email the Language Access team. 

OHCS social media
Follow OHCS on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share posts, watch videos, and stay engaged in the latest agency news.

Office: 725 Summer Street NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 800-453-5511
Email: housinginfo@hcs.oregon.gov

Connect with us