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Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is updating its website to improve accessibility for all users and ensure compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In the coming months, OHCS will continue to review and update its website content to meet accessibility requirements. The site will mostly look and feel the same, though some content may be in a different format or move location.

If you need help finding resources or information, contact HCS_Housing.Info@hcs.oregon.gov and our team will be happy to assist.

On Friday, Feb. 27, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a proposed rule to allow – but not require – most public housing agencies (PHA) and project-based rental assistance (PBRA) owners to impose work requirements and/or time limits for non-elderly, non-disabled households living in HUD-assisted housing. 

PHAs and owners could apply these requirements to households assisted through the public housing, tenant-based voucher, project-based voucher, and PBRA programs. 

Please visit the OHCS website for more information on the current slate of proposed changes. 

The 2026 Legislative Session adjourned on March 6. This was a short session year, meaning the session was a less than 35 days long. Like every short session, state agencies could not introduce bills, but OHCS was still tracking bills and issues that impact the agency. 

One of the main issues the Legislature needed to address this session was the state’s budget. At the beginning of session, the Legislature estimated it needed an additional $750 million to balance the state’s budget for this biennium. Several actions happened during the last month, including a more positive than expected economic forecast and a bill to disconnect some items of Oregon’s tax code from the federal tax code, which dramatically reduced the additional revenue needed. Instead of a $750 million budget deficit, the Legislature faced a deficit of $128 million deficit. 

While it was good news that the state’s budget gap significantly narrowed, the Legislature still needed to make budget reductions. OHCS, like most state agencies, is taking budget reductions, but they do not impact program funds. The funding for the programs and services OHCS administers will remain unchanged. Instead, OHCS will need to keep a few positions unfilled for a certain amount of time this biennium to achieve what’s known as vacancy savings – a reduction that other state agencies are also likely required to make. 

Even though OHCS has a budget reduction, the Legislature also chose to make additional investments in the agency. The Legislature approved two investments this session: 

We will have more information about implementing those two investments soon. 

Finally, here are a few highlights of bills that passed this session: 

We will have more information about the 2026 session posted to our website shortly. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact OHCS' Government Relations team at hcs_dl_pa_government_relations@hcs.oregon.gov.  

Baker Building in Clatsop County

OHCS and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) celebrate the grand opening of the Baker Building in Astoria. Developed by Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and Edlen & Company, this Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development will provide 32 affordable homes for people who have mental health and substance use disorders, including at least nine units for individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Learn more about the Baker Building. 

OHCS continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland in March. 

These new homes reflect a variety of housing types to meet differing community needs. Home types include manufactured, cottages, multifamily, and more. Learn more about these housing developments.

The agency is pursuing various strategies to support Oregon’s affordable rental housing portfolio through the resources it provides and reducing administrative burden on property owners and managers. We know that affordable rental housing owners and operators are under financial strain right now, both in Oregon and across the country. When expenses rise this sharply, owners and operators can be forced into impossible choices that could undermine housing stability for the very people whose lives we aim to make better and more affordable. Learn more about how the agency is working to support the state’s affordable rental housing portfolio. 

The ReOregon Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program had its first home closing in Lane County in February. This is a huge milestone for the program with more home closings expected toward the end of March. The DPA program opened in July 2025 with the goal of helping renters affected by the 2020 Labor Day Disasters become first-time homebuyers. It provides forgivable loans that can help cover a down payment and eligible closing costs. Potential DPA recipients may also receive housing counseling to help prepare them for their future housing goals.

The DPA program is part of a suite of services called Housing Support Services, which also includes rental and/or utility assistance and housing counseling.

If you were a renter at the time of the disasters and need help with rent, utilities, or would like to become a first-time homebuyer, contact a community action agency nearest you. One application covers all programs you may qualify for. 

Christine Nowana had to stay with her daughter after the 2020 Almeda Fire destroyed her home. Now she has her own place where she can host her daughter and grandchildren for visits.

For Christine Nowana of Jackson County, the most important memories are the ones that happen every day at home, like cooking a meal for her family, stitching on her quilt, or laughing with her grandchildren. They may appear ordinary, but when you add them up, they turn into something extraordinary.

Making new memories is what she's looking forward to most now that she has moved into her new townhouse after losing everything in the 2020 Almeda Fire.

“My home is beautiful," Nowana said. “I have a large kitchen and a room for my sewing. There's plenty of space for my daughter and her children to come and visit."

For a long time, Nowana struggled to find a permanent place to stay. Everything changed during her morning walk when she ran into a neighbor who told her about the ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP).

She decided to apply and qualified for assistance to buy a townhome. Through the HARP Home Purchase pathway, which helps survivors buy move-in-ready homes, she was able to move into her new home in July 2025 and has already begun creating new memories.

Learn more about Christine’s story and others who have received help from OHCS.

OHCS has reopened the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to support Oregon homeowners at risk of foreclosure to keep their homes. The program, created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provides mortgage assistance to homeowners who experienced hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To be eligible for assistance, homeowners must have a primary mortgage with a participating mortgage servicing company that is 90 days or more past due. Eligible homeowners can qualify for up to $50,000 in grant funds, regardless of whether they've previously received HAF payments. Payments will be made directly to their servicer to reinstate their mortgage. Funds will be available until they are fully allocated, but no later than Sept. 30, 2026. 

For information on how to apply, visit the OHCS website.

For additional support, homeowners are encouraged to work with a housing counselor. A list of housing counselors in your area can also be found on the OHCS website. 

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. Through HB 3145, OHCS will fund up to five factory-produced housing (FPH) projects using $25 million in Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) funds.  

OHCS will accept applications through the FPH Project Selection Form available on the FPH webpage through April 6. OHCS is hosting an information session about the funding opportunity and application process on March 16 at 2 p.m. You can register to attend.

OR-MEP is expanding statewide thanks to a federal grant aimed at supporting the development of new affordable multifamily rental properties, including projects outside the Portland General Electric and Pacific Power service areas. 

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Oregon $197 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funds through the federal Inflation Reduction Act to support several programs, including OR-MEP, at various state agencies that will help the state reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Key dates: 

Stay tuned for updates on the OR-MEP website.

Two of the new cottages in Lincoln City

Disaster Recovery and Resilience (DRR) staff attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting for 12 new cottages for wildfire-impacted residents of Lincoln County. This tiny home village was made possible through land donations from Coast Vineyard Church and the City of Lincoln City, and funds from the Oregon State Legislature. Development work was led by NW Coastal Housing.

This project was supported, in part, by state funding to OHCS for disaster recovery housing across the state after the 2020 Labor Day Disasters. Through this funding, DRR staff supported the development of this project and worked closely with the project partners. Staff were excited to be part of the grand opening and celebrate along with the many partners who played a role in its development.

Residents will have access to on-site support services, including navigation assistance and peer support, a food pantry, and more.

March 12 – Manufactured Housing Advisory Committee Meeting 
The Homeownership Division Manufactured Housing Program will host the bimonthly meeting of the Manufactured Housing Advisory Committee from 9 - 10 a.m. PDT, Thursday, March 12. The Manufactured Housing Advisory Committee advises the Manufactured Housing Program on manufactured housing, manufactured homes, and manufactured home parks, as well as provides an annual report of the committee’s evaluations to the Housing Stability Council. You can join via Teams.  

March 18 – Ask the Expert: OAHTC/Preservation training
The next “Ask the Experts” training will feature the Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit (OAHTC) and Preservation teams from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, March 18. This training will present a panel of experts who will explain how these resources support long-term affordability and what housing development teams should consider when navigating these programs. Register for the Ask the Expert training.

March 18 – Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership Rules Advisory Committee Meeting 
OHCS is hosting a Rules Advisory Committee meeting at 2 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, March 18 to support the rule filing for the LIFT Homeownership program. During this meeting, the committee will be reviewing the drafted rules and providing feedback on the drafted fiscal economic impact statements. Public comments are not being accepted. Register on Teams.

March 25 – Publicly Supported Housing Contract Preservation (PuSH-CP) rules hearing
OHCS is hosting a public hearing for the administrative rules that are being amended within division 115 for the Publicly Supported Housing Contract Preservation (PuSH-CP) program. These proposed changes will support implementation of Senate Bill 973 (2025). Join the hearing from 10 to 10:30 a.m. PDT, Wednesday, March 25. 

March 25 – Human Resources rules hearing
OHCS is hosting a public hearing for the administrative rules that are being amended within Division 4 for the Human Resource criminal background process proposed changes that will support alignment to ORS 181A.195. Join the hearing from 3 to 4:30 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, March 25. 

March 30 – 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.

March 31 – Fair Housing and Inclusive Communities training 
Scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. PDT, Tuesday, March 31, this fair housing training focuses on fostering inclusive communities. Participants will explore the history of policies and practices that led to segregation and learn strategies to promote equitable housing growth and welcoming diverse neighborhoods. Register for the fair housing training.

April 1 – Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee Meeting
The next meeting of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee (DRAC) will be held from 10 a.m. to noon PDT, Wednesday, April 1. The primary role of the committee is to advise Oregon Housing and Community Services with mandatory mediation requirements and grants to provide legal representation to low-income manufactured home park tenants in addressing landlord/tenant disputes. Visit the DRAC webpage for more information.

April 3 – 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@oregon.gov

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