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This April marks the 58th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a landmark piece of legislation that protected Americans' civil rights in housing.

OHCS understands that housing is a foundation on which people build the rest of their lives. This means confronting inequities head-on by expanding access, removing barriers, and working in partnership with communities that have been historically excluded from housing opportunities. 

If you’re looking for ways to get involved this Fair Housing Month, OHCS and Fair Housing Council are partnering to offer a series of fair housing trainings throughout 2026. These are free webinars for anyone interested in learning more about fair housing issues statewide and how to prevent illegal housing discrimination in Oregon. Learn more about each webinar.

OHCS is updating its website to improve accessibility for all users and ensure compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

OHCS is continuing 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 to a different location.

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

On Dec. 23, 2025, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that pauses the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s 2025 changes until there is a final ruling in the litigation. On April 1, 2026, an appeals court denied HUD’s request to temporarily implement the restrictions.

For now, HUD is legally forbidden from moving ahead with the FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the policy changes it includes. The court ordered HUD to follow the FY24-25 Continuum of Care (CoC) NOFO policies that were in place before the overhaul began.

HUD has repeatedly sought to undo the preliminary injunction, but as April 1, 2026, the preliminary injunction remains in effect.

Visit the OHCS website for more details.

The Housing Stability Council approved funding for the second phase of North Bend Family Housing, which will bring 48 more homes to the development.

Located next to public transit and groceries, North Bend Family Housing brings much needed affordable rental homes to the Coos Bay and North Bend area. Once complete, the development will have on-site resident services, including behavioral and physical health coordination services, workforce and youth development supports, and wraparound support for the 20 permanent supportive housing units.

The project sponsor, the North Bend City Housing Authority, is incorporating a strong equity and community engagement strategy, including partnerships with the South Coast Equity Coalition to support culturally responsive outreach and services.

“Through Service Providers and Regional Connections (SPARC), we are aligning housing, healthcare, and community-based services into a coordinated system that supports individuals at every stage—from crisis to stability to self-sufficiency,” said Matthew Vorderstrasse, executive director at North Bend City/Coos-Curry Housing Authorities. “North Bend Family Housing is a cornerstone of that work, ensuring that every unit we build contributes to a system that functions as a whole rather than in silos.” 

North Bend Family Housing Phase II is part of OHCS’ broader strategy to expand affordable housing across Oregon through targeted investments that respond to local needs and support strong communities, particularly in rural areas where housing availability is limited but essential for stability and economic vitality.

More details about this project can be found on the North Bend City/Coos-Curry Housing Authorities website.  

OHCS awarded $1.95 million in capacity-building grants (ORCA CB program) to 13 community partners working to expand and preserve affordable rental housing across the state. These grants, designed to help organizations be more efficient, deepen regional collaboration and pilot innovative outcomes-based solutions that aim to build stronger, more resilient housing ecosystems in Oregon. Learn more about the grantees. 

Joshua Henley lost his home in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire but now has a permanent place to live after Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park in Blue River reopened in 2025.  

Joshua Henley, a health and physical education teacher, lost everything in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire in Lane County. At the time, he was staying with a friend when the fire tore through the Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park in Blue River. He woke up to texts from his school asking if he had gotten out safely. Watching the news later that day, he remembers thinking, “I’m pretty sure I’m homeless now.”  

When Henley was finally allowed back home, he was met with devastation.  

In the years after the wildfire, Henley moved from place to place. Then a friend told him that the Lazy Days park was going to be rebuilt. Homes for Good restored the park using recovery funds from OHCS. The park provides affordable housing for people who, like Henley, lost a lot in the fire.  

Henley applied to be a resident and, in June 2025, was able to move back into the park. A local nonprofit even helped him furnish his new home.  

“There are people who suffered even worse than I did,” Henley said. “I never dreamed I’d be able to return here and qualify for help. There have been a lot of tears of gratitude. I’m so thankful.”  

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

The Intermediate Housing Assistance (IHA) program has a June 30 deadline for any new applications. IHA provides rent and utility assistance to renters who lived in the 2020 disaster-affected counties at the time of the wildfires, with priority given to renters with a verified loss from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters. The 2020 disaster-affected counties include: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion. 

Also, the program has recently expanded eligibility, including higher incomes, and OHCS encourages any interested folks to reach out to a local community action agency to find out more and get started on an application.  

With expanded eligibility, more households can get help. Don’t wait to find out if you are eligible!

In late 2025, two entities in Clackamas County were awarded funds through the ReOregon Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) program. These projects rely heavily on disaster mitigation and resilience efforts to be better prepared for future disasters and avoid the level of damage incurred during the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds.

For more information on existing PIER projects across Oregon, visit the PIER dashboard.  

Phoenix Paintin now has a home in Southeast Portland thanks to the Flex Lending program, which provides down payment assistance and other benefits in the homebuying process.

OHCS’ Flex Lending team would like to thank all its participating lenders for their continued support and dedication to Oregon homebuyers. With the help of 33 Flex lenders, OHCS in 2025 helped 954 households achieve homeownership. Some highlights include: 

Top 10 lenders:

Top-producing loan officers and lenders:

Visit the OHCS website to see a list of featured lenders. To learn more about becoming a Flex lender, email HCS_HomeownershipLending@hcs.oregon.gov.   

OHCS has received an outstanding response to the 2026 Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), with many strong applications submitted. Sixteen projects have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the process. Given the high level of interest and the NOFA being oversubscribed, we are not anticipating room to add new 2026 applicants. 

Other opportunities are still available. The LIFT Factory-Produced Housing Initiative is accepting applications through April 6, and those interested can submit early applications for the 2027 LIFT offering. These will be reviewed alongside waitlisted and Day 1 applications starting Sept. 21. Additionally, applications remain open for completed limited-equity cooperatives and manufactured home parks seeking the Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit, as well as for manufactured home parks interested in the Preservation of Manufactured Dwelling Parks program. 

More information about selected LIFT projects and other programs offered through the NOFA is available on the OHCS website. 

Join OHCS for the kickoff of the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) Listening Session Series on May 5 at 1:30 p.m. (Register). The session will include an overview of the current state of OEAP including outcomes and a schedule for upcoming listening session topics. This will be recorded and made available afterward.  

 In 2025, legislators increased OEAP funding through House Bill (HB) 3792, which also included a reassessment requirement. OEAP was established in 1999 and has received only two permanent funding increases in its history. The primary purpose of the most recent increase is to be responsive to significantly larger energy prices while enabling us to serve as many low-income households as possible. 

For the full list of engagement opportunities, visit the OHCS website. 

DRR staff and partners cutting the ribbon for Depoe Bay Townhomes

DRR staff attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting for 12 new affordable townhomes that opened in Depoe Bay and prioritize wildfire-impacted households on low incomes in Lincoln County.  

This project was supported, in part, by state funding from 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, including the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, Lincoln County, Open Concept Architecture, and the City of Depoe Bay. 

Amenities for residents include a community park, garden, playground, and walking paths. Solar panels will help lower energy costs for households, and the Housing Authority of Lincoln County will be available to help with rental assistance.  

Susan Román (right) from OHCS’ Flex Lending team discussed the benefits of the program’s loan products for homebuyers with lower incomes at a recent Real Estate Broker Continuing Education class at Keller Williams-KWRP Portland.  

Corvallis Housing First celebrated the groundbreaking of Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development south of Oregon State University.

Permanent supportive housing provides wraparound services for residents and serves those who are experiencing chronic homelessness. Corvallis Housing First will provide medical and behavioral health services on-site, and a food pantry is within walking distance of the development.

OHCS is excited to see how this transforms the community once complete. Great work to all the partners involved, including Corvallis Housing First, Linn Benton Housing Authority, City of Corvallis, and many more.

OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell speaks at the grand opening ceremony.

Phase one of Gussie Belle Commons opened in Salem, bringing 120 units of affordable housing units to local residents. Amenities include a community center with space for on-site resident services, a playground, in-unit laundry, and more.

Phase 2 will bring 60 more units to the development and could also include an affordable daycare center in the lot adjacent to the property.

At 180 total units, the development brings much needed housing to Oregon's capitol. Congratulations to the new residents, and great work to all the partners involved.

April 14 – Moderate-Income Revolving Loan Program Rules Public Hearing 
OHCS is hosting a Rules Advisory Committee public hearing from 1-1:30 p.m. on April 14 on Teams for the administrative rule changes that are being proposed for the Moderate-Income Revolving Loan program. During this meeting, the hearing officer will review the drafted rules and provide feedback on the drafted fiscal and economic impact statements. While this meeting does not include a public comment period, we hope you can join!

April 21 – Local Innovation and Fast Track Rules Public Hearing 
OHCS is hosting a public hearing from 9-9:30 a.m. on April 21 on Teams for the administrative rule changes that are being proposed for the Local Innovation and Fast Track Homeownership program. During this meeting, the hearing officer will be reviewing the drafted rule changes and providing an opportunity for public comment and feedback. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking includes the drafted rule language for review. All public comments are also accepted in writing until 5 p.m. on April 30.

April 21 – Flex Lending Rules Public Hearing 
OHCS is hosting a public hearing from 9-9:30 a.m. on April 21 on Teams for the administrative rule changes that are being proposed for the Flex Lending program’s FirstHome and NextStep loan products. During this meeting, the hearing officer will be reviewing the drafted rule changes and providing an opportunity for public comment and feedback. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking includes the drafted rule language for review. All public comments are also accepted in writing until 5 p.m. on April 30.

April 23 – Fair Housing for Long-Term Care Facilities 
Happening on April 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. and hosted by Fair Housing Council of Oregon, this is a great opportunity for partners and providers in the housing sphere to learn about the protected class of disability, reasonable accommodations, modifications, and screening and termination as it relates to fair housing. Register for the training.

April 27 – 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.

May 1 – 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.

May 5 – Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) Engagement Kick-Off 
Don’t miss the launch of the OEAP listening session series, where OHCS’ Energy Services staff will share an overview of the program, how it operates, and current outcomes. This introductory session will be recorded and posted online. Find more information and register in advance.

May 6 - Factory-Produced Housing Advisory Committee meeting 
The Factory-Produced Housing Initiative (FPHI), 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) will hold a meeting of the Factory-Produced Housing Advisory Committee (FPHAC) from 9 to 11 a.m. on May 6. Stay tuned to the FPHI webpage for registration information.

May 11 – Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) Listening Session: Access & Outreach 
This session will not be recorded. Find more information and register in advance.  

May 26 – Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) Listening Session: Equity & Energy Burden 
This session will not be recorded. Find more information and register in advance. 

May 27 – Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) Listening Session: Program Design & Delivery 
This session will not be recorded. Find more information and register in advance. 

May 28 – Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) Listening Session: Accountability & Communication 
This session will not be recorded. Find more information and register in advance. 

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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