C.O. receives almost $430,000 from state for rent relief assistance
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Oregon Housing and Community Service's COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is now helping families who were at risk of homelessness.
A total of $8.5 million was allocated statewide to local communities, and Central Oregon received $438,696.
Molly Heiss, director of Housing Stabilization for NeighborImpact told NewsChannel 21 they've received nearly 275 applications for assistance.
About 15 percent of that number no longer need assistance and were able to self resolve their financial issues. So far, 12 families have been helped. NeighborImpact is paying the full amount of rent or whatever is required from landlords.
Heiss said this is only the first portion of funds they hope to be distributed for rent relief.
“So we anticipate more money coming in, this initial (amount) is for 50 percent area medium income by county," Heiss said. "Which is excluding some folk, but serving others at our highest need. We know there is not enough money to go around, we’re making sure we capture enough information to relay back to the speaker and the Legislature that there is a significant, huge need for rental assistance.”
Families will continue to receive funding for the month of June.
Heiss said she is thankful many people are only taking what they need from the pot of available funds.
State news releases:
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has left many Oregon families without resources to pay rent, buy food, make utility payments and provide other necessities.
Oregon Housing and Community Services' COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides much-needed rent assistance for people who have experienced a loss of income and are at risk of homelessness due to COVID-19.
“Through no fault of their own, many Oregonian families are facing an abrupt loss of income and find themselves unable to pay their rent during this pandemic,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Through Oregon Housing and Community Services, we can deliver immediate rent relief so that more families can stay housed as we work to build a safe and strong Oregon.”
Many Oregonians are struggling to pay rent, and low-income Oregonians and communities of color are more likely to be rent burdened than their white counterparts. OHCS allocated these funds through a needs-based formula to regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs). The formula weighed severe rent burden data, poverty data, homelessness data, and unemployment claims.
The $8.5 million was allocated statewide to local communities, including $438,696 to Central Oregon's NeighborImpact (541-548-2380).
CAAs will begin taking applications in the coming days. Oregonians in need should contact their local CAA directly. Tenant income loss documentation and other materials are required to access this program. Rent payments will be made directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
“The last two months have been trying for many in our communities,” said Director Margaret Salazar. “Oregonians were already struggling to find a safe, stable and affordable place to call home. As families grapple with lost wages, the need is even greater. I am so grateful to get this assistance in the hands of our friends and neighbors in need, including farmworkers and their families who are facing unique housing challenges.”
The $8.5 million was allocated by the Oregon Legislature through the Joint Emergency Board. OHCS anticipates additional resources from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be made available in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, Oregonians receiving food benefits will get additional assistance in June, to help with continued impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oregon Department of Human Services began issuing additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in April and May.
Individuals and families have received the maximum allotment based on the number of eligible members in the household during this time. Due to the continued state of emergency, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Services has provided an additional $30 million to help children and adults in Oregon buy food.
“There are many Oregon families who continue to be caught between reduced hours or unemployment and waiting for other temporary assistance to help them make ends meet until it is safe to return to or find new work,” said Dan Haun, director of Self-Sufficiency Programs. “Having an additional month of federal funds available for eligible recipients, we can help ensure people have access to the basic necessity of food during this ongoing crisis.”
The additional funding will allow Oregonians on SNAP to receive the maximum benefit amount for June. For example, a family of four who currently receives a $346 monthly allotment, would receive a supplement of $300. For reference, the maximum SNAP allotment chart is available online.
Supplemental payments for the month of June will be issued on June 11 for all current recipients and June 30 for new recipients between June 11 and June 30. Recipients who already receive the maximum allotment will not receive additional SNAP benefits.
The remaining May supplemental payment will be issued on May 29.
Learn more about the food assistance program at needfood.oregon.gov, and apply online at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits.
