Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS)

#GetToKnowOHCS and some of the programs it funds that don’t follow the traditional stick-built housing construction method, like modular housing. Did you know that modular home quality has increased in recent years? In addition, many are energy-efficient and save money on utility costs for their residents. Modular housing is one of many solutions to the current housing crisis, which is why OHCS is using $20 million toward faster production across Oregon. Affordable housing comes in all shapes and sizes. Follow along as OHCS highlights some of the work coming from these developers.

Congratulations to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on the grand opening of 12 new homes for permanent supportive housing! “As a government agency, it is critical we speak truth to power: truth that past ways of doing business sought to and left communities out, and we—all of us— have the power to make different choices. Choices that reflect our values of sovereignty as a non—negotiable. Choices that reflect this agency’s values in building with and not for communities.” - Director Andrea Bell Warm Springs Housing Authority and Warm Springs Behavioral Health Center were a part of the inaugural cohort of the Supportive Housing Institute, and now, they have brought their concept to a reality. Both of these partners will work together to operate the site and provide wraparound services to tenants. Great work to the partners involved on this project. It has been an honor being involved in this work.

It's World Water Week, and this year's theme is "Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future." We cannot think of a better example of this theme than the incredible work of Oregon’s Community Action Agencies who put all available funding towards helping 18,600 households with water bills through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. Thank you to our amazing partners for your work in supporting the needs of our communities. Your hard work made this funding go a long way!

El Programa de Asistencia y Reconstrucción para Propietarios (HARP) ha ampliado la elegibilidad de los ingresos, lo que permitirá que más personas soliciten la ayuda. Obtén más información sobre los requisitos de ingresos: bit.ly/4ebtjd5.

The Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) has expanded income eligibility, allowing more people to apply. For more information about the income requirements, visit bit.ly/4ebtjd5.

Open Enrollment 2024-Round 2 for the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP) is now live! Apply before August 30 to receive funding for energy-efficient designs of new and existing affordable multifamily rental properties. Visit the OR-MEP website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHYMvQAA

Are you passionate about community outreach & policy development? We're hiring for a Racial Disparities Program Analyst. Candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as bilingual/multicultural individuals, are encouraged to apply. Deadline is 8/30/24. Learn more at t.ly/BIIVQ.

Childcare costs can be an enormous burden - if that service is even accessible in the first place. In order to combat childcare deserts across the state and achieve our mission to make housing holistically more affordable, OHCS is working with BuildUp Oregon to combine childcare access with affordable rental housing. The OHCS Facilities Fund is available for developers working to have early childcare education facilities either onsite or right next to affordable rental housing developments. Read more about these efforts at t.ly/JDITF.

#GetToKnowOHCS and modular housing in action: In late 2021, Homes for Good purchased Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park and is completely rebuilding it following the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. The renovated park will feature 20 spaces for modular homes and 10 additional spaces under development for other housing types, as well as a community building and common spaces. This project is an example of innovative disaster recovery projects bringing high-quality housing to fire-affected, low-income, rural communities. In addition, the park is being developed in a fire-wise, resilient, and environmentally conscious way ensuring the future viability of the residents and the entire community.

OHCS joins McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity of Oregon in celebrating the completion of four new affordable homes for homeownership in the Aspire Community Development. These homes are the first to be built with support from OHCS’ Homeownership Development Incubator Program, which aims to increase the supply of affordable homes by funding construction of diverse & innovative housing types that meet the various needs of local communities. Hillary and Daniel Cuauxinque and their family, pictured above, are some of the new residents at Aspire. "The best part of owning our home is simply having a home to call ours, a home where we get to create new memories and watch our children grow," Hillary said. Read more stories about residents and details on the development at https://lnkd.in/gC8ET79s.