Community Development

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

We want to hear from you about housing and community development needs. Your input is valuable to us during the preparation of annual action plans.

For more information contact Mark Sirois or by phone at 503-655-8591.

CDBG funds are awarded through a process that involves citizen participation and coordination with participating cities within Clackamas County. To receive CDBG assistance, a proposed project must:

• meet a national objective of the CDBG program
• be an eligible activity under federal CDBG regulations
• have a commitment of matching resources equal to at least 20% of the total project cost
• meet other funding criteria of Clackamas County's Community Development Program

National Objectives

In order for any project to be considered for funding, it must meet one of the three broad "National Objectives" established by Congress. A CDBG project must:

• benefit low and moderate-income persons
• prevent or eliminate slums
• blight or meet an urgent community development need

Primary emphasis is placed on the objective to benefit low and moderate-income persons.

Benefit to low- and moderate-income persons

A CDBG project meets this goal if it:

• benefits all residents of a residential area recognized by HUD as a low and moderate-income area. Click on the maps below to see areas that meet HUD criteria:
  • Clackamas County 
  • Canby/Barlow
  • Johnson City
  • Estacada
  • Gladstone
  • Milwaukie
  • Molalla
  • North Clackamas
  • Oak Grove
  • Oregon City
  • Sandy
  • Wilsonville
• benefits a group of individuals of which 51% have low or moderate incomes.
• benefits low or moderate income individuals.

Preventing or eliminating slums or blight

Prevention or elimination of slums or blight is the second major national objective of the CDBG program. A limited array of projects may meet this objective if they meet HUD recognized criteria for slums and blight.

Urgent needs

CDBG funds may also be used to meet the third national objective of "Urgent Needs." In this category, the project proposed must address a problem which is demonstrated to have arisen or escalated in the past 18 months, which poses a serious threat to the health and welfare of the community, and for which other financial resources cannot be provided or have been denied.

Eligible improvements

Improvements listed below which meet national objectives are eligible for funding under the CDBG program.

Public facility improvements

CDBG funds may be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public facilities. Examples include improvements to publicly owned properties and properties owned by private non-profit entities which serve the public, neighborhood facilities, centers for the handicapped, senior centers, utilities, streets and sidewalks, water and sewer facilities, parks and shelters for persons with special needs.

Historic preservation

CDBG funds may be used for the rehabilitation, preservation or restoration of historic properties. Historic properties are those sites or structures that are either listed on or eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic places, listed in a State or local inventory of historic places, or designated as a State or local landmark or historic district by appropriate law or ordinance. Historic preservation of buildings used for the general conduct of the government may not be assisted with CDBG funds.

Architectural barrier removal

CDBG funds may be used for projects designed to remove material and architectural barriers which restrict the mobility and accessibility of elderly or handicapped persons to buildings, facilities and improvements.

Economic development

CDBG funds may be used to assist economic development activities including:

• acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of commercial or industrial buildings structures, and other real property
• assistance for private non-profit business
• help for neighborhood-based non-profit organizations, small business investment companies, or local development corporations to carry out a neighborhood revitalization, community economic development or energy conservation project.

Housing rehabilitation

CDBG funds may be used to finance the rehabilitation of:

• privately owned buildings and improvements for residential purposes
• low-income public housing and other publicly owned residential buildings and improvements
• manufactured housing

Emergency shelter grant program

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters. The grant can be used to assist with the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings into homeless shelters and to provide funding for related social services, shelter operating expenses, homeless prevention activities, and administrative costs. HUD's purpose in funding the shelters and related social services is to provide a foundation for homeless people to begin moving to independent living.

HUD allocates ESG funds annually based on the formula used for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Under HUD rules, the county may administer the entire grant itself or distribute the funds to private nonprofit organizations. The county must also match ESG grants dollar-for-dollar from non-ESG sources. The county distributes the funds to the following existing shelters to assist with covering operating costs.

For more information on the ESG program, visit HUD's web site.

Many agencies in Clackamas County which offer housing and services to people who are homeless participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The HMIS is designed to collect data on the housing and services provided to clients. The system is only accessible to employees of contracted agencies, and the county works to protect the privacy of clients. This Tri-county HMIS is administered by the Multnomah County Department of County Assets on behalf of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington County. The software product used in Clackamas County is Community Services Software (CSS) by Wellsky.

All questions about HMIS should be directed to hmisadmin@clackamas.us.

Visit Continuum of Care for information and reports about homelessness in Clackamas County.

HMIS Training

Each month, Clackamas County will hold HMIS new-user training sessions to simplify the process and improve access.

Training Schedule

• 1st Monday of the month
  9 a.m. to noon
  Join via Teams
• 2nd Monday of the month
  1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  In person at PSB 216, 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City
• 3rd Monday of the month
  9 a.m. to noon
  Join via Teams
• 4th Monday of the month
  1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
  Join via Teams
• 5th Monday of the month
  9 a.m. to noon
  Join via Teams

How to Get Started

Email hmisadmin@clackamas.us with your:

• Full name
• Email address
• Job title
• Work phone number
• Do you need Spanish-language training or any other accommodation? 

The new user will receive instructions to access the Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS is an online system where users complete required training videos and pass a short quiz.

Once the LMS is complete, the user must email their completion certificate to hmisadmin@clackamas.us. After that, the user may attend the next available Monday training session (Teams link will be shared upon completion of LMS).

No invitation is required once the certificate is submitted.

Documents and Forms

• CSS HCDD HMIS Administrative Agreement
• CSS HCDD HMIS Agency Participation Agreement
• CSS HCDD HMIS End Users Agreement (EULA)
  • Spanish
• CSS HMIS CHA Release of Information (ROI)
  • Spanish
• CSS HMIS Privacy Notice
• CSS HMIS Privacy Poster
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Persian
  • Russian
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Spanish
  • Somali
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese
• HCDD Data and Information Request Form

HMIS User Work Instructions

• 6-Month Follow Up Entries
• Accessing and Utilizing ESG CAPER and COC APR Reports
• Accessing BusinessObjects & Running Reports
• Case Managers and Case Plans Tab
• Client Files: Finding and Creating
• Creating a New Household
• Entry Assessment Tips
• HUD Verification Tables
• Incoming CHA Housing Referrals
• Interim Reviews
• MovingOn Assistance for CoC-Funded PSH
• Program Entries and Exits
• Program Performance Reports
• Removing Members from an Existing Household
• ROI Tab
• Service Transactions
• Service Transactions for Housing Related Coordinated Entry

Guidance Documents

• CHA Exit Guidance
• Population A&B Determination Guidance
• Living Situations & Exit Destination Crosswalk - Guidance

Clackamas County receives grant funds from 3 HUD programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG). In order to receive these funds the county must prepare a number of plans, the most important being the Consolidated Plan. The development of the Consolidated Plan has been designed as a collaborative process allowing cities, community organizations and residents to participate in creating a unified vision for community improvements in their neighborhoods.

Key components of the plan include:

• assessment of housing and community development needs and development of long-range strategies
• description of how we plan to use the federal funds to put the strategic goals of the consolidated plan in place
• maps identifying concentrations of low- and moderate-income residents
• an examination of barriers that limit fair and equal housing opportunities to county residents

Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG)

The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) revised the Emergency Shelter Grants program and renamed the program the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. The HEARTH Act also codified the Continuum of Care (CoC) planning process that is part of HUD’s annual application for funding of programs and services that assist homeless persons. Here is our ESG and CoC Policy manual.

If you have a question or would like to request more information, please call 503-655-8591.

Annual Plans and Performance Reports

*Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

Housing development

Current home rents and income limits

The HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) was created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to:

• Expand the supply of decent and affordable housing, particularly rental housing, for very low- and low-income Americans;
• Strengthen the abilities of state and local governments to design and implement strategies for achieving an adequate supply of decent, affordable housing; and
• Extend and strengthen partnership among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing.

The regulations that govern the HOME Program are found at 24 CFR Part 92.

Clackamas County receives an annual allocation of HOME funds through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Clackamas County must set aside at least 15% of the grant for housing developed by Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs).

Applying for HOME funds

HOME program guidelines

Project Sponsors or Developers must submit an application to Clackamas County Community Development Division (CDD) in order to be considered for funding. Applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis; however, proposed projects must meet the criteria and priorities identified in the County's Consolidated Plan. CDD evaluates each application and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

Eligible applicants

Public agencies, nonprofit organizations and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for Clackamas County HOME funds. The agency or organization must provide evidence that it has the administrative and financial capacity and experience necessary to administer the complex requirements of the HOME Program throughout the period of affordability.

Eligible beneficiaries

HOME funds may only be used for units that will be occupied by low- or very low-income households which are defined by HUD as follows:

• Very low-income households are those with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income.
• Low-income households are those with incomes between 51–80% of the area median income.

Only the units that receive HOME dollars are considered HOME-assisted units, therefore, only HOME-assisted units must adhere to HOME expenditure limits, income targeting guidelines, and affordability requirements. This allows HOME funds to be used in mixed income projects.

Eligible projects

Clackamas County's HOME Program provides funds to projects that benefit low-income people. Eligible projects are ones that result in:

• Safe, decent affordable rental opportunities for individuals, families, the elderly and persons with disabilities or special needs;
• Assistance for homebuyers;
• Affordable home ownership opportunities; or
• Preservation of existing owner-occupied housing units.

A project may include one or more buildings on a single site under common ownership, management and financing. Structures scattered on more than one site that are under common ownership, management and financing are also considered a single project. There must be at least one HOME-assisted unit in each building of the project. HOME-assisted projects may:

• Contain any number of units;
• Contain any combination of unit sizes and styles; and
• Be privately or publicly owned.

Project selection guidelines

To be considered for HOME funding a project must be:

• Located within Clackamas County;
• Eligible under HOME Program regulations; and
• Consistent with Clackamas County's Consolidated Plan and HOME Program priorities.

Projects meeting the threshold requirements are further evaluated based upon the extent to which the project:

• Is ready to proceed;
• Sponsor has the experience and ability to carry out the proposed project;
• Cost-effectively increases the supply of housing that is affordable to low-income persons, particularly in areas that are accessible to expanding job opportunities;
• Exceeds the HOME Program minimum requirements to serve very low- and low-income residents;
• Provides matching resources;
• Has other reliable funding sources committed to the total cost of the project;
• Provides supportive services if proposed project targets persons with disabilities;
• Provides facilities and services that permit elderly or handicapped residents who become frail and need assistance to continue to reside in the project;
• Preserves the affordability of housing that may be converted, demolished or abandoned;
• Remedies the effects of discrimination and improves housing opportunities for disadvantaged minorities; and
• Stimulates investment and participation by the private sector.

HOME funds are allocated in amounts appropriate to the scope and needs of the proposed project. HOME funds are provided in the form of low interest loans. The County reserves the right to:

• Adjust the amount of funds allocated to projects and to negotiate modifications to the proposed work plan and budget prior to executing an agreement; and
• Fund those projects which reflect the highest and best use of HOME funds.

CHDO Certification

The county receives applications from nonprofit organizations for certifications as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) in the spring of each year. A CHDO is defined in the HOME Rule at 24 CFR 92.2. Eligible applicants include community-based nonprofit 501(c) (3) or 501(c) (4) organizations that include the provision of decent, safe, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income persons among their purposes. If designated, the organization may be eligible for HOME funds specifically set aside for projects developed by CHDOs in each HOME Program Year. However, nonprofits are not required to be a designated CHDO to access HOME funding as a sponsor, owner or developer. For more information, please contact Mark Sirois, Housing and Community Development Manager at 503-655-8591.

Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) helps people in Clackamas County resolve a housing crisis.

If you are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you may contact the Clackamas Women's Services at 503-654-2288. There is extra security to protect the confidentiality of survivors.

How does Coordinated Housing Access Work?

Step 1: Call 503-655-8575

• Si necesitas ayuda en espanol, llama 503-655-8575
• We answer calls live, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tip: Call volumes are often lowest later in the day and toward the end of the week.

*If you don’t have a phone, visit the Public Services Building (2051 Kaen Rd., Oregon City, OR, 8am–5:30pm) to use one.

Step 2: Complete a short screening

• Contact details
• Housing situation
• Any urgent needs

Step 3: Learn about next steps

Based on your situation, you may:

• Be referred to housing or homelessness services
• Receive information about available resources
• Be asked additional questions

Program availability can change, and many programs do not have immediate openings.

Has your housing situation or contact information changed? Please call CHA again to provide an update.

Do you need help paying your rent?

If you are in need of rental assistance in Clackamas County, please call 503-655-8575 to talk with a representative and see if resources are available.

Programs open and close throughout the week, there is no guarantee of openings at the time of call for any specific program.

Did you know that Resolution Services offers Housing Mediation services? Learn more about this program and fill out their intake form.

Steering Committee ("Governing Board" mandated by HUD) - Decisions

• Final decision maker for the CoC
• Elected by CoC every 2 years
• One homeless or formerly homeless member
• Represents populations of the CoC
• Backbone of the system
• Planning functions involved in Consolidated Plan and 10 Year Plan (eventually)
• Measure progress towards goals
• Make decisions around bonus projects, prioritization
• Analyze data on homelessness

CoC/Homeless Council - Operations

• Programs, operations, and activities around addressing homelessness
• Open membership
• Meet for training and networking
• Experts on the community and providing services
• Members complete HUD applications for funding
• Recommends bonus projects to Steering Committee
• Expands system to address community needs
• Implements HUD requirements
• Helps identify unmet needs
• Makes progress towards 10 Year Plan Goals
• Strengthen programs/best practices/data driven/funding compliance

Homeless Policy Committee - Policy

• Ambassadors
• Membership by invitation of County BCC
• Raise awareness of homelessness
• Impact Policy
• Advocates for funding
• Coordinate community response
• Expand system to address identified community needs outside of current/traditional providers
• Review and comment on 10 Year Plan

We provide loans to low-income homeowners for needed and critical home repairs and small grants to low-income persons with disabilities to make their homes more accessible.

Home repair loans help low-income homeowners pay for needed and critical repairs. Our goal is to eliminate unhealthy or hazardous conditions, eliminate barriers to accessibility, improve safety for persons with physical disabilities and incorporate energy conservation measures that reduce energy costs and usage.

If you have other questions, email us or call 503-655-8591.

How does the Housing Rehabilitation Program work?

The program offers low-interest loans and grants to help homeowners in Clackamas County repair their homes and improve accessibility.

Steps to obtain a home repair loan or accessibility grant:

1. Complete an on-line inquiry or call our office for assistance.
2. We will review your application and determine eligibility. If it appears you may be eligible we will add you to the waiting list. When funding is available, we will send you a letter. If you are still interested, you may then apply.
3. If you qualify, a County Rehabilitation Specialist will inspect your property to determine what repairs are needed. Health and safety items are a priority.
4. You will request bids from contractors of your choice. A list of interested contractors is available for your convenience.
5. Your County Rehabilitation Specialist will assist you throughout the construction process.

Accessibility Grants

Low-income homeowners (and eligible renters) with physical disabilities may be eligible for a grant up to $7,500 to cover the cost of improving access and safety. Examples of eligible improvements: wheelchair ramps, handrails and widened doorways, kitchen or bathroom accessibility improvements such as roll-in showers, raised toilets and grab bars. (For renters in apartments, at least 51% of the units in the structure must be occupied by low-income households.)

Home Repair Loans

Basic loan requirements

Home must be located in Clackamas County and must be in need of repair.

• Applicant must own or be buying property and must be in title
• Owner must live in property
• Property taxes must be current
• Applicant must have sufficient equity
• Loans for exterior repairs require that the exterior of homes be brought up to HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and Clackamas County minimum rehab standards.
• Loans for a single purpose are limited to one health or safety item only.
• All work must be done by Oregon-licensed and bonded contractors.
• Manufactured homes in parks do not qualify for a loan. (OK for an Accessibility Grant.)

Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) terms

Low 3% per year simple interest.

Payments are deferred — no monthly payments — as long as homeowner lives in home, or until sold, title transferred, refinance, or change of use.

Loans are secured by a lien on the property.

Current annual gross income limits effective May 1, 2024

The household's annual gross income must be less than 80% of the county's median income, as determined by HUD. The current limits that apply to loans and grants are shown below.

Information for Contractors

We are currently soliciting for contractors who may be interested in bidding on projects in the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Contractors on our list must be licensed, bonded and registered with the State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board and have experience in housing rehabilitation.

We do not recommend or endorse any contractors. Contractors on the HUD debarred list are not eligible to apply.

If you are interested in working with our program, please complete the contractor information application and return to our office. Please include copies of your CCB registration, insurance certificates and certifications of specific trades, including asbestos or lead-based paint.

Applications and supporting documents may be sent via

If you have any questions or need additional information, you may call County Rehabilitation Specialists Jayson Tidland or Mike Woolman at 503-655-8591.

The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a consortium of individuals and organizations with the common purpose of planning a housing and services continuum for people who are homeless. The CoC is not a formal advisory council to Clackamas County although it does operate with County support. The CoC was originated to meet the Federal HUD requirement for Continuum of Care McKinney-Vento funds to flow into Clackamas County for people who are homeless.

Want to receive announcements and updates? Join the Listserve!

Stay informed about the CoC by signing up for the listserv. Communications include time-sensitive and informative announcements about resources, events, trainings, advocacy opportunities, job opportunities within the local housing community, CoC Program funding updates, and more.

To join the listserv, please contact Raina Smith-Roller at rsmithroller@clackamas.us

Housing Services Meeting

The fourth Wednesday of every month, the Continuum of Care meets via Zoom. This meeting is open to the public. For more information, including accessibility requests, contact Raina Smith-Roller at rsmithroller@clackamas.us or 971-352-2684.

Mission

The CoC's mission is to facilitate the development of a continuum of care (housing + services) that provides opportunities to significantly mitigate homelessness in Clackamas County, via:

• Full utilization of mainstream resources;
• Coordination of service delivery and housing systems;
• Systemic agreements and institutional targeting of populations at high risk of homelessness;
• Creative cultivation of new resources;
• Public awareness to foster a collective sense of responsibility.

Principles

The CoC's mission is based on these principles which permeate its implementation:

• Equity of access to housing and services;
• Choice and self-determination as consistently part of the process;
• Treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of their housing status;
• Culturally competent services;
• Non-judgmental approach to people and their problems throughout the housing and service systems.

Activities

The CoC's activities are targeted to:

• Annual re-applications for funding of homeless programs and services.
• Identify and advocate for the needs of people who are homeless in Clackamas County;
• Facilitate the development of a continuum of care including housing and services for people who are homeless in Clackamas County;
• Develop short and long term plans to mitigate homelessness in Clackamas County.
• Recommend funding priorities to HUD for new and renewal projects.

Find more information about our Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which is used to collect and report data about services provided to those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Clackamas County.

Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access

Continuum of Care Application

As of Dec. 8, 2025, HUD has withdrawn the previously released FY 2025 Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Grants NOFO. HUD has not yet provided details on revised timelines or expectations. The notice posted by HUD is available of the CoC Program website.

As a result, the local CoC competition is paused until further guidance is released.

Current and prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a Letter of Interest by Friday, Dec. 12 at 5:00 p.m. This helps with planning, but is not required to apply later. Current recipients who do not plan to reapply should also submit a Letter of Interest.

Submit the Letter of Interest here

Applicants should continue preparing budgets and draft materials, as updated timelines may be short.

For questions or concerns that may affect planning or operations, please contact contact Raina Smith-Roller at 971-352-2684 or rsmithroller@clackamas.us.

Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count

For prior year reports contact: Mark Sirois by phone 503-655-8591 or email at marksir@clackamas.us.