Community Development

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.

Call 503-655-8575    
Si necesitas ayuda en espanol, llama 503-655-8575    
We are now able to answer calls live, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Online    
If you don't have a phone, or are unable to call, please fill out the form below. Somebody will reach out to you within 3 business days.

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.

Do you need help paying your rent?

We may have resources available to  help you pay rent, including back rent, if you qualify.

If your household income is less than $61,900 for a family of two, or $77,350 for a family of four, you may be eligible for assistance.

To apply, please call the Coordinated Housing Access Line 503 655-8575 or complete the online form.

During the pandemic, terminating a tenancy for non-payment required a 10 day notice. This temporary tenant protection expired in October, 2022 and the rules will revert to standard state law, which generally requires only a 72 hour notice when terminating a tenancy for non-payment.  These notices can be served as early as the 8th of the month that rent is not paid.

Learn more about how to protect you and your household if you are unable to pay your rent:

LASO - Tenant Termination Handbook LASO - Stipulated Agreements

Did you know that Resolution Services has a new Housing Mediation pilot program? Learn more about this program and fill out their intake form.

Personalized help for those experiencing a housing crisis

Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access is the starting point for housing and support services.

Free services that may be available:

• Emergency, transitional and permanent housing referrals 
• Problem-solving and resources to prevent loss of housing 

Filling out this form helps us get the information we need to help you. It is not mandatory. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can also call 503-655-8575 and leave a message. 

How does Coordinated Housing Access Work?

1. Call Coordinated Housing Access at 503-655-8575 and leave a message or fill out the online form. Due to the very high call volume, our response time is longer than normal. 
2. Staff will call or text you as soon as possible to set up a phone screening. At times, it could take up to 3 weeks to receive a call back.
3. During the phone screening, you will be asked some basic questions regarding your household and current housing situation. The goal of this screening is to help you problem solve, and possible get you matched with housing programs that could best meet your needs. Some of the housing programs we screen for have waitlists.
4. Keep us updated if your contact/household information changes.
5. You will be contacted by a program when there is an opening.

Long-term housing programs participating in CHA

• Bridges to Housing
• Central City Concern's Chez Ami
• Clackamas Social Services' Aurora Shelter
• Clackamas Women's Services
• Clayton Mohr 
• Dev NW
• HOPE I
• HOPE II
• Housing our Families
• Housing our Veterans
• Housing Authority of Clackamas County's Shelter+Care
• Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) Rapid Rehousing for Survivors of Domestic Violence
• Lake Oswego Transitional Shelter Ministry
• Northwest Housing Alternative's (NHA) HomeBase Rapid Rehousing
• Parrot Creek HomeSafe
• Programs that utilize Regional Long-term Rent Assistance (RLRA) vouchers
• RentWell Rapid Rehousing
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families Rapid Rehousing
• Tukwila Springs
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
• Veterans Rapid Rehousing
• Veterans Rental Assistance Program
• Veterans Village

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 Rehab Advisor 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 Rehab Advisor 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.

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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 Listserv!

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

The CoC submits an annual application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) articulating the CoC's planning efforts and other activities within Clackamas County which relate to homeless people.

The FY2023 competition is now closed. Agencies interested in applying for future CoC funding opportunities should 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.