Housing Support
(Updated June 1, 2020)
Below is a list of housing resources for Renters, Landlords & Property Managers and Homeowners available during the COVID-19 crisis. This list will be updated on a regular basis. Please keep in mind that organizations below may take longer to respond than usual.
- Resources for Renters
- Resources for Landlords & Property Managers
- Resources for Homeowners
- Mediation & Mental Health Supports to Help Prevent Evictions
- Other Resources
Applications for Rent Assistance for Lane County Renters Open June 3 at 10 a.m.
Eligibility applications for rent assistance for Lane County renters open on Wednesday, June 3, at 10 a.m. The eligibility application is an online form that will be available at www.lanecounty.org/rent. A total of $930,000 is available. The funding was provided by the State of Oregon’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. Eligible households will be served on a first-come, first-served basis for expenses acquired from April 1, 2020 to the present. To be eligible for rent relief, the applicant’s dwelling unit must be located in Lane County and there must be an active rental agreement or lease in the applicant’s name.
Evicition Moratorium
Governor Kate Brown on March 22, 2020 issued Executive Order 20-11, placing a temporary moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment in light of the public health emergency caused by the spread of Coronavirus in Oregon. The order, which is effective for 90 days, prohibits landlords from initiating residential eviction proceedings, authorizes local governments to enact additional protections against both residential and commercial evictions and suspend foreclosures, and requires the various Oregon Public Utilities Agencies to regularly monitor and publish measures undertaken by utility companies in response to COVID-19. On April 1, 2020 the Governor issued another order expanding eviction for non-payment protections including a moratorium on issuing notices. Also read Oregon Law Center’s Evictions Update (May 18, 2020) for Oregon During the COVID-19 Emergency.
While the Executive Order provides a temporary hold on evictions, it is best to seek assistance if you anticipate having difficulty paying your rent.
- Springfield-Eugene Tenant Association (SETA): Is a nonprofit dedicated to renters’ rights and interests. They accomplish their goals by assisting, educating, and empowering tenants in the Springfield-Eugene area. SETA manages a hotline for renters that is operational: 541-972-3715, online submissions may also be made.
- Access the Law (ALT): Is a nonprofit legal services organization assisting and representing community members of modest means. ATL provides quality legal services for working and low-income families and individuals, including landlord tenant law.
- City of Eugene Rental Housing Code: The goal of the Rental Housing Code program is to help renters and owners communicate with each other so they can resolve their issues without further City involvement or legal action. A list of rental housing code standards is available. Complaints may be submitted online. Messages may be left by calling 541-682-8282. Staff are adapting their procedures in the interest of community safety.
- DevNW: Is an organization that wants to grow vibrant Northwest communities by empowering the region’s individuals, families, small businesses, and neighborhoods. DevNW has information about financial preparation for COVID-19. They also offer a number of online classes related to financial well-being.
- Fair Housing Council of Oregon: The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) is a statewide civil rights organization whose mission is to eliminate housing discrimination through access to enforcement and education. FHCO has a statewide hotline for people to call to ask question about, or report housing discrimination. Due to COVID-19, the hotline has been suspended; however, questions and complaints may be submitted online.
- Oregon Law Center/Legal Aid of Lane County: The Lane County Legal Aid Office of OLC serves the low-income community throughout Lane County. They accept cases based on priorities that are set through a client needs assessment. While they do intakes on a wide variety of issues, the cases typically handled are related to housing, benefits, family law and issues of domestic violence. The office may be reached by calling 541-485-1017 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Callers should be prepared to leave a call back number.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon and Oregon Law Center have created a one-page document, Oregon Tenant Rights During COVIV-19, summarizing new state and federal tenant protections related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the fact that it is now illegal in Oregon for a landlord to give tenants an eviction notice or a notice of violation for non-payment of rent, non-payment of fees, or non-payment of utilities between now and June 30, 2020. The document also highlights additional legal resources available to renters.
Watch their video on Housing Protections for Tenants in Oregon during COVID-19.
Related to Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-11 to Stop Residential Evictions During COVID-19, there is recognition that landlords and property owners face their own costs if tenants are not able to pay rent. The Governor and her Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council are engaging lenders to find potential solutions and are exploring various state and federal policy options that might be available to provide assistance to borrowers or other options for relief. Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Department of Consumer and Business Services are also pursuing relief options at the direction of the Governor.
- Rental Owners Association in Lane County
The Rental Owners Association is a member-based, non-profit organization of residential landlords and property managers in Lane County, offering education and support. A list of vital links that landlords need for their tenants during the COVID-19 crisis is located on the main page of its website. Members receive updates via email as soon as these COVID-19 resources become available. - Oregon Rental Housing Association
The Oregon Rental Housing Association is a statewide organization of those involved in the rental housing industry, working together to safeguard the economic investment of its members, develop and promote high standards, encourage fair and equitable relationship service, promote reasonable laws and regulation, and to link members and association through an effective communication network. If you area a landlord and have renters whose livelihoods are significantly impacted and are financially able to defer rent and waive fees for a period of time, you can access a landlord/tenant deferment Agreement on the Oregon Rental Housing Association website.
If you anticipate having difficulty paying your mortgage contact your lender or mortgage servicer as soon as possible to see if your mortgage may qualify for federal programs related to COVID-19.
- DevNW: Is an organization that wants to grow vibrant Northwest communities by empowering the region’s individuals, families, small businesses, and neighborhoods. DevNW has information about financial preparation for COVID-19. They also offer a number of online classes related to financial well-being, including foreclosure avoidance counseling.
- Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI): Helps Oregonians who have gotten behind on their mortgage or property tax payments because of a change in their financial situation. They also offer support for people who are living on a fixed income or received a default notice on a reverse mortgage.
- City of Eugene Emergency Minor Home Repair: A program is available for very low-income homeowners to correct conditions that create an immediate threat to the health and safety of the occupants. This program includes owners of stick-built homes as well as owners of mobile homes located within the city limits or annexed to the city. Staff are operating on an emergency-only basis.
- City of Eugene Accessibility Improvement: A program available for very low-income persons with disabilities who are mobile homeowners and tenants of mobile home or stick frame homes located within the city limits or annexed to the city. The program assists with removing architectural barriers and providing accessibility improvements such as ramps. Staff are operating on an emergency-only basis.
CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets): Provides mobile crisis intervention 24/7 in the Eugene-Springfield Metro area. CAHOOTS is dispatched by calling 541-682-5111. Each dispatched mobile team consists of a medic (either a nurse or an EMT) and a crisis worker (who has at least several years’ experience in the mental health field). Landlords and property managers may work with CAHOOTS to stabilize a renter who may be in crisis. CAHOOTS may be able to help provide mediation to help keep your tenant housed. CAHOOTS offers a broad range of services, including but not limited to: crisis counseling, conflict resolution, mediation, housing, first aid, resource referrals.
CAHOOTS is also maintaining a list of COVID-19 resources.
Community Resources for COVID/Coronavirus Impacts: Lane County & Oregon: This list of resources is the result on ongoing collaborative efforts between The Child Center, PeaceHealth, and other community partners. The list of resources is updated daily, so check back often.
211info: Connects people with health and social service organizations by dialing 211 on your telephone. Look online to find resources available in your zip code.
New online tool launched to support veterans and their families
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has developed a new online tool to help guide veterans and their families in recovery in the wake of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and to inform them of any changes to their earned benefits. The Veteran Resource Navigator tool includes resources that are organized by topic, including Economic, Health, Education, Housing and Food, and other resources. Veterans can also access additional assistance by calling an ODVA Veteran Resource Navigator at 800-692-9666.
If you are aware of additional COVID-19 related housing resources for this page, please email Teresa Kennedy.