Does NOHA offer rental grants or loans?

The Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA) does not provide outright rental loans or emergency rental assistance but it is a major provider of rental assistance in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

NOHA provides generous rent subsidies to families that have been approved under the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Subsidies are paid directly to the landlords so that the tenant is only responsible for a maximum of 30% their gross monthly income to go towards rent.

NOHA participates in the federal Section 8 program through an alternative process that avoids the typical public housing projects. Instead applicants are able to live in a suitable rental property of their choosing. They simply have to get the landlord’s approval and make sure that the agency approves the location based on safety, cleanliness and cost guidelines.

The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is lengthy, which may periodically prompt a halt to new applicants. You’ll need to contact NOHA at 503-861-0119 to determine if the waiting list is accepting new applicants as well as to request information on the approximate time which you may become eligible for any vouchers. Expect a wait of three years or more.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

NOHA does provide a substantial resource through the family self-sufficiency program what it does is match applicants with the case manager who will help them work towards specific goals goals may include housing budgetary or income goals thereby allowing the family to become self-sufficient and no longer require any form of public assistance.

An incentive fund may be provided for participants. What this means is that grant money may be accumulated in escrow account which could be used to reward participants from reaching their goals. You will need to contact the representative at NOHA for more information on how you might be able to participate in the family self-sufficiency program.

Even though NOHA does not provide emergency rental grants or loans to put towards rent, the agency does help provide a valuable resource for families who have been struggling with recent crises that threaten their ability to stay current on the rent payments. NOHA rental assistance programs rely on case managers which are trained to identify opportunities based on your own situation that you may not a thought of. They can help you cut costs as well as to maximize your income, thereby making it easier to get by each month.

Still, there may be opportunities where you can receive emergency rental grants or other loan considerations from community providers or the local community action agency. Your case manager can let you know if a referral is likely.