Permanent and transitional housing provided by Multnomah County DCHS

Tenants in the Greater Portland area that find themselves threatened with an eviction or homelessness are protected by a local government support program. Multnomah County Department of County Human Services (DCHS) operates a renters aid program that is intended to ensure that financially distressed tenants can avoid becoming part of the area’s homeless population.

Multnomah County DCHS has implemented programs that are designed to stop homelessness before it starts. By helping people at the point of extreme need, the agency has successfully given individuals and families the chance to make a second attempt at self-sufficient living. The county’s position is that it is substantially cheaper to provide limited rental assistance to a tenant who is at a high risk of becoming homeless than to pay for homeless services.

If you are unable to make your rent payment or are already falling behind and facing an eviction, then you may need to speak with a case manager to determine your options. DCHS case managers want to evaluate your financial situation to determine your risks and needs, as well as to look for opportunities to improve your situation without requiring expensive options like cash assistance. It is always their goal to control spending while helping as many people as necessary to stop homelessness.

Tenants who are on the verge of being evicted should contact a DCHS representative right away to schedule a meeting with a case manager. Any eviction notice received should be brought with you as well as any income documents and social security cards for each member of your household. Emergency housing can be arranged if you have already been evicted.

Transitional Housing

DCHS can provide you with more than just a homeless shelter. The goal is to actually keep you out of “the system.” The better alternative is to help you move into a special housing facility that is modeled after a regular apartment community. Some are geared towards specific client needs, such as the over 2,000 youth runaways served by the agency.

While you are in transitional housing in Multnomah County, DCHS can continue to work with you to repair your credit, repay old rental arrears, increase your income and build savings towards an eventual move into a regular rental unit. You get the benefit of having your own place to stay for many months while you work on getting yourself in a better position to take care of yourself.

Permanent Housing

Each city operates reduced rent apartments for tenants who struggle to afford average rent prices. Multnomah County also invests in affordable housing communities to ensure that there are affordable options for local workers who often lack the higher income needed to afford the normal rental rates.

The county utilizes funds to create more affordable residential options for tenants in Portland and surrounding areas of Multnomah County. This means that there are likely to be affordable apartments in parts of town where you desire to live. DCHS refers tenants to affordable housing search tools provided by agency partners Home Forward and Housing Connections.

If you would like to speak with a Multnomah County DCHS case manager, call the United Way hotline at 211 or you may contact the County offices directly at 503-823-4000.