Rent grants help Medford residents ACCESS permanent homes

Thanks to the generous grant programs operated by a local nonprofit organization, dozens of residents are gaining access to the rental assistance they need to maintain a permanent home. ACCESS provides the help that lower income families need to recover from hardship and live the way they always hoped they could.

ACCESS is a charity that gets people out of the cycle of late rent and homelessness. It proactively works to help tenants stay in their homes even if they have been threatened with eviction due to delinquencies. For those who cannot get into a new home, the organization can assist with the upfront costs.

Who is ACCESS?

Efforts began in 1971 to improve the lives of homeless citizens of Jackson County. First United Methodist Church in Medford had initiated a loaves and fishes program to help with basic needs.

As the Rogue Valley Council on Aging (subsequently Rogue Valley Council of Governments) got involved, it became clear that the need was quickly growing to a level that threatened to overwhelm the other priorities of the agency, including its focus on helping Seniors. In 1976 a new organization was created to focus specifically on helping the poor and elderly to maintain independence.

Thus Aging Community Coordinated Enterprises & Supportive Services, Inc. (ACCESS) was formed to assist aging populations who were finding it more difficult to live comfortably on a severely reduced or restricted income. Today the organization feeds thousands of residents annually while assisting with their power bills. Hundreds receive help with rent.

ACCESS rent deposit assistance

The charity is able to assist residents who cannot gain access to their own home. Many are homeless, living in cars or in one of the emergency shelters that operate in Medford. Others are in motels or living temporarily with friends or family.

ACCESS provides the funding needed to fulfill the security deposit requirement of private landlords. These deposits are in addition to the first month’s rent requirement, which might keep many people out of their own home permanently. By providing the funding needed to make a deposit down, more people can get moved into their own home.

Eligible purposes for the funding include security deposit and the first month’s rent. Tenants can get help with both.

This is not just a feature for those who are already homeless. Many people are living in a home that they can no longer afford due to a change in their circumstances. They cannot afford to move to a cheaper home because of this deposit requirement. ACCESS can help with this.

Moving costs can also be provided. Maybe a truck is needed. Professional movers may need to be hired to move belongings, especially when someone is physically incapable of moving their own belongings.

ACCESS assistance with back rent

When a home is affordable but the tenant has fallen behind due to a temporary financial crisis, rental assistance may be granted if it will allow the person to remain there on a permanent basis. Funds could cover all or part of the arrears so that a landlord no longer pursues an eviction.

When someone can afford the rent, then a small grant could be all they need to stay. It can often be the cheapest and simplest resolution.

Requesting help

All housing and rental assistance inquiries may be directed to 541-779-6691. Care workers are located at the Medford offices on 3630 Aviation Way.

Also available at this care line are utility assistance, outreach and support services. These services make ACCESS one of the most comprehensive aid organizations in Jackson County today.