OHCS awards $7.5 million to help provide housing to people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in rural Oregon
By Mindy Gould on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
Harney County-Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has awarded $7.5 million in funding allocated through the Homeless Housing Response and Capacity Strengthening Notice of Funding Availability. This is the first award of a one-time $25 million HOME American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal investment. These funds will go towards developing housing for those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in Oregon’s rural communities.
“Strengthening local organizations and expanding housing opportunity in rural communities are essential in advancing real progress for people experiencing homelessness,” says OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “They are a foundation upon which we create a future where every individual has a place to call home.”
The $7.5 million awarded went to develop Liberty Village Apartments located in Hermiston which will focus on Veterans at risk of homelessness. This property is being built by Umatilla County Housing Authority and Casa of Oregon. Liberty Village Apartments will provide 17 total homes, 15 with rental assistance, and primarily affordable at 30% median family income.
OHCS has reserved $1.5 million to provide rural housing organizations with funding to increase their capacity to address housing needs in their communities. Applicants include:
- Burns Paiute Tribe
- Malheur and Harney County Housing Authorities
- Clatsop Community Action
- Community Services Consortium (Linn, Benton, Lincoln counties)
- Coos-Curry Housing Authorities/City of North Bend
- Peace at Home Advocacy Center (Douglas County)
- Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (Hood River, Wasco, Sherman counties)
For more information about this funding award, please visit the Housing Stability Council web page.
