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Funded by the Supportive Housing Services Measure

Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance Program

*Includes all programs and funding sources, not just RLRA.

The Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance (RLRA) program provides a regional framework for the administration of rent assistance to ensure consistency for landlords, service providers, and participants, while allowing counties to independently implement the program based on local priorities.

The RLRA program provides a rent subsidy to qualified low-income tenants and allow for private landlords in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties to rent apartments and homes to these tenants at fair market rates. The program is similar to the federal Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher program, but it is funded locally through the SHS Program.

In Multnomah County, the RLRA program is managed by Home Forward. Home Forward administers the funds by delivering direct rent assistance and working with community-based organizations to deliver both rent assistance and supportive services.

Click Here | RLRA Policies
Image Description: Tan background with dark green trim at bottom. JOHS logo in bottom right. White box in middle with orange and tan logo of two people shaking hands in front of a house. Text: 35,550 - people avoided homelessness with prevention services. Outcomes from FY '21-'22.

How were the policies developed?

These policies build upon existing policies developed for Home Forward’s local flexible Long-Term Rent Assistance Program to address changing needs and lessons learned.

They were developed by a regional workgroup facilitated by Metro that included staff members from the Joint Office, Home Forward, the Portland Housing Bureau, and Washington and Clackamas Counties.

The policies incorporate feedback from over 110 partners collected through an online survey, focus group, and by email.

Click Here | Feedback Overview

Policy Highlights

  • Counties will be held accountable for ensuring referral pathways are equitable, inclusive and effective.
  • Eligibility is tied to SHS Program requirements.
  • No participant screening beyond verifying that a household isn’t already receiving RLRA.
  • Documentation requirements will be flexible to minimize barriers.
  • Subsidy will be available for as long as a household needs and remains eligible for the program, with no predetermined end date (other than if the SHS measure is not renewed by voters).
  • Units must meet rent reasonableness standards and not exceed 120% of Fair Market Rent (FMR)
  • Household members can be added to an RLRA contract at any time as long as the household still meets income eligibility and unit capacity requirements and landlord agrees to add to lease.
  • Commitment that program partners will work together to preserve participant access to the program and avoid termination unless absolutely necessary.
  • A regional landlord guarantee will be established (currently in development) to provide assurances to participating landlords.

Housing Projects & Programs (FY 2022)

  • Renaissance Commons
    30 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in partnership with REACH & the Urban League.
  • Cedar Commons
    30 units of PSH in partnership with Central City Concern (CCC) & Multnomah County’s Behavioral Health Division.
  • Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Participants
    Tenant-based RLRA for ACT participants experiencing homelessness.
  • Senior Housing
    Tenant-based RLRA for seniors with disabling conditions in partnership with Northwest Pilot Project, Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) and CCC.
  • COVID 19 High Risk Households
    Tenant-based RLRA for households served in high-risk COVID-19 motel shelters in partnership with motel operators and culturally-specific providers.

Questions?

The Joint Office of Homeless Services welcomes your questions and feedback about the RLRA Program and other programs. Please click below for our feedback form to submit questions or comments.

If you are a community member seeking rent assistance, contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1 or calling toll free at 866-698-6155.

You can also learn more about affordable housing opportunities through Home Forward.

Click Here | JOHS Feedback Form