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 (the Housing Authority of Portland). Home Forward administers the funds by delivering rent assistance directly, aligned with external services, and by working with community-based organizations to deliver both rent assistance and supportive services. You can read the policies directly at the following link:
The latest RLRA Policies can be found on this page.
HOW WERE THE POLICIES DEVELOPED?
These policies build upon existing policies developed for Home Forward’s local Long-Term Rent Assistance Program, with flexibility incorporated in order 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 of Homeless Services, Home Forward, the Portland Housing Bureau, and Washington and Clackamas Counties.
The policies incorporate feedback from over 110 stakeholders collected through an online survey, focus group, and by email. An overview of the feedback is available on Metro’s website.
POLICY HIGHLIGHTS
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Counties will be held accountable for ensuring referral pathways are equitable, inclusive and effective
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Eligibility is tied to SHS Program requirements
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No participant screening beyond verifying that a household isn’t already receiving RLRA
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Documentation requirements will be flexible to minimize barriers
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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)
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Units must meet rent reasonableness standards and not exceed 120% of Fair Market Rent (FMR)
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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.
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Commitment that program partners will work together to preserve participant access to the program and avoid termination unless absolutely necessary
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A regional landlord guarantee will be established to provide assurances to participating landlords. This is in development and we will share updates as we have them.
QUESTIONS?
The Joint Office of Homeless Services welcomes your questions and feedback about the RLRA Program and other programs. Please use 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.
PROJECTS:
Some of the housing projects and programs aligned with this funding that launched in Fiscal Year 2022 include:
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Renaissance Commons: 30 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in partnership with REACH & the Urban League
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Cedar Commons: 30 units of PSH in partnership with Central City Concern (CCC) & Multnomah County’s Behavioral Health Division
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Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Participants: tenant-based RLRA for ACT participants experiencing homelessness
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Senior Housing: tenant-based RLRA for seniors with disabling conditions in partnership with Northwest Pilot Project, Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) and CCC.
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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.
