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Oregon Housing and Community Services

OHCS News Releases
 
Media Contact:
Ben Pray, Policy Advisor and Communications Manager 
Benjamin.Pray@hcs.state.or.us
(503) 986-2079

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2012 News Releases
 
New Legal Assistance Program for Low-Income Households Facing Foreclosure
November 15, 2012 (Salem) - Low-income homeowners and renters affected by foreclosure now have access to new a statewide service that provides free legal assistance from an attorney to help address urgent foreclosure issues.
 
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has contracted with Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) to develop and deliver the new program.  The statewide service will be offered both over the phone and in person from offices in Portland, Medford, Hillsboro, Eugene and Bend.
 
Record Low Interest Rate for First-Time Homebuyers
November 6, 2012 (Salem) - Oregon Housing and Community Services has lowered the interest rate for its first-time homebuyer program, known as the “Oregon Bond” loan, to a record low interest rate of 3.125%. Additionally, the program has lowered the interest rate for its CashAdvantage Home Loan to 3.625%, also a record low. The CashAdvantage loan includes a closing cost grant equal to 3% of the loan amount, and helps first-time homebuyers reduce the total amount of cash needed for their purchase. Both options are for 30-year fixed rate loans, with a combined loan origination and discount fee of 1.75% of the loan amount.
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New Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Program Expands Statewide
New program provides up to $20,000 to qualified Oregon homeowners to prevent foreclosure
October 24 (Salem) - Distressed homeowners throughout Oregon can now apply for up to $20,000 to pay off past-due payments and become current on their mortgage. The Loan Preservation Assistance (LPA) Program was piloted earlier this year in select Oregon counties and is now available statewide. The program aims to help more than 2,000 Oregon homeowners avoid foreclosure by bringing their mortgages current.
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Oregon Housing and Community Services Seeks Public Comment on
Proposed 2013 Annual Action Plan and Community Development Funding Distribution
September 25 (Salem) - The State of Oregon, through its agencies: Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS); Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD), is seeking public comment on the proposed 2013 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and the proposed 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Method of Distribution (MOD). There will be a public hearing for the Action Plan and Method of Distribution for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Funding (HUD).

  

Governor's Volunteer Awards to honor Oregon's Outstanding volunteers
at Nov. 9 luncheon in Salem
September 24 (Salem) - The 2012 Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Awards on Friday, Nov. 9 will honor 14 individuals and 12 organizations from throughout the state for their commitment to serving Oregon and its people.

State Expands Foreclosure Prevention Services 
September 19 (Salem) - The Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has launched a new foreclosure resources website, www.OregonHomeownerSupport.gov. The new website is designed to help distressed homeowners by providing information about existing programs and increasing access to certified foreclosure counselors. Additionally, OHCS has contracted an additional 26 foreclosure counselors at local nonprofit agencies across the state.

 

Free tax help to help Salem residents boost tax refunds
January 24 (Salem) - In recognition of national Earned Income Tax Credit day, the North Mall Office Building will host a visit from One Economy Corporation's "My Free Taxes" van, in partnership with Salem-Keizer Community Development Corporation (SKCDC), on Friday, January 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

View all of 2011 News Releases