The Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) is a homeowner-led initiative. This means you are in charge of making decisions for your home, including choosing your contractor, working with your contractor on scheduling and coordinating the work, reviewing and approving of the completed work, and authorizing payments to your contractor. While Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) cannot recommend a specific contractor, you will be assigned a construction advisor after your application is approved to help guide you through the process. Your construction advisor will be easy to identify by their ReOregon badge. Keep in mind that while HARP covers certain costs, any upgrades beyond the program’s standards will need to be paid out of pocket by the homeowner. If you have already received home repair funds from another source, even if no upgrades were made, you may be required to contribute some of your money toward the construction costs.
Construction process
Before construction
Before construction begins, you
must attend the initial inspection, agree to the scope of work, select a contractor, and then sign the Homeowner Grant Agreement. Stay actively involved and work closely with your case lead, contractor, and construction advisor to ensure everything is ready to move forward.
If you are rebuilding your home, you will also be able to choose from several pre-approved home designs that best meet your needs.
During construction
Construction projects—whether they involve a full rebuild, repairs, or a manufactured home replacement—follow specific milestones and timelines. Stay in regular contact with your contractor to keep the work moving, prepare for mid-project inspections, and keep your construction advisor up to date on your activities.
After construction
When construction is finished and prior to the final HARP inspection, you should perform a final walk-through with your contractor to check for any remaining issues. After all permits are closed and you receive your Certificate of Occupancy, work with your contractor and HARP to schedule the final inspection.
Identifying your construction advisors
To make sure they are easy to identify, all construction advisors wear a specific uniform and carry specific equipment:
- ReOregon badge with name and photo
- OHCS-approved hat and shirt
- Khaki pants or jeans
- Orange safety vest
- Appropriate closed-toe footwear
- White hard hat (if necessary)
- N95 mask or appropriate personal protective equipment (if requested/necessary)
- Digital camera calibrated to the correct date/time
Requesting disability needs
If you require specific needs due to disabilities, please contact your case lead. They will give you the Accessibility Request Form to help you outline your needs.