Housing Counseling Services

Housing Counseling Services connects households affected by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds with housing counselors certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These counselors help individuals and families navigate financial and housing challenges by creating personalized action plans to meet their housing needs and goals.

How can a housing counselor help me?

By taking part in Housing Counseling Services, you can work with a counselor to create a plan for your long-term housing. Depending on your goals, a housing counselor can assist you with:

Understanding what is needed to buy a home, including how much you can afford
Rental issues, including knowing your housing rights
Guidance to help you avoid losing your home to default or foreclosure
Information and support if you are dealing with bankruptcy
Tips and tools to improve your credit score
Finding stable housing to avoid homelessness
Creating a household budget and managing your money

How do I know if I qualify?

You may qualify if:

You lived in one of the eight impacted counties at the time of the 2020 wildfires and straight-line winds (Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, or Marion County).
You can prove your previous home was damaged or lost due to the wildfires or straight-line winds in 2020 and/or you are still struggling to find stable, affordable housing in one of the eight impacted counties.
You were referred from another ReOregon program.
You can provide proof of identity.

How can I apply?

Before you apply, start by reviewing the required documentation. Once you have all the required documents, you will need to submit a Housing Support Services application to the community action agency (CAA) closest to you.

If you are referred from other ReOregon programs like the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP), you will work with the existing program for a referral. You will not be required to complete a new application; however, consent to be referred to Housing Counseling Services may be required.

What can I expect?

If ReOregon determines you are eligible for Housing Counseling Services, you can expect the following:

Connect with a counselor: A housing counselor will be assigned to you.
Review finances and goals: You and your counselor will review your finances and discuss your housing goals.
Create an action plan: Your counselor will create an action plan that outlines how to achieve your financial and housing goals.
Receive educational resources: Your counselor will provide program materials and information to help you reach your goals.
Monitor your progress: You will schedule regular check-ins with your housing counselor to stay on track.
Achieve your housing goal: You complete your plan and meet all necessary requirements.
Stay in touch: Your housing counselor can provide long-term support even after you move in.

We are here to help

To learn more, call 877-510-6800 or 541-250-0938, or email us at housingsupport@reoregon.org.

If you are not ready to apply but still need assistance, your CAA can advise you on other ReOregon programs that suit your needs.