NOTICE: Federal funds have been exhausted for LIHWA. Households cannot receive LIHWA benefits at this time.
In 2021, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program was originally established by Congress through the appropriation of $638M in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021 and an additional $500M in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Federal administration was through the Office of Community Services (OCS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) was designated as the State of Oregon grantee.
OHCS worked diligently through a values-based planning process with water and wastewater utilities, utility associations, the community action agency network, and culturally responsive organizations to construct the LIHWA Program for the state. Oregon received $13.8 million to provide LIHWA assistance to low-income households who had high water burdens. Payments went directly to the owners and operators of water and wastewater utilities. Households applied for assistance through their local community action agency.
Local administration of LIHWA assistance began in January 2022 and, as of March 31st, 2024, all funding has been exhausted. OHCS will communicate when additional funds, from the same or other sources, become available to continue administration of the LIHWA Program.
General information and updates can be found on the OCS website.
Sign up to receive email updates and be sure to check the box for “Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program" to follow this program's implementation.