Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) offers resources to support veterans seeking stable housing. We help veterans with pathways to homeownership as well as access to affordable rental housing tailored to veterans’ needs. In addition, OHCS partners with community action agency to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with critical services.
Homeownership Resources
Affordable Rental Housing
Resources for veterans experiencing homelessness
Community action agencies
Community action agencies offer financial assistance and services to assist individuals with low or very low incomes who are homeless or are unstably housed and at risk of becoming homeless. Such programs may offer:
- Street outreach
- Emergency and transitional housing operations
- Rapid rehousing
- Homelessness prevention
- Shelter and transitional housing facilities renovation, rehabilitation, and conversion
Some programs cater to veterans. To be eligible for veterans funding, an applicant must meet one of the following conditions:
- Served on active duty and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions
- Received a combat or campaign ribbon or an expeditionary medal for service and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions
- Is receiving a non-service-connected pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Served in the military, naval, or air service, was discharged or released from that service, and has been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible for any benefit from that department
To find the community action agency that serves your community, go to
Community Action Partnership of Oregon.
HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Voucher
The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines several resources:
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans
- Case management and clinical services provided by the VA
Veterans experiencing homelessness receive special consideration for housing under the joint program.
HUD-VASH runs the program, which offers rental assistance in the private market. These funds are specifically for homeless vets and their families.
Please note: This is not an OHCS program. HUD-VASH vouchers are distributed through local housing authorities. However, a veteran cannot apply directly to a housing authority for a HUD-VASH voucher. To apply for a HUD-VASH voucher or learn more about eligibility criteria:
Utility Assistance and Home Weatherization
OHCS provides funds to local community organizations that help residents with low incomes apply for assistance with energy and utility bill payments. These programs make energy costs more affordable and prevent the loss and the restoration of home energy services. A household income must be at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income to be eligible for energy assistance. OHCS provides funding to the community action agencies to administer these programs:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP)
To apply with a local agency, visit OHCS' Utility Bill Assistance Program.
OHCS also provides funds to local community organizations that provide households on low incomes with home weatherization services. These services increase energy savings through repairs, education, and other services. There are currently two federally funded weatherization programs:
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE-WAP)
If you qualify for an SAH or SHA grant but are living temporarily in a family member’s home, you may be able to get a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant. It can pay for necessary changes to your relative’s home.
You may qualify for a
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. You might be eligible, whether your disability is service-connected or not. This grant provides medically necessary improvements and structural changes to your primary residence.