Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Older Adult Housing Program

The Older Adult Housing Program (OAHP) was established through House Bill 3589 (2025) as part of the Senior Housing Development Initiative to expand Oregon's supply of affordable and accessible rental housing.

Oregon's older adult population is among the fastest growing in the state and is projected to represent 24% of the total population by 2050. This demographic shift underscores the need for housing that is both affordable and designed to support aging in place. National research further highlights this need. A 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine found that about one-third of adults aged 70 and most adults aged 80 report mobility limitations within their homes and immediate surroundings. In addition, findings from the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging indicate that fewer than 5% of the nation's housing units are accessible, and fewer than 1% are wheelchair accessible. OAHP prioritizes developing housing that integrates accessibility and visitability at the time of construction, ensuring that residents can remain in their homes as their needs evolve.

This program is designed to support the expansion of accessible, affordable housing for older Oregonians, enabling them to age in place by leveraging state subsidies. In addition to the OAHP subsidy, OHCS can provide Elderly & Disabled bond loans for permanent financing. Housing developed with these funds may serve both low- and moderate-income households and must incorporate residential design elements to meet the needs of older adults as they age.

OAHP is a resource for statewide use including on Tribal lands.


Program Status

Last updated: July 2026

  • Total OAHP project development funds allocated: $23,500,000
  • Remaining OAHP project development funds: $23,500,000

Eligible Applicants

OAHP applicants are required to undergo Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA) Prequalification Guidelines. Prequalification confirms that developers, co-developers, consultants, general contractors, management entities, and sponsors/owners are capable, prepared, and in good standing before entering the funding application process. Eligible applicants may include a:

  • Nonprofit corporation
  • Housing authority
  • Local government
  • For profit entity
  • Native American Tribe
  • Individual/ sponsor/ owner only

Waitlist note: If your waitlisted project received waitlist status after May 1, 2026, and you wish to recast your project for OAHP, you must withdraw your current application and reapply. Your original waitlist submission date will not be retained.

Affordability Requirements

Eligible projects and activities include new rental housing where:

  • At least 50% of the units are designated for households with incomes and rents at or below 50% Area Median Income (AMI).
  • Remaining units may serve households up to 120% AMI. Projects will be designed to serve older adults with an emphasis on the ability to age in place and households that include a person(s) with a disability.

OAHP-funded projects will be subject to an affordability period of 60 years from the date the project is placed in service. The affordability period is the time during which the project must offer rent restricted units to the agreed upon population and AMI levels. OHCS will require the funded property to legally commit to these affordability restrictions.

Funding Requirements

Applicants are required to meet the following (OAR chapter 813, division 060) to be eligible for funding. Funding will be awarded as:

  • 0% interest loans due and payable at the end of the 30-year loan term. Upon request and subject to OHCS approval, the loan term may be extended. Approved extensions may include cash-flow repayment requirements throughout the remainder of the affordability period.
  • OAHP applicants may request a subsidy amount up to 25% above the standard ORCA subsidy level, subject to demonstrated need and narrative justification (See Appendix A in the program manual)
  • Units serving households above 80% AMI for both income and rent restrictions will be subsidized at 50% of the applicable 80% AMI subsidy limit established in the ORCA subsidy limits.
  • The complete OAHP subsidy limits document will be provided in the Supplemental Documents section of the Procorem WorkCenter assigned to OAHP applicants. (See Appendix A in the program manual)
  • OAHP applicants are not eligible for the 'higher accessibility' subsidy ($200,000) from ORCA.

Eligible Residents of OAHP Funded Properties

OAHP funded properties serve individuals and households that are at or under 120% AMI and meet the age-based criteria for either 62+ projects or 55+ projects as indicated below. The following age-based project requirements are aligned with Federal Fair Housing law and established exceptions:

  • 62+ projects: 100% of tenants are required to be at least 62 years of age
  • 55+ projects: 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 years of age or older. To qualify for the 55+ exemption under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), a project must meet the following requirements:
    • Occupancy Rule: At least 80% of the occupied units must have at least one resident aged 55 or older.
    • Intent to Operate as 55+: The project must have written policies and rules that clearly state it is intended for older adults.
    • Verification: The ages of residents must be verified with reliable documentation (like a government-issued ID) at least once every two years to ensure that the project continually complies with the HOPA age requirement.

Current income limits, historical data, and FAQs on HUD’s income limit data can be found at HUD Datasets.

How to Apply

Applications for OAHP will be evaluated in accordance with the requirements and standards outlined in the Oregon Central Application (ORCA). In addition to the ORCA application, applicants must complete the OAHP OAS (Architectural Standards) four-part worksheet. For questions related to the ORCA process, applicants are encouraged to visit the “Get Help with ORCA” page, which provides access to the questions portal, technical assistance resources and training materials. After submitting an application, applicants may review next steps in the process by visiting ORCA’s Affordable Housing Pipeline page.

More Information

  • OAHP Program Manual
  • Architectural Standards
  • Upcoming office hours
    • July 28 from 2-3 p.m.-OAHP Office Hours: This session will include a presentation to support interested applicants and Q&A period.
    • August 5 from 2-3 p.m.- OAHP Architectural Q&A Forum: This session is for architects to address design requirements and architectural standards specific to OAHP. Architect questions will be prioritized and will be answered first. However, developers are also welcome to attend and can put their questions in the chat.

OHCS wants to ensure that everyone has access to its information and programs. If you would like this information in a different language, please email Language.Access@hcs.oregon.gov.