Homeless Services + Tenant Resources
Creating Stability for Every Person
Homelessness is a challenge many in our community face, especially as housing costs rise faster than wages. With a housing-first approach, our Homeless Services help you overcome barriers, find housing, and navigate the process so you can build a stable future.
Available Resources
Community Connect: If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Washington County, Community Connect can help. After an initial assessment, we will ensure you get on the waitlist for housing and shelter programs if eligible. While housing and shelter aren’t guaranteed, we’ll connect you to available services and support.
Call 503-640-3263 or email communityconnect@caowash.org to discuss your situation.
Services for Veterans' Families: For low-income Veteran families, we can help you secure or maintain stable housing and access VA and other benefits. Call Community Connect at 503-640-3263 to see how we can support you.
Hillsboro Family Shelter: As part of a Washington County network, Hillsboro Family Shelter provides safe shelter for families and helps you find a permanent place to call home.
If you’d like to support our shelter residents, click here or call 503-726-0812.
Rent Well Program Details & Eligibility
Rent Well is a free, 15-hour class designed to give you the tools and knowledge to rent with confidence. You'll learn about tenant rights and responsibilities, fair housing laws, finding housing, and overcoming rental challenges. Rent Well classes are free and open to all.
Attend in person: Register for a class
Learn online at your own pace: Access the self-paced course at rentwell.org.
Graduates earn a certificate and may qualify for extra landlord support through the Rent Guarantee Fund, which helps landlords feel confident renting to low-income tenants by covering unpaid rent, eviction costs, and property damage if needed.
Eligibility Requirements for Rent Guarantee Fund
You may qualify for the Rent Guarantee Fund if you:
Successfully complete the Rent Well course
Earn 60% or less of the area's median income
Are homeless or unstably housed
Have barriers like poor credit, eviction history, criminal history, or prior ward of the court
Are a resident of Oregon
Find more information about Rent Well at rentwell.org.
Tenant Materials:
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SB 611 Rent Increase Explainer - English
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SB 611 Rent Increase Explainer - Spanish
Tenant Resources:
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An FAQ about Washington County’s eviction court and process.
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Explainer video about the landlord-tenant first court appearance if summoned.
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A resource hub for Oregon tenants with guidebooks and legal resources.
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Oregon’s Community Alliance of Tenants, a rights organization.
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Free legal assistance to low-income tenants facing eviction court cases.
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Free, confidential Housing Mediation to address rent, repairs, communication, or other tenant-landlord issues.
