Renter Support
Important Update: Emergency Rent Assistance Program
Although we are not able to offer emergency rent assistance to the general community right now, we’re still here for you.
Our team can connect you to other resources, such as Utility Assistance, that may be helpful.
Due to limited funding, we have made temporary changes to our Emergency Rent Assistance program. At this time, assistance is only available to families already active in certain Community Action programs or referred by our partner organizations. We are not able to accept applications outside of these groups, or enroll new clients for rent assistance eligibility. Rent assistance services are no longer available at the Washington County Eviction Court.
If you are already working with a partner organization, they may help you apply and submit your application to Community Action. Community Action reviews all applications and, if approved, pays rent directly to your landlord or property manager. Partner organizations do not distribute rent funds.
We understand that the need for rent assistance across our community is high. Although funds are limited, we remain deeply committed to helping Washington County residents stay safely housed.
FAQ
Which Community Action programs qualify me for Emergency Rent Assistance?
Emergency Rent Assistance is available to households that are currently active in another Community Action program.
Can I join another Community Action program to qualify for Emergency Rent Assistance?
At this time, no. We are not able to enroll new clients in other programs solely to qualify for Emergency Rent Assistance
The following resources may be able to help:
Utility Assistance
If you need help staying current with essential bills, our Utility Assistance Program may be able to assist: https://caowash.org/utility-assistance
Housing Assistance and Crisis Support
Call 211 or visit https://www.211info.org/ for help locating housing support in your area.
Community Connect (Washington County’s coordinated entry system): 503-640-3263 or https://caowash.org/homeless-services/community-connect
Eviction Prevention Rapid Response Program: 833-746-8167 or oreprr@pplfirst.com
Health Share of Oregon – Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) Some Health Share members can access additional benefits for housing, food, or weather-related emergencies: 503-468-5375 or https://www.healthshareoregon.org/housing-food-and-climate-support
When funding is available, St. Vincent De Paul offers rental assistance for residents in the following communities:
Tigard: 503-639-4179
Beaverton: 503-906-4702
Hillsboro: Apply online at https://www.svdphillsboro.com/
Portland: 503-235-8431
Legal Aid and Eviction Support
Oregon Law Center – Eviction Defense Project, 888-585-9638
Beaverton Housing Mediation: 503-526-3733, housingmediation@beavertonoregon.gov
Program availability is limited and dependent on funding. Updates will be shared on our website as soon as they become available.
We know housing instability is stressful. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
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.
