Funding for affordable housing
In 2023, OHCS allocated over $436 million to create affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the state.
Responding to Oregon’s housing crisis
Governor Tina Kotek proposed three actionable goals to be achieved by January 10, 2024. The agency was able to surpass all three goals.
1,047
low-barrier shelter beds created
1,426
unsheltered households rehoused
9,024
households prevented from experiencing homelessness
In 2023, OHCS saw the largest investment in housing statewide from the Oregon legislature.
Pathways home
OHCS invested in energy-efficient upgrades and construction in homes throughout the state through the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP).
OR-MEP energy construction
$2.5 million
in funding for energy-efficent upgrades to buildings
$5.7 million
kilowatt hours saved through energy-efficent construction
19 projects
selected to receive funding
$850,000
in reduced electric utility cost
1,000 homes
impacted with utility cost savings
2,200 homes
impacted with utility cost savings
251
households served by permanent supportive housing
28
manufactured homes replaced
867
households assisted with full recovery from wildfires
Building more homes
OHCS awarded over $31 million in LIFT funding, which supported 13 affordable housing developments, totaling 265 units.
Beyond housing
OHCS focused on customer service in 2023 responding to over 1,000 constituent requests. 2023 also marked the first full year with an ombudsperson available to address constituent concerns regarding OHCS programs and services they are receiving.
67,121
households received energy assistance
257
households received payment for furnace repair or replacement
18,561
households received water and wastewater utility assistance
Navigation centers across Oregon
New programs and improving agency practice: Expanding Medicaid coverage to housing
On September 28, 2022, the Centers for Medicare, and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s Section 1115 waiver demonstration (OHP), with an effective date of October 1, 2022, through September 2027.
The 1115 Medicaid Waiver allows for Medicaid to cover health-related social needs such as food, housing, and climate-related resources. This is the first of its kind in the nation. OHCS is a partner in this work with the Oregon Health Authority, which administers OHP.
Over this five-year period, OHP will use the more than $1 billion of federal resources to create a more equitable system through initiatives related to addressing health inequities, continuous eligibility, coverage expansion, and health related social needs. OHCS staff is currently participating in design and implementation workgroups.
Oregon was also recognized for its leadership through its work on the 1115 Medicaid Waiver. The National Council of State Housing Agencies presented OHCS with the 2023 Award for Program Excellence.
Centering equity and partnerships
The By and For Initiative, Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) program, is a significant initiative that provides state funds to create or support existing local programs to prevent and reduce homelessness in Tribal communities.
67,121
households received energy assistance
257
households received payment for furnace repair or replacement
OHCS staff were out and about throughout Oregon in a variety of ways in 2023.
Community voice
Angie
Angie was unhoused and struggling with health issues. With the help of local housing assistance agencies, she found safe and stable housing.
Evan
After a long wait, Evan finally received the keys to his new homes after struggling to find a safe and warm place to sleep every night.
John
Through the help of Franklin Avenue Shelter, John was able to address his medical needs and find a path to access safe and stable housing.
Daisy
Daisy is a recipient of down payment assistance, helping her prevent eviction and stay in her home.
Howard
Through the Manufactured Housing Replacement program recipient, Howard made his home safe and prevented eviction.
Lucy
Lucy has seen the positive impact Sequoia Crossings, a new affordable housing development, has made in her local community.