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What's Inside the Clackamas County Housing Guide

The Clackamas County Housing Guide is a free informational resource that covers housing programs and services available in Clackamas County, Oregon. This guide provides educational information about different housing options, rental assistance programs, homeownership resources, and support services that may be available to county residents.

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The guide explains how various housing programs work, what types of assistance may be offered, and where to find more information about each program. It does not determine who receives benefits or process applications. Instead, it serves as a starting point for understanding what housing resources exist in the county and how to learn more about them.

Clackamas County, located in the Portland metropolitan area, has experienced growing housing costs over the past decade. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median home value in Clackamas County was approximately $485,000 as of 2022, while rental rates have also increased significantly. These trends have made housing a priority issue for the county, leading to the development of various support programs and resources.

The guide addresses multiple housing situations, including renting, buying a home, homelessness prevention, and housing for special populations such as seniors and people with disabilities. Each section provides information about programs that may help address different housing needs.

Practical Takeaway: Before searching for housing resources on your own, review this guide to learn what types of programs exist in Clackamas County. This can help you understand your options and know where to look for information that matches your specific situation.

Understanding Rental Assistance Programs in Clackamas County

Rental assistance programs help residents pay rent, deposits, and sometimes utilities when they face financial hardship. The guide provides information about programs that may offer rental support and explains what types of assistance these programs typically cover.

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In Oregon, rental assistance has come from several sources, including state and federal funding allocated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of Oregon created the Oregon Rental Assistance Program to help renters struggling with back rent and future rent payments. Clackamas County residents may have access to local programs as well, which operate through community organizations and county services.

Typical rental assistance programs may cover:

• Past-due rent payments to prevent eviction
• Current and future rent payments during job loss or income reduction
• Utility assistance to help with electricity, water, and heating bills
• Security deposits and move-in costs for new housing
• Late fees and eviction prevention legal services

The guide explains that different programs have different structures. Some are administered by the county government, while others are run by nonprofit organizations that contract with the county or state. Programs may have varying income limits, documentation requirements, and application processes. The guide directs readers to specific organizations where they can learn details about each program's structure and how to request information about it.

According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Oregon has a significant shortage of affordable rental units. In Clackamas County, a renter earning the median income would typically spend more than 30% of their income on rent, which is considered unaffordable by housing standards. This makes understanding available rental support programs important for many residents.

Practical Takeaway: If you are behind on rent or worried about paying rent, the guide directs you to organizations that provide information about rental assistance. Gather recent pay stubs, lease documents, and information about your income and expenses before contacting these organizations, as they will likely request this information when you reach out to learn more about programs.

Homeownership Resources and First-Time Buyer Programs

The guide includes information about programs designed to help people become homeowners. These resources explain down payment assistance, homebuyer education programs, and low-interest mortgage options that may be available through government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

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Homeownership in Clackamas County has become less affordable for many families. The Oregon Association of Realtors reports that the average home price in the county has risen significantly, requiring most buyers to save larger down payments or explore programs that may reduce upfront costs. First-time homebuyer programs address this challenge by offering educational resources and financial support.

The guide describes several types of homebuyer resources:

• Homebuyer education workshops that teach about mortgages, budgeting, credit, and the home buying process
• Down payment assistance programs that may provide grants or low-interest loans to help with purchase costs
• Community Land Trusts that may offer homes at below-market prices
• FHA and VA loan programs that offer favorable terms for certain borrowers
• Credit counseling services to help improve credit scores before applying for a mortgage

The guide explains that homebuyer education is often required or recommended before accessing down payment assistance or favorable loan programs. These education programs typically cover topics such as understanding different mortgage types, calculating how much house you can afford, preparing your finances for homeownership, and understanding the inspection and appraisal process.

Community organizations in Clackamas County offer many of these programs. For example, nonprofit housing organizations partner with the county to deliver homebuyer education classes and connect residents with lenders who offer favorable loan terms. The guide lists contact information for these organizations and explains what information to prepare when reaching out to them.

Practical Takeaway: If you are interested in buying a home, start by learning about homebuyer education programs in Clackamas County. These programs are often free or low-cost and will help you understand what financial steps to take before purchasing. The guide identifies specific organizations that offer these classes and explains how to learn about their schedules and content.

Homelessness Prevention and Emergency Housing Support

The guide provides information about services designed to prevent homelessness and support people experiencing housing instability. These services include emergency financial assistance, temporary shelter, case management, and housing placement programs.

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Homelessness is a significant challenge in the Portland metropolitan area, including Clackamas County. According to the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, a nationwide effort to count homeless populations, the broader Portland area had thousands of people experiencing homelessness on a single night. Many more people experience housing instability or temporary homelessness without appearing in these counts.

The guide explains different types of homelessness prevention services:

• Emergency financial assistance that helps people avoid eviction or maintain housing during crises
• Rapid rehousing programs that provide short-term rental support and help finding permanent housing
• Emergency shelter systems that provide temporary beds and meals
• Transitional housing programs that offer housing with supportive services for 6 months to 2 years
• Permanent supportive housing that combines affordable housing with ongoing support services
• Case management and navigation services that help connect people to housing and other resources

Each type of service operates differently and serves different populations. The guide explains that some programs focus on families with children, while others serve individuals, youth, or people with specific needs such as chronic homelessness or domestic violence. The guide directs readers to county and nonprofit organizations that can provide information about which programs may be relevant to their situation.

Clackamas County has invested in homeless services through its Health, Housing and Human Services Department. The guide explains that the county coordinates services across multiple agencies and organizations to create a system that helps people move from homelessness to stable housing. It provides information about how to contact these services if someone needs help.

Practical Takeaway: If you are experiencing housing instability or homelessness, the guide explains that contacting the county's homeless services coordinator or a local nonprofit housing organization is the first step. Have information about your current housing situation, income, and any special needs or circumstances ready when you contact these services. Many organizations offer phone and walk-in services to provide information about available options.

Housing Support for Seniors and People with Disabilities

The guide includes information about specialized housing programs designed for seniors and people with disabilities. These programs address the specific housing challenges that older adults and people with disabilities may face, including accessibility needs, supportive services, and affordability.

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Clackamas County's population includes