Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Oregon and need housing help, start with local help, not a statewide promise. Oregon Housing and Community Services says it does not give direct help to the public, so most families must go through 211 housing help, a local Community Action Agency, a local housing authority, or legal aid.
The old Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is closed. That does not mean every rent-help option is gone. It means you need to ask about current local rent funds, shelter, coordinated entry, eviction help, utility help, and waitlists in your county.
This guide focuses on real paths: emergency shelter, rent help, eviction court help, Housing Choice Vouchers, subsidized apartments, Oregon Health Plan housing benefits, utility help, fair-housing complaints, and backup options. For a broader benefits page, see the Oregon help guide before you apply for several programs.
If you need housing help today
If you are in danger, call 911. If you need shelter, rent help, or a safe place to stay, contact 211info. You can dial 211 or 866-698-6155. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211 during text hours. Language help is available through 211 contact options when you call, text, or email.
If you have eviction court papers, move fast. Call the Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project at 888-585-9638 or use the Eviction Defense Project form. Have your court case number and hearing date ready. You should also call 211 and your local Community Action Agency the same day.
If you are trying to leave abuse, use a safe phone or device if you can. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help by phone, chat, or text through The Hotline. You can also read Oregon-specific safety resources when it is safe to do so.
Where to start in Oregon
Housing help in Oregon depends on your county, your income, your household size, your landlord paperwork, and what funding is open that week. It also depends on whether you are already homeless, behind on rent, in court, trying to move, or trying to get on a long-term waitlist.
Start with 211
Ask for shelter, rent help, coordinated entry, motel vouchers if available, domestic violence shelter if needed, utility help, and food. 211 can point you to current local programs.
Call your CAA
Oregon uses Community Action Agencies for many rent, energy, weatherization, and homelessness programs. Use the CAA finder to find the agency for your county.
Apply for long-term help
Rent assistance is often short term. Also apply for housing authority waitlists, subsidized apartments, and other benefits that lower your monthly bills.
For more non-housing help, including food, cash aid, and health coverage, use Oregon SNAP, Oregon TANF, and the broader community support guide.
Quick reference table
| Situation | First place to contact | What to ask for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| No safe place tonight | 211info | Shelter, family shelter, coordinated entry, motel help if open | Open beds change daily and may be limited. |
| Rent is late | Community Action Agency | Current rent funds, eviction prevention, landlord paperwork | Funding can open and close. Ask what is open now. |
| Eviction court papers arrived | Eviction Defense Project | Free legal help, court steps, EPRR rental assistance | Court moves fast. Do not skip your hearing. |
| Need cheaper rent long term | Local housing authority | Housing Choice Voucher, public housing, project-based lists | Many lists are closed or long. Apply to more than one if allowed. |
| Power, gas, or water bill problem | CAA and utility company | LIHEAP, OEAP, discount rate, payment plan | Most energy payments go to the utility, not to you. |
Emergency rent help and shelter support
Oregon has had several rent-help programs over the last few years. The important update is this: the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is closed, and Oregon Housing and Community Services says it is not accepting new OERAP applications. The official OERAP page tells renters to call 211 or use 211info for current local resources.
Current rent help often runs through Community Action Agencies and local providers. OHCS lists rent assistance, food assistance, utility bill help, homeless services, shelter, and weatherization as services connected to local agencies on its housing assistance page.
Emergency Housing Assistance Program funds can support low-income people who are homeless, unstably housed, or at risk of homelessness. But you do not apply directly for a funding stream. You ask your local agency what housing resources are open in your county. This is why it helps to call both 211 and your CAA.
What to say when you call
Be clear and short: “I am a single mother with children in the home. I am behind on rent and need to know what rent or eviction prevention help is open in my county today.”
If you have an eviction notice or court papers
This section is general information, not legal advice. If you have eviction court papers, call legal aid quickly. The Oregon Law Center says the Eviction Defense Project helps low-income tenants across Oregon who are facing eviction court cases. It also says tenants should have their case number and hearing date ready.
Oregon Housing and Community Services tells renters with an eviction summons to seek local rent help through a Community Action Agency, contact the OHCS help page resources, and contact 211. If you need more detail on legal and tenant help, see our Oregon legal help page.
Some Oregon eviction cases may also connect to the Oregon Eviction Prevention Rapid Response program. The program page says applicants need an active eviction court case number and must not have received assistance in the current OHCS biennium. Check the EPRR program page for current intake steps before you rely on it.
Do not skip court
Applying for rent help is not the same as answering or appearing in court. If you miss a required court step, you may lose your case even if you are trying to get help.
Section 8, public housing, and local housing authorities
The Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, helps eligible low-income families rent in the private market. HUD says local Public Housing Authorities decide eligibility based on income, family size, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and other program rules. HUD also says some PHAs have long waiting lists and that families may want to apply at more than one PHA if they can.
Start with the HUD Oregon page to find housing authority contacts, voucher basics, public housing information, and the HUD Resource Locator. You can also read our plain-language Section 8 guide for basic terms.
Do not assume the housing authority closest to you is the only place you can apply. Some lists are county-specific. Some have local preferences. Some open for a short window. Some use online applications. Keep a list of every application you submit, the date, login information, and any confirmation number.
| Housing path | What it may help with | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher | Part of rent in a private rental if you qualify and find a unit | Local Public Housing Authority |
| Public housing | Rental housing owned or managed through a housing authority | Local Public Housing Authority |
| Project-based voucher | Help tied to a specific apartment building or unit | Housing authority or property manager |
| Subsidized apartment | Lower-cost apartment with income rules | Property manager or housing locator |
Affordable apartments and housing searches
A voucher is not the only path. Some families use affordable apartment waitlists, public housing, nonprofit housing, USDA rural rental housing, or local housing authority properties. HUD’s Resource Locator can help you search for HUD-related housing near you, but you still need to call the property manager about openings and applications.
Oregon also has an Affordable Housing Inventory tool that maps income-restricted properties. The housing inventory can help you find properties to call, but it may not show real-time vacancy. If you live in a rural area, also check USDA Rural Development apartment options through the USDA rental search and call each property.
When you call an apartment, ask if it has an income limit, rent limit, waitlist, application fee, screening rules, and unit size for your family. If you need basic items after a move, the Oregon furniture help guide may help you find local options.
Oregon Health Plan housing benefits
Some Oregon Health Plan members may qualify for health-related social needs housing benefits. These benefits are not for every OHP member. The Oregon Health Authority says members must meet specific health, living, and financial conditions. It also says these benefits are not meant for emergencies because approval can take time.
OHP housing benefits may include rent help for up to six months, help with utilities, storage fees, tenancy support, some home changes for safety, and certain climate-related home items. The OHA OHP housing page also says rent and utility assistance is a one-time benefit per household.
If you are already in eviction court or need shelter tonight, do not wait on OHP housing benefits alone. Contact 211, your CAA, and legal aid. If you are an OHP member, ask your coordinated care organization how to request HRSN housing help.
Utility bill help that can protect housing
Utility help matters because a shutoff can make housing unsafe and can create more rent stress. Oregon energy help includes LIHEAP and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program. OHCS says these programs are delivered through Community Action Agencies, not directly by OHCS.
OHCS says the energy programs help make home energy costs more affordable, help prevent loss of service, and may help restore service. Payments are usually made to the utility company on the household’s behalf. Start with the official energy assistance page and your local CAA. You can also use our Oregon utility assistance guide.
Ask your utility company about low-income discounts, medical certificates if relevant, payment plans, and shutoff rules. Do this before the shutoff date if possible.
If a landlord refuses your voucher or treats you unfairly
Oregon fair housing law includes protection based on source of income. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries says housing discrimination can include discrimination based on source of income, familial status, disability, and other protected classes. If you think a landlord refused you because of a voucher, public benefits, child support, disability benefits, or because you have children, document what happened.
You can read BOLI’s housing complaint page. You can also review Oregon Law Help’s discrimination guide. This is legal information, not legal advice. A legal aid office can help you understand your options.
Documents and information to gather
Do not wait until every paper is perfect. Still, having documents ready can save time. Keep pictures or scans on your phone if it is safe to do so.
| What to gather | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID for adults | Many agencies need identity verification. |
| Proof of children in the home | Family size can affect eligibility and shelter placement. |
| Lease or rental agreement | Rent-help programs often need landlord and rent details. |
| Ledger, late notice, or eviction papers | This shows the amount owed and urgency. |
| Income proof | Programs may ask for pay stubs, benefits letters, or a written statement. |
| Utility bills | Energy programs need account and provider information. |
| Contact log | Write down who you called, the date, and what they said. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for one program only. Apply for rent help, legal help, benefits, and long-term housing at the same time when they fit your situation.
- Believing old benefit amounts. Rent and utility programs change by county, funding, household size, and date. Confirm current rules before you plan.
- Missing calls or emails. Check voicemail, spam folders, and text messages after you apply.
- Skipping court. Court deadlines are separate from rent-help applications.
- Paying application fees everywhere. Ask about fees and screening rules before you spend money.
- Not applying for other benefits. SNAP, TANF, child care help, and health coverage can free up money for rent. Our housing guide explains the bigger picture.
Backup options when rent help is closed
If your county has no rent funds today, ask 211 and your CAA about coordinated entry, family shelter, prevention funds, church or nonprofit help, school district McKinney-Vento support for children, utility help, food support, and case management. If you are a homeowner or trying to buy later, do not mix emergency rent help with homebuying programs. Use the Oregon homebuyer help page for that separate topic.
You may also need to lower other bills while you wait. The bill help guide has national emergency paths, and local resources can help you look beyond state agencies.
Phone scripts
Call 211
Hello, I am a single mother in [city or county]. I need help with housing. I am [homeless / behind on rent / in eviction court / fleeing abuse]. Can you screen me for shelter, rent help, coordinated entry, utility help, and legal help?
Call your Community Action Agency
Hello, I live in [county]. I am behind on rent and need to know what housing or eviction prevention funds are open today. What documents do you need, and is there a waitlist or intake time?
Call a housing authority
Hello, I want to apply for rental housing help. Are any Housing Choice Voucher, public housing, project-based, or affordable property waitlists open? Can I apply online, and do you have local preferences?
Call legal aid
Hello, I received eviction papers. My court date is [date], and my case number is [number]. I need to know if I can get legal help before my first appearance.
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda de vivienda en Oregon, empiece con 211info, su agencia local de Community Action y la autoridad de vivienda de su área. El programa estatal OERAP está cerrado, pero puede haber ayuda local para renta, servicios públicos, refugio, prevención de desalojo y listas de espera.
Si recibió papeles de la corte por desalojo, llame al Eviction Defense Project al 888-585-9638 lo antes posible. Si está en peligro, llame al 911. Si necesita salir de violencia doméstica, use un teléfono seguro si puede y contacte a una línea de ayuda.
Questions single mothers ask in Oregon
Is Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance still open?
No. Oregon Housing and Community Services says the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is closed and is not accepting new applications. Call 211 and your local Community Action Agency for current local options.
Where do I apply for Section 8 in Oregon?
Apply through a local Public Housing Authority when its list is open. HUD says some PHAs have long waitlists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA if each program allows it.
Can OHP pay my rent?
Some Oregon Health Plan members may qualify for HRSN housing benefits, including limited rent or utility help. Not all OHP members qualify, and the benefit is not meant for emergencies.
What should I do if I get eviction court papers?
Contact the Eviction Defense Project, 211, and your local Community Action Agency right away. Have your court date and case number ready. Do not miss court.
Can a landlord refuse me because I have a voucher?
Oregon fair housing law includes source of income protections. If you think you were treated unfairly because of a voucher or other lawful income, contact BOLI or legal aid.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org with the page title.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.