Utilities and Rent

The moratorium on evictions in Oregon has ended. Renters are required to pay current rents, and have until February 28, 2022 to pay back rent. Until July 1, 2022, a tenant can avoid termination and eviction for nonpayment of monthly rent if they have applied for emergency rental assistance and have provided documentation of their application to their landlord. This documentation must be provided to a landlord in a reasonable manner such as personal delivery, first-class mail or sending a copy or photograph of the documentation via text message or email. Documentation can be provided by the tenant up through the First Appearance court date in an eviction case. 

If you are behind on rent and at risk for eviction, contact Rhys. We have some options for referrals that can help families stay housed. 

You can also apply for short-term rental assistance through SEI here. You can also call 211 or click here. You can also apply directly for rental assistance here. We recommend paying your current month's rent and that you provide proof that you applied for rental assistance to your landlord, which gives you 90 days before you can be evicted. 

Utilities

Portland General Electric is offering more payment plans, extensions, and flexibility for families unable to pay their bills. To create a payment plan, call 800-542-8818 or 503-228-6322.

Pacific Power has created a financial assistance program that can forgive up to $300 (information and applications are here). They are also offering a variety of different payment assistance plans. Call 1-888-221-7070 with questions.

NW Natural Gas has a new program to forgive up to $300 (information is here). They also have a low-income energy efficiency program, which may be able to offer funds and weatherization services. Call 503-988-6295 for assistance.

Portland Water Bureau has expanded its financial assistance program. The Bureau of Environmental Services and the Water Bureau offer financial assistance in the form of: Payment arrangements, bill discounts for sewer and water charges, crisis vouchers, and the utility safety net program. For more info or to work out a plan: 503-865-4357, PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov

Additional Utilities Assistance:

211 Utility Assistance Program:

For up-to-date specific information on utility assistance programs, connect either online or by phone to 211 Utility Assistance Programs (Call 211 from a cell phone or 503-222-5555 from a landline.)

SEI Energy Assistance: 

Beach families needing energy assistance can call the SEI Energy Appointment Line at 503-713-5590 or note that they would like energy assistance while completing a Beach Family Fund request.

Human Solutions: 12350 SE Powell Blvd, Portland OR  --  (503) 548-0200 -- M-F 8AM-12PM

Housing and day shelter for families.  Also provides water/sewer, gas, and electric assistance as funding is available. Recorded messages in English, Spanish, and Russian at (503) 405-7877.

IRCO: 631 NE 102nd Ave., Portland OR  --  (503) 234-1541  --  M-F 8:30AM-5PM

Water/sewer, gas, and electric assistance as funds available for Multnomah County Residents, as well as employment and training programs. 

A couple of different options exist for lowering your internet bill!

The federal government has created an Affordable Connectivity Program; to check your eligibility or apply, click here. Once approved, you will need to work with your existing internet provider to apply the benefit. (If you use Xfinity as your internet provider, more information about the process can be found here.)

Alternatively, the Oregon Lifeline program offers low cost phone and internet broadband services. For more information, click here or call 503-373-7171.

If you have questions or need any help navigating these options, please contact Rhys. 

Oregon has created a state-wide system allowing local organizations to assist with mortgage payments and prevent foreclosure. A lot of information can be found here. 

In Multnomah County, we have:

African American Alliance for Homeownership

Serving African American and Black families. Call (503) 595-3517

Hacienda Community Development Corporation

Serving Latine and Hispanic families. Call (503) 961-6432

Native American Youth & Family Center

Serving Indigenous families. Call (503) 288-8177 x223 for assistance or information.

Portland Housing Center

Serving Oregon and Washington families, with all services available in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties. Primarily offers loans, but does have other services. Call (503) 282-7744 for assistance or more information.