On December 1, the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) paused accepting new applications. The need for emergency rental assistance is far greater than the federal funding available for the program. The state estimates it will distribute nearly all the $289 million in federal aid in the coming weeks.
The pause will not impact renters that have previously submitted or begun an application. Applications will continue to be processed, and applicants can complete their application if it was submitted but not finalized, before December 1.
The Oregon Legislature passed SB 5561 (2nd Special Session of 2021) that adds an additional $100 million in state funding to the federal OERAP. The Legislature also passed SB 891 (2nd Special Session of 2021) to ensure tenants who apply for rental assistance before June 30, 2022 cannot be evicted until their application is processed. The protections end on Sept. 30, 2022. The legislation is now with Governor Kate Brown (D) for her signature.
