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29 HOUSING-RELATED TERMS TO KNOW
OREGON'S HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION BILLS
COMMON HOUSING MYTHS AND THE FACTS TO COUNTER THEM
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. We are committed to Housing Justice and ensuring that all members of our community have access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
Housing stability is the key to reducing intergenerational poverty and increasing economic mobility. Housing insecurity and homelessness have far-reaching consequences for the quality of American family life, the economy, and the future of housing stability, which is why we work to mobilize support and resources that improve housing security throughout our region.
Our housing initiative focus on improving:
“I am so grateful to United Way and its kind staff for helping me when I was on the verge of becoming homeless days before Christmas... not only providing rental assistance but also doing it under a very tight timeline set by the landlord. I cannot express my appreciation and gratitude enough for their kindness and assistance. I’ve had a rough life, but your staff makes me believe... I am so grateful for all you do and thank you for all the people you help, including me.” - Maria C. - Multnomah County
NOTE: We are working on adding more resources specifically for residents in Clackamas and Washington counties.
Housing Resources
Rental Assistance: If you are looking for information on accessing rental assistance, you can:
Utility Assistance: There are many ways to get help if you are struggling to pay for your utilities:
Eviction: If you are being evicted or threatened with eviction, you can:
Eviction Expungement
Tenants' Rights:
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette knows that complex issues we encounter in pushing for housing stability require a cohort of connected partner organizations for the most effective and just outcome. We are happy to collaborate with and promote the work of the culturally specific organizations below.
Africa House - Provides a “one-stop” family-focused service center with the goal of raising the visibility of the African community, highlighting community achievements, and helping the community and families achieve self-sufficiency and self-determination.
Asian Family Center - Assists Asian families and youth in becoming self-sufficient and contributing members to the American society. Since 1994, AFC has become a visible focal point and strong network in the Asian community as well as mainstream services in supporting Asian children, young people and their families.
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Russian Oregon Social Services - Seeks to integrate the Russian-speaking population into metro Portland and SW Washington by providing services such as English (ESL) classes, citizenship preparation classes, community orientation, agency referrals, domestic violence services, mental health counseling, breast health education, dental care and pro-bono legal consultations.
El Programa Hispano-Catholic Charities - Serves low-income Latino residents of metro Portland by providing emergency economic assistance, self-sufficiency activities, mental health counseling, domestic violence case management, and youth services.
Hacienda Community Development Corporation - Develops affordable housing, healthy living, and economic development to build thriving communities in support of working Latino families and others in Oregon.
Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) - Assists refugees, immigrants, and multi-ethnic communities in the metro Portland area to be self-sufficient, healthy, and integrate into the community at large. Focuses on a variety of social and employment services.
Impact NW: Multicultural Senior Center - 4610 SE Belmont Call for availability 503-988-6020 Transit: Bus 15, MAX Blue
Latino Network - Promotes social change by cultivating the power of the Latino community. Services seek to strengthen community voice, cultivate financial, educational, and leadership skills, and build trusting, supportive relationships between community members and among service organizations.
Native American Rehabilitation Association - Provides education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other vulnerable populations.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) - Promotes social justice and opportunity for all people through education, empowerment, and engagement.
NAYA Family Center - Enhances the diverse strengths of Native American youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education.
Portland Indian Leaders Roundtable - A group of representatives and leaders from more than 20 Native organizations promoting the use of accurate information about the Native community.
Self Enhancement Inc. - Guides underserved African-American youth to realize their full potential. Works with schools, families and community organizations to provide opportunities for personal and academic success, bring hope to individual young people and enhance the quality of community life.
Slavic Coalition of Oregon - Promotes advocacy, leadership and cultural awareness of the communities of Eastern and Central- European origin.
Urban League of Portland - Empowers African Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment and economic security through a combination of direct services, outreach and advocacy.
Verde - Seeks to improve the economic health of disadvantaged communities by creating environmental job training, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, fostering the connection between economic vitality and environmental protection and restoration.
Stay connected with our latest stories, volunteer projects, community involvement and ways you can make an impact.