How to Qualify for Low Income Housing in Portland, Oregon

Low-income housing in Portland, Oregon is housing assistance that is funded by federal, state and local governments as a way to help those with low incomes secure and afford housing. There are three types of housing assistance: Section 8 housing, public housing and low-cost housing. Your individual situation will determine which program you qualify for.

Calculate how much money you receive through employment, unemployment, public assistance, disability and other sources of income. Total all sources of income and deduct monthly expenses such child care and medical expenses.

Calculate the size of your family and arrive a total monthly income amount. For Portland, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requirement to be considered low income in 2018 for a one-person family is $45,600, and very low income is $28,500. A family of four must make no more than $65,100 to be considered low income and $40,700 to be considered very low income. Determine if you qualify and meet the income limits. Make sure that your total income is at or below the highest number for your family's size.

Apply for housing assistance through the Housing Authority of Portland. Schedule an appointment to go in and apply for housing assistance. Ask the representative what documents you are required to bring to the meeting and inquire about all available housing assistance programs. Portland offers Section 8 vouchers for housing, government owned affordable housing and public housing. Inquire which of the three options is best suited for your situation.

Housing Authority of Portland 135 SW Ash Street Portland, OR 97204 503-802-8300 hapdx.org

Gather all paperwork to attend the meeting and show up to your appointment on time and prepared. During the meeting, inquire about additional or supplemental housing assistance programs available in Portland either through the city or state government. Additional programs for the disabled exist.

Apply for the housing assistance program that you qualify for. Respond to all requests for additional information in a timely manner.

Find housing based on which program you were accepted in to. Waiting lists exist for most housing assistance programs, so make sure to add your name to any waiting lists as soon as you receive notification that you qualify for housing assistance.

Notify the Housing Authority of Portland at any time if your income of financial situation changes. Continuing to accept housing assistance when your income exceeds the maximum amount is illegal.