After three years on hold, Multnomah County’s largest provider of subsidized housing is accepting new applications until Dec. 14.
Home Forward has opened about half of its 70 waiting lists for subsidized housing units, which range from studio apartments to four-bedroom townhomes around the Portland area.
Subsidized housing allows tenants to pay rent based on their income, typically 31% of what they make. Government funding makes up the rest.
The housing authority typically accepts applications for only a couple of weeks, then works through that list over the next two to three years.
But this year, administrators say they’re expecting significantly more applicants because so many people are struggling with homelessness, or they’re living on the edge of it.
“The need for subsidized units in our community is even greater than it has been in the past,” said property management director Elise Anderson, adding that she expects about 20,000 people to apply this year.
That’s 5,000 more applicants than Home Forward received the last time they opened waiting lists in 2019.
Home Forward will choose applicants through a lottery system.
“So whether you apply on the very first day or the last day [of the application period], you have the same chance of getting accepted,” Anderson said.
Applications are available on Home Forward’s website or by calling 503-415-8050. The application period closes on Dec. 14.