Low-income tenants have suffered significant financial and economic impacts as a result of the COVID pandemic, years of stagnant wages, and lack of availability of affordable housing. These hardships have been especially experienced by members of the BIPOC community who are disproportionately tenants. These hardships amplified existing housing insecurity.
The Eviction Legal Defense program serves to promote housing stability for low-income tenants and mitigate the negative long-term impacts of evictions which include homelessness, decreased health outcomes, job loss, poor educational performance for children, and housing discrimination.
Who does this program serve?
This project provides legal assistance to low-income tenants facing eviction.
Tenants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Eviction Legal Defense Program:
- You must rent a unit within Portland City limits.
- You must be low-income (80% Area Median Income or below)
- You must be facing eviction. One of the following applies to you:
- You have received a termination notice that has not yet been filed in court, OR
- You have received notice about the pending loss of your housing subsidy, OR
- You have an eviction court case
How do I apply for this program?
Call 888-585-9638 or email evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org
Please include in your message:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Whether you have a:
- Termination notice, OR
- Housing subsidy termination, OR
- Eviction court case – If available, it is helpful to include your eviction court case number.
How is this program funded?
The City of Portland has allocated Rental Registration dollars to fund this program. Portland City Council adopted the Residential Rental Registration Program in July 2018 to help provide essential support for existing and potential tenant protection policies of the City of Portland. Learn more about the funding from Rental Registration.
Previous funding for the program was provided through the federal government’s 2021 American Rescue Plan recovery funds. Through this program, the City of Portland was able to allocate $4.7 million for Eviction Legal Defense efforts.
Read more information about how the City is investing in Portland with American Rescue Plan recovery funds.
Who manages this program?
The Eviction Legal Defense program is managed by the Portland Housing Bureau. Portland Housing Bureau works toward the vision that all Portlanders can find affordable homes and have equitable access to housing. PHB is tasked with developing citywide housing policy, increasing affordable housing, promoting stable homeownership, and managing resources.
Results
We want to be transparent about the outcomes from the Eviction Legal Defense Program. Visit our ELD Dashboard to see the impact that this program has had since beginning December 1, 2021.