City Launches Covid-19 Household Assistance Program

UPDATE

The first application window for $500 in COVID-related household assistance, which opened today at 9 a.m., is now closed. There will be a second application window on Friday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. for the distribution of the remaining 1,400 prepaid debit cards. These are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on eligibility and the application process, go to https://www.pdxassist.com/.

The first application window revealed the desperate need for assistance in our community. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, which is overseeing the distribution of the prepaid debit cards, received 1,600 applications in the first 5 minutes for the 1,400 available cards.

For specific questions about the application process, you can contact United Way at info@pdxassist.com.

If you still need help, there are other resources available. The Portland Housing Bureau website has information on the current eviction moratorium and rent and utility assistance in Portland. Go to https://www.portland.gov/phb/rental-services/resources-landlords-and-tenants or call 211 for more information and resources.

La primera ventana para la solicitud de $500 dólares en asistencia para el hogar relacionada con COVID, que abrió hoy a las 9 a. m., ya está cerrada. Habrá una segunda ventana de solicitud el viernes,  30 de octubre a la 1 p. m. para la distribución de las restantes 1,400 tarjetas de débito prepagadas. Estas se distribuyen con base en la orden de la llegada de los solicitantes. Para obtener más información sobre la elegibilidad y el proceso de solicitud, visite: https://www.pdxassist.com/.

La primera ventana de solicitud reveló la desesperada necesidad de asistencia en nuestra comunidad. United Way de Columbia-Willamette, que supervisa la distribución de las tarjetas de débito prepagadas, recibió 1,600 solicitudes en los primeros 5 minutos para las 1,400 tarjetas disponibles.

Para preguntas específicas sobre el proceso de solicitud, puede contactar a United Way a info@pdxassist.com.

Si usted todavía necesita ayuda, hay otros recursos disponibles. El sitio web de la Oficina de Vivienda de Portland tiene información sobre la actual moratoria de desalojos y sobre la asistencia para la renta y servicios públicos en Portland. Visite https://www.portland.gov/phb/re… o llame al 211 para obtener más información y recursos.

On Tuesday, October 27, Portlanders struggling from health or financial impacts of COVID-19 will have the opportunity to apply for $500 in household assistance through a new City of Portland program to help with costs such as food, dependent care, medicine, rent and utilities, and transportation.

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has partnered with the City to distribute 2,800 prepaid debit cards through two open application windows. The cards will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. The application window for the first 1,400 cards opens on October 27 beginning at 9am and the remaining 1,400 will be distributed on October 30 beginning at 1pm. All applications must be submitted online at www.pdxassist.com.

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and living in the City of Portland; have experienced a loss of income or elevated health risk related to COVID-19; and have a household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (see income eligibility chart).

“The City of Portland’s emergency response to the COVID-19 crisis prioritizes housing stability, food security and support for the most vulnerable in our community,” Mayor Ted Wheeler said. “This household assistance program will help ease the daily struggle of those who are most deeply impacted by the pandemic’s severe economic impact.”

The $15 million Household Assistance Program was rolled out by the Portland Housing Bureau earlier this month. To ensure assistance would reach Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and those facing barriers to accessing a public application, the majority of the funds are being distributed in collaboration with approximately 35 culturally specific community-based organizations—most of which represent new partnerships for the City, in an effort to create new opportunities with City resources and better serve BIPOC communities.

“We know that it is Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color who are most deeply impacted by economic crises and most often left behind by economic recovery,” said Portland Housing Bureau Director Shannon Callahan. “In a time of such great need, having these broad community-based partnerships is critical to getting this assistance to those in need who are too often left out and left behind.”

Through a partnership with the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS), prepaid cards will also be provided to families and individuals experiencing homelessness and living in shelters and on the streets. Those cards will be made available through sheltering organizations and outreach teams that contract with the Joint Office.

“The pandemic has only deepened the crisis for people experiencing homelessness in our community. Especially as we head into winter, these household assistance funds will be a lifeline for people who are struggling to face COVID-19 without even the basic protections a home,” said Marc Jolin, Director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

In total, the Household Assistance Program is expected to assist 27,000 Portland households between now and December 30.

The program is part of a $36 million investment in housing relief measures by the City of Portland and the Portland Housing Bureau in response to COVID-19, including $19.5 million in City funds for rent assistance and $1.6 million in housing stabilization support for low-income BIPOC homeowners. Members of the public seeking rent assistance should call 211.

For more information on how to apply for the Household Assistance Program, go to www.pdxassist.com or email United Way of the Columbia-Willamette at info@pdxassist.com.

Income Eligibility

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