Emergency Eviction Response (EER) Grants

Emergency Eviction Response (EER) Grants

Funder: Oregon Consumer Justice

Status: Awarded to 32 community-based organizations; appears to be one-time emergency program

Geographic Scope: Oregon statewide

Total Funding: $1 million distributed

Program Overview

EER grants support community-based organizations working to address gaps in Oregon's handling of emergency rental assistance and help Oregon families maintain housing and stability. These grants strengthen the work of community-based partners using their connections, skills, and creativity to reach Oregonians and help them maintain housing and stability.

Focus Areas

• Emergency rental assistance (OERAP) support
• Tenant rights education
• Housing stability
• Eviction prevention
• Legal service referrals
• Application assistance for Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP)

Target Populations

• Immigrant families
• Low-income Oregonians
• Non-English speaking families
• Families with literacy barriers
• Families with technology barriers
• Veterans
• Seniors
• Families living outside Portland metro area

What They Fund

Grants allow organizations to expand efforts including:
• Neighborhood canvassing
• Outreach to at-risk renters
• Tenant rights education
• Resource sharing and referrals
• Application assistance for emergency rental assistance
• Language access and technology support

Background

Since May 2021, eligible Oregonians could apply for emergency rental assistance (OERAP) to avoid eviction or utility shutoff. Many Oregonians faced barriers including language, technology, or application complexity. OCJ directed resources to ground-level organizations actively helping tenants access needed financial assistance.

Need

As of program announcement, Oregon Housing and Community Services was receiving nearly 2,000 new applications for emergency rental assistance each week.

Website: ocj.org