Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Oregon

Homelessness remains a significant issue in Oregon, affecting families, individuals, and veterans in both urban and rural communities. When traditional shelters are full or unavailable, hotel and motel voucher programs can provide safe, short-term accommodations. These programs are funded or administered by local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and churches to help people facing emergencies such as eviction, domestic violence, or sudden loss of housing.

Today in this article we will try to provide a complete guide to finding hotel vouchers for homeless people in Oregon, including where to apply, eligibility requirements, and others resources.

What Are Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless?

Hotel vouchers are a temporary housing assistance program that offers homeless individuals or families a free or low-cost stay at a local motel or hotel. These vouchers are intended for emergencies or short-term uses (usually one night to several days) while long-term housing is arranged.

In Oregon, hotel voucher programs are available through:

• Local Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
• Homeless service organizations
• County human services departments
• Religious and charitable groups

Who is eligible for hotel vouchers in Oregon?

Eligibility may vary by program, but generally, applicants must:

• Currently be homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless.
• Be a resident of Oregon (or the county providing assistance).
• Show proof of emergency (e.g., eviction notice, domestic violence, medical hardship).
• Meet income requirements (low or no).
• Lack of access to other housing options.

Remember that priority is given to families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence.

Read Also: How to Find Shelters that Accept Families with Children

Locations Offering Hotel Vouchers for Homeless People in Oregon

1. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)

ODHS communicate with local shelters and nonprofit organizations to help homeless people and families with emergency motel vouchers.

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs

Phone: 2-1-1 (Oregon Helpline).

2. Community Action Agencies (CAAs)

CAAs operate throughout Oregon to help low-income residents with housing and energy assistance. Many offer hotel voucher programs for emergency situations. For example:

• Community Action Organization (Washington County): https://caowash.org

• Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties): https://mccac.com

• Neighbor Impact (Central Oregon): https://www.neighborimpact.org

3. 211info Oregon

Call 211 or visit https://www.211info.org to connect with emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs throughout Oregon. They can guide you to local organizations with available funding.

4. Salvation Army Oregon

The Salvation Army have homeless shelters and also offers emergency hotel accommodations when spaces are full in their shelters.

Website: https://www.salvationarmy.org

Locations: Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford

5. St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County also helps people with motel vouchers, rental assistance, and basic necessities.

Website: https://svdp.us

Phone: (541) 687-5820

6. JOIN – Portland

JOIN works with homeless people to ease their transition from the streets to housing. They can offer short-term hotel vouchers for people in crisis.

Website: https://joinpdx.org

7. Catholic Charities of Oregon

Catholic Charities of Oregon provides emergency housing to homeless individuals and families, including support with hotel vouchers in certain cases.

Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org

8. Domestic Violence Resource Centers

Homeless families can also find an emergency hotel vouchers through domestic violence shelters or support groups when regular shelters are full, such as:

• Call to Safety (Portland Metro Area): 1-888-235-5333

• Womenspace (Eugene): 541-485-6513

• Saving Grace (Bend): 541-389-7021

Read More: Find Free Homeless Shelters With Open Beds Near You

How to Apply for Hotel Vouchers for Homeless People in Oregon

If you are homeless or facing an emergency housing crisis in Oregon, hotel vouchers can provide you with temporary housing while you search for a more permanent place. These vouchers are offered by community organizations, local government agencies, and churches to help individuals and families in urgent need.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for hotel vouchers for homeless people in Oregon.

Step 1: Contact 2-1-1 Oregon

The first step is to call 2-1-1 or visit www.211info.org. They will connects you with local programs currently offering hotel or motel vouchers. They will:

• Inform you about agencies that offer vouchers
• Help you find nearby shelters or temporary housing programs
• Refer you to food, medical care, and transportation

Step 2: Visit your local Community Action Agency (CAA)

Oregon’s Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are key organizations that provide housing assistance, including emergency hotel vouchers, for homeless or displaced people.

You can find your local agency here:
👉 https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/Pages/community-action-agencies.aspx

Here are some you can apply for:

Community Action Organization (Washington County) – https://caowash.org

NeighborImpact (Central Oregon) – https://www.neighborimpact.org

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (Hood River and Wasco Counties) – https://mccac.com

Step 3: Gather the necessary documents.

Before applying, gather the documents that most programs need. Having these basic documents will help you to fasten the application process:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Proof of homelessness or eviction notice
• Proof of income or documentation demonstrating lack of income
• Social Security card (if applicable)
• Proof of Oregon residency (mail address, ID, or letter from social worker)

If you don’t have documents, explain your situation; many agencies can help in emergencies.

Step 4: Apply in Person or Online

Once you’ve found an organization with available vouchers:

• Call ahead to ask if funds or vouchers are available.

• Visit the office in person to complete an application (some allow online applications).

• Explain your situation clearly: mention if you have children, disabilities, or are a survivor of domestic violence, as some programs prioritize vulnerable populations.

• Submit your documents and wait for a social worker to review your eligibility.

Step 5: Stay in touch and follow up

Because funding is limited, availability can change daily. Stay in touch with any social worker or the agency to check the status of your application. If vouchers are not available, they may refer you to:

1. Emergency shelters
2. Faith-based programs (such as the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul)
3. Domestic violence shelters (if applicable)
4. Rental or housing stabilization programs

Additional housing and support resources in Oregon

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is the central agency for many housing programs in Oregon. Such as:

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Program Offers affordable housing with supportive services for homeless individuals with emergency situations.

Oregon Rehousing Initiative offers up to 24 months of rental assistance and others housing services to help low-income households.

Contact OHCS Main Office in Salem; they can direct people to local partners.

Oregon Supported Housing Institute (SHI)

This is an OHCS program in partnership with the Supportive Housing Corporation. It helps develop new supportive housing and strengthen the capacity of organizations to manage it.

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Offers programs such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and other rental assistance. Eligibility is typically based on income, disability, family status, etc.

Also, resources for legal aid in eviction, housing rights, etc.

Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)

Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer many of the HUD- and state-funded housing resources (public housing, vouchers). Locate the PHA in your county or city to find emergency housing assistance programs.

Metro – Supported Housing Services (Greater Portland)

In the Portland metropolitan area, the Supported Housing Services fund provides assistance to homeless or high-risk families. It offers services such as outreach, housing search and guidance, long-term rental assistance, and more.

Conclusion

Applying for hotel vouchers in Oregon can be tough, but many organizations and nonprofits are ready to help you with homeless shelters and hotel stay vouchers. You can start with calling 2-1-1, contacting your local Community Action Agency, and having your paperwork ready, you can increase your chances of obtaining temporary housing quickly.