Homelessness remains a significant issue in Oregon, affecting families, individuals, and veterans in both urban and rural communities.
When nearest homeless shelters are full or unavailable, hotel and motel voucher programs can provide safe, short-term accommodations to needy people and families. These vouchers are offered 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 other resources.
What Are Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless?
Hotel vouchers are a temporary housing assistance program that offers homeless people 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 assisting).
- 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 that Offer FREE Hotel Vouchers for Homeless People in Oregon
Houseofhomeless means a full package of your solution. Here we have described the list of churches and organisations based on location. So, explore according to your needs and location.
1. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
ODHS communicates 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 emergencies. 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 has 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 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 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: Submit 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:
- Emergency shelters
- Faith-based programs (such as the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul)
- Domestic violence shelters (if applicable)
- Rental or housing stabilization programs
Additional housing and support resources in Oregon
Not only the above-mentioned resources, but there are also a few more resources that offer housing assistance 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 other housing services to help low-income households.
Contact the 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 assists 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 by 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.
