Voucher-Friendly Housing in Portland

Home Forward, established in 1941, is Oregon''s largest provider of affordable housing, serving Portland and Multnomah County. It operates traditional public housing communities — such as Holgate House, Ruth Haefner Plaza, and several smaller "court" communities — along with a large portfolio of project-based affordable apartments and the Housing Choice Voucher program. Rent in public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

Home Forward opens waitlists for public housing, project-based affordable apartments, and the Housing Choice Voucher program at different times; openings are posted at homeforward.org. Waitlists open and close periodically depending on availability and funding. Check current status with Home Forward before applying, and never pay to apply.

Oregon protects renters from source-of-income discrimination statewide. Under Oregon Revised Statutes 659A.421 — amended by House Bill 2639 in 2013 to expressly include Section 8 — landlords generally may not refuse to rent to you, or treat you differently, simply because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher or other housing assistance. Landlords may still screen applicants on other lawful grounds such as rental history. If a landlord rejects your voucher, you may have a right to file a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).

Apply through Home Forward at homeforward.org when waitlists are open. Rent is based on income (about 30% of adjusted household income); eligibility is generally limited to households at or below local income limits. Call Home Forward at (503) 802-8300. Applications are free — never pay to apply.