passed ordinance 2026-180

Appropriate grant award for Home Ownership Assistance Program - Veterans Restore Health and Safety and Down Payment Assistance for up to $667,230

housing
grant
budget appropriation

Department: Grants Management Housing Bureau
Service area: City Operations
Introduced by: Mayor Keith Wilson
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

This legislation would authorize accepting an award (and appropriating a portion of the funds) from the State of Oregon, acting by and through its Housing and Community Services Department for a grant in the amount of $540,000 for the implementation of the Veteran Restore Health and Safety and Down Payment Assistance Grant to address in-home health and safety hazards and for the administration of these activities and home access.

Financial impacts

The Veteran Restore Health and Safety and Down Payment Assistance Grant will bring approximately $540,000 in State funds to the community for a grant period of three years. The grant requires zero match.

Economic impacts

The priority of this award is to support critical home repairs that enable veterans to safely age in place, while also expanding access to homeownership opportunities for veteran first-time homebuyers. Many veterans live in older homes that require essential health and safety improvements to remain habitable and secure. Addressing these needs helps preserve housing stability, prevent displacement, and honor the service of those who have served our communities. This award will be expected to accomplish the following objectives: Provide funding for critical home repairs and accessibility modifications that allow veterans to age in place safely and with dignity; Support the rehabilitation of homes to create safe, affordable ownership opportunities for veteran first-time homebuyers; Build local capacity to deliver sustainable housing repair and homeownership programs that serve low- and very low-income veteran households; Promote coordination with existing housing rehabilitation, weatherization, and energy efficiency programs to maximize impact and long-term housing stability; Encourage workforce development and contracting opportunities that prioritize veterans and low-income individuals, including businesses that support veteran employment; Advance equitable access to safe and affordable housing by ensuring fair treatment and meaningful inclusion of all veterans, regardless of background, in program design and implementation.

Community impacts

This grant application was submitted to veterans within our city. The funding will help support veteran to age in place or become first time homeowners.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains. Section 1. The Council finds: The City submitted grant application HC203 to the Oregon Housing and Community Services on February 28, 2025. The Oregon Housing and Community Services notified the City of a Home Ownership Assistance Program - Veterans Restore Health and Safety and Down Payment Assistance grant award to the City in the amount of $540,000 (See Exhibit A). This amount is not to exceed $358,650 in RHS funds for eligible project activities. This amount is not to exceed $181,350 in VDPA funds for eligible Veteran households purchasing homes. OHCS may reimburse the City for additional $71,730 for RHS activity delivery costs; $35,865 for RHS administrative costs; $18,135 for VDPA administrative costs; and $1,500 for certification training; in which case the total grant amount available for reimbursement will be $667,230. The grant period is 07/01/2025 through 06/30/2028. The grant does not require matching funds. This grant is intended to supplement, and not replace, existing City revenues. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The FY 2025-26 budget is hereby amended as follows: GRANTS FUND Fund – 217 Business Area – HC00 Bureau Program Expenses – $540,000

Tally

12 yea 0 nay