The regional long-term rent assistance program (RLRA) is a key strategy for achieving the goals of the supportive housing services (SHS) program, since it is a critical tool to ensure housing stability in supportive housing placements for households who experience long-term homelessness and others who experience or are at risk of homelessness.
The program builds on the existing long-term rent assistance infrastructure and expertise within Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties and is implemented independently by each county following consistent regional guidelines and policies. These guidelines and policies aim to, among other goals, streamline screening criteria, simplify application processes and reduce eligibility barriers to increase housing access and support long-term housing stability for people who have been disproportionately impacted by homeless and restricted from housing opportunities.
RLRA works as both a tenant-based subsidy that increases housing choice for households to find housing on the open market, and a project-based subsidy that helps households who need on-site supportive services in the building. Additionally, the program service partners cover payments of move-in costs and provide supportive services as needed to ensure housing stability. A Regional Landlord Guarantee also covers potential damages to increase participation and mitigate risks for participating landlords.