John Herrick’s experience with the Oregon rent assistance program exemplifies the challenges faced by many in the state struggling with housing insecurity.
Standing in a cramped motel room in Southeast Portland, Herrick, a veteran, recounts how he logged countless calls over eight months in an attempt to secure vital rent assistance promised by the state.
“As a veteran, I should not be here,” Herrick said, referring to the motel room he shares with his two adult sons and a service dog.
After suffering a heart attack last summer, Herrick found himself grappling with job loss and the looming prospect of eviction.
In November, he applied for the Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) benefit through CareOregon, a program aiming to assist low-income individuals facing serious health challenges to remain in their homes.
However, the rollout of HRSN in the Portland metro area has faced significant hurdles, with fewer than a third of the 3,037 approved applicants receiving assistance by mid-June, according to CareOregon records.
This delay has resulted in many individuals entering eviction proceedings, leaving them in precarious situations.
Leslie Nelson, an eviction prevention attorney with Metropolitan Public Defender, shared her concern, stating, “People get evicted before that money comes through… the letter’s worth nothing.”
The HRSN benefit is part of broader efforts to address housing as a key social determinant of health, recognizing that factors like housing instability can severely impact health outcomes.
Oregon’s initiative, one of 18 states utilizing federal Medicaid waivers for housing assistance, aims to provide up to six months’ worth of rent and utility payments for eligible recipients.
Despite the program’s promise, it has struggled with unexpected demand in the Portland metro area, leading to delays for many who meet the qualifications.
CareOregon’s Jeremiah Rigsby acknowledged that the organization did not fully anticipate the volume of applicants needing assistance nor the urgency of their situations.
He highlighted that while progress is being made, many in need are still in limbo waiting for their assistance to come through.
Outside of the tri-county area, the assistance process is reportedly more efficient, with most recipients receiving funds within 30 days.
In stark contrast, those in the Portland region face wait times exceeding 61 days, with 29% waiting over 90 days, according to a statement from Kristen Lambert of the Oregon Health Authority.
In response to the overwhelming need, the Oregon Health Authority is attempting to implement immediate improvements, including direct payments to landlords and additional funding to speed up the process.
Rigsby described the benefit as initially designed for proactive measures rather than emergency responses, highlighting that medical emergencies like Herrick’s heart attack cannot be anticipated.
With rising unemployment and mounting medical expenses, many, like Herrera’s family, quickly found themselves needing support from the new initiative.
Despite assurances, the reality has been a convoluted system with insufficient communication, leaving many without answers.
Erica, another approved recipient, echoed Herrick’s frustrations, detailing the embarrassment and desperation she confronted while navigating the system after escaping domestic violence.
She has faced hurdles in securing payment for her rent and is now relying on temporary financial support to stave off eviction—her future remains uncertain.
Similar stories have emerged, highlighting delays and inefficiencies within the program, as individuals like Deanna Stewart found themselves on the brink of eviction while waiting for promised assistance.
Stewart awaited clarity on her case which had escalated just days before her eviction trial, feeling her attempts to secure rent assistance were fruitless.
She expressed deep frustration with CareOregon’s process, stating that letters do not hold weight in eviction court and that timely communication is paramount.
After initial delays, Stewart finally found assistance just hours before her eviction trial, showcasing the desperation and urgency involved in these cases.
As the rent assistance program continues to face scrutiny, it is evident that while it holds potential to support vulnerable populations, urgent improvements are vital to address the pressing housing crisis in Oregon.
Many working within the system believe in its value and the good it can do, illustrating the necessity of government support to ensure those in need can secure housing without undue stress and fear of eviction.
As Herrick shares his story, the toll of bureaucracy and mismanagement looms large, pushing many into uncertain futures and highlighting the gaps within the system meant to provide support.
image source from：oregonlive
