Low-income Oregonians who’ve had their home destroyed by wildfires might be able to get financial help. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
Oregon Housing and Community Services says up to $7,000 in assistance can be provided to homeowners, if they qualify. Ariel Nelson is the agency’s spokeswoman. She shares one of the primary criteria:
“Your annual income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level," says Nelson. "For a family of four, 200 percent of the federal poverty level is $49,200 for an annual income. Apparently there’s some sort of environmental cleanup that needs to be done before a home can be actually rebuilt on the site, and so it’s to cover those costs.”
The program – called the Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Account – was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2015. It covers homes ranging from stick built to recreational vehicles…as long as it’s a primary residence.
People can visit the Oregon Housing and Community Services website to learn about eligibility. Nelson says funds are limited.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.