PDX Assist
The application limit has been reached and the form is now closed. If you need assistance with rental support, please contact 211.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our community and especially for those already struggling from the shortage of affordable housing, rent assistance, and services. The City of Portland has created the Portland COVID-19 Household Assistance Program (CVHAP) to assist households experiencing a loss of income or increased health risks/needs due to COVID-19.
The fund will provide $500 prepaid Visa debit cards to help impacted households pay for:
- Dependent care
- Food
- Household supplies
- Medicine and/or health supplies
- Rent and non-City utility payments
- Transportation costs
- Other household expenses
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an adult at least 18 years or older;
- Be a resident of the City of Portland;
- Have experienced a loss of income or elevated health risk due to COVID-19 related factors;
- Have a household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) – see income eligibility chart below. Additional supplement employment income ($600) issued during the COVID-19 pandemic is excluded for the purpose of income eligibility.
Household income guidelines
| Family Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $51,600 |
| 2 | $58,960 |
| 3 | $66,320 |
| 4 | $73,680 |
| 5 | $79,600 |
| 6 | $85,520 |
| 7 | $91,440 |
| 8 | $97,280 |
Frequently-asked questions
Who can apply
Who qualifies and who can apply for the PDX Assist funding?
Adults 18 and older living in the city of Portland who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis and who meet the income guidelines are eligible to apply for the CVHAP funding. Every applicant must provide a street address within the city of Portland -- verifiable on PortlandMaps.
Can multiple people from the same household apply for CVHAP funding?
Yes. Up to four adults living in the same residence may apply for CVHAP funding. There is a maximum of four recipients per address.
What kind of information is needed to apply for the program?
Applicants are asked to provide the following information:
- Name
- Birthdate
- Phone number
- Email address
- Street address
- Number of people (adults and youth) living in the household
- Plans for how you will use the funding
- Optional demographic information
Note: Applicants will NOT be asked to provide sensitive information such as proof of citizenship, bank information, or social security numbers (SSN).
Where can I apply?
You can apply through this website (online applications only) on either of the two application dates: Tuesday October 27 or Friday October 30.
How to apply
When will the website be open to accept applications?
The application form will open in two rounds: on Tuesday October 27 at 9 AM and Friday October 30 at 1 PM.
How many total applications will be accepted? How long will the submission window be open?
1,400 applications will be accepted during each round on a first-come, first-serve basis. The application form will close once the limit is reached for each round.
Can I submit my application on paper or over the phone?
No. All applications must be submitted online through the PDX Assist application form.
How will I know that my application was submitted correctly?
You must complete all required fields on the application form (marked with a red asterisk “*”) in order to submit. After you click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the form, you will see a confirmation message that your application has been submitted successfully.
If I have questions while completing the application, who should I contact?
Call 503-200-3367 or email info@pdxassist.com for assistance with the application.
Overall Program Questions
How will I know if my application was accepted or denied for the CVHAP funding?
If your application is accepted, you will receive the prepaid card via mail to the address listed in your application within four weeks.
If your application has errors or requires clarification, you will receive an email notification from info@pdxassist.com.
If you live outside the Portland city limits per PortlandMaps (https://www.portlandmaps.com/), your application will be automatically denied.
How long will it take to receive my card?
Applicants who are accepted can expect to receive their cards in the mail approximately four weeks after they submit their applications.
Where is the money from and how is it funded?
The CVHAP program is part of a $36 million investment in housing relief measures by the City of Portland and the Portland Housing Bureau in response to COVID-19, including $19.5 million in City funds for rent assistance and $1.6 million in housing stabilization support for low-income BIPOC homeowners. Members of the public seeking rent assistance should call 211.
I am not in Portland but still require assistance; is there another means of applying for similar help close to me?
Call 211 and/or contact your local jurisdiction (i.e. your city’s emergency services or COVID-19 relief office) to seek support.
Call 503-200-3367 or email info@pdxassist.com for assistance.