Home Repair Grants in Oregon

This plain‑language guide is for low‑income Oregon homeowners who need health, safety, or accessibility repairs. It shows the best first steps, who may qualify, what money looks like (grant, forgivable/deferred loan, loan, rebate), and how to apply without getting lost in paperwork.

Last updated: December 2025
Checked against official sources as of December 2025. This is general information, not legal or financial advice, and we are not a government agency.

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

• Seniors, disabled homeowners, single parents, veterans, and rural households living anywhere in Oregon.
• Owners living in the home that needs repairs (most programs require owner‑occupied homes).
• Households with low or very low income for your county or metro area (see “Income Limits” below).
• Homes needing health/safety work: leaking roofs, failing heat, unsafe wiring/plumbing, ramps, grab bars, septic/sewer fixes, or major weatherization.

Quick self‑check: If you own and live in your home, your income is below local limits, and repairs relate to health/safety or energy, you likely have at least one path: Oregon’s state weatherization network, USDA’s rural repair loans/grants, or a city/county CDBG repair program.

Top Programs in Oregon (Quick Table)

Dollar amounts below are examples only. Actual awards depend on inspection, scope, and funding. Always confirm details on the linked official page.

Program	Type	Example max help ($)	Mainly helps	Where to apply
USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Oregon)	Loan or grant	Loan up to $40,000; grant up to $10,000 (higher disaster caps possible)	Very‑low‑income rural owners; grants for age 62+	USDA Oregon 504 page (contacts & forms)
Weatherization Assistance (OHCS)	Free weatherization + safety fixes	Based on audit; typical saves are utility/efficiency benefits	Households ≤200% FPL, with priority for seniors, disabled, families	Apply via your local agency on the state weatherization page
Portland Home Repair Grants	Grant (through partner nonprofits)	Varies by scope and funding cycle	Low‑income owner‑occupants in Portland	See providers on PHB’s home repair & retention page
Portland Home Repair Loan	0% loan (some areas)	Up to ~$40,000 (example)	Low/moderate‑income owners (Interstate Corridor TIF area)	PHB’s home repair loan page
Portland Sewer Safety Net Loans	Low‑interest or deferred loan; lien recorded	No stated borrowing cap for Safety Net (see rules)	Income‑qualified owners needing sewer connection or emergency repair	BES sewer financial assistance page
Portland Water Leak Repair	Free leak repairs	Repairs (no reimbursement)	Income‑qualified Portland homeowners	Water Bureau’s leak repair program
Clackamas County Home Access & Critical Repair	Grant	Grants up to $5,000	North Clackamas area; access needs or manufactured‑home critical repairs	County’s access & repair grants
Washington County Housing Rehab	Low‑interest loans / grants (limited)	Varies; HARDE currently paused; DIBL loan available	Low/moderate‑income owners outside Hillsboro & Beaverton	County’s housing rehab page
Hillsboro Housing Rehabilitation	Grant	Up to ~$15,000 for critical repairs	Low/moderate‑income Hillsboro households	City’s rehab program page
Eugene Home Repair Program	0% deferred loan	Up to ~$10,000 (most), up to ~$15,000 for roofs (example)	Income‑qualified owner‑occupants in Eugene	City’s home repair page (note current closure/next cycle)
Grants Pass Weatherization/Rehab	Grant	City sets annual caps; cycles close when funds run out	Low‑income owner‑occupants in Grants Pass (stick‑built)	City’s CDBG repair page
DEQ/Craft3 Clean Water (Septic)	Loan; may include grant assistance	Loan covers full eligible septic costs; grants may offset part	Owners needing septic repair/replacement or sewer connection	See DEQ’s onsite septic assistance
Healthy Homes Repair Fund (OHA)	Grants via local grantees	Varies by grantee; focuses on health/safety and seniors	Low‑income households statewide via funded partners	OHA’s healthy homes program
Energy Trust of Oregon (rebates)	Rebates/instant discounts	Amounts vary by measure & income track	Customers of participating utilities (PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, etc.)	See ETO’s residential incentives portal
ReOregon HARP (2020 wildfires)	Repair/rebuild/replacement	Based on remaining need; path‑specific	Homeowners impacted by 2020 fires/straight‑line winds	OHCS HARP program page
211info (referrals)	Statewide referral	—	Anyone needing program navigation or local contacts	Search programs at 211info weatherization listings

Short Federal Snapshot (with Oregon links)

• USDA Section 504 in Oregon. Very‑low‑income rural owners can apply for 1% repair loans (up to ~$40,000) and for age‑62+ grants (up to ~$10,000); Oregon participates in a pilot with simplified requirements. Start on the USDA Oregon 504 page; for a plain‑English overview, see this Section 504 guide.
• Weatherization (DOE/LIHEAP) in Oregon. The state’s administrator is Oregon Housing & Community Services. Apply through your county’s community action agency listed on that page.
• FEMA disaster help. After major disasters, check the FEMA Oregon page and the DisasterAssistance.gov checklist. FEMA help can’t duplicate insurance or other benefits; it only covers essential, safe‑and‑habitable repairs.

Oregon Programs (What They Cover and How Money Works)

1) Weatherization & health/safety repairs

Oregon’s weatherization network delivers free energy‑saving work and related safety fixes through local providers. Qualifying households (generally ≤200% of the Federal Poverty Level) get an audit, then cost‑effective measures like insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, ventilation, and heating system repair/replacement. Start on OHCS’s weatherization services page, then contact your county agency listed there.

Funding is limited and there are wait‑lists in many counties. Apply early and keep your phone on to schedule the audit. OHCS posts program updates, like Weatherization Day proclamations, in its newsroom.

2) Septic and sewer fixes

If your septic is failing, the Oregon DEQ partners with the community lender Craft3 to offer Clean Water loans that can cover design, permits, and installation, and for some borrowers include grant assistance within the loan package. Read DEQ’s plain summary on onsite septic resources; the state also lists ARPA‑funded local grantees on its financial aid page.

In Portland, income‑qualified owners can get low‑interest or deferred “Safety Net” loans for sewer connections and certain emergency sewer repairs. See Environmental Services’ sewer financial assistance page and the program rules in ENB‑4.28. For background on typical sewer repair funding paths, this sewer repair grants explainer may help.

3) City and county repair programs (CDBG/HOME)

Many Oregon cities/counties use federal Community Development Block Grant funds for owner‑occupied repair. Portland funds multiple nonprofits to make small to medium health/safety fixes; start with PHB’s home repair & retention page. In Hillsboro, grants up to around $15,000 cover critical items such as roofing, accessibility, and hazardous materials; see the Hillsboro rehabilitation program. Washington County’s program currently highlights a Deferred Interest Bearing Loan alternative; check status on the county rehab page.

Outside the big metros, Business Oregon runs the state’s non‑entitlement CDBG program; recent awards have funded regional rehab and septic/water projects in rural areas. See the state’s CDBG program page and current cycle info on the application cycle page.

4) Healthy Homes (OHA)

The Oregon Health Authority funds local grantees to repair homes with health/safety hazards and to help seniors/people with disabilities. Homeowners generally apply through those grantees; program updates (including new senior‑focused funds in 2025) appear on OHA’s Healthy Homes page.

5) Energy rebates and tax credits

Rebates: Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives and “Savings Within Reach” income‑qualified boosts for measures like insulation, heat pump water heaters, and heat pumps. Start with ETO’s residential incentives portal and check current amounts (ETO updates them periodically, see recent incentive updates).

Tax credits: The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit can cover 30% of eligible costs (annual caps apply), including up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps or heat pump water heaters placed in service through 2025. For solar, batteries, or geothermal, see the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Ask the agency or a tax preparer how rebates/credits interact with your taxes and benefits.

City & County Programs (Where to Start Locally)

Programs open/close as funds allow. If a link shows “closed” or “wait‑list,” note the next expected cycle date on your calendar and still complete any “interest” form.

City/County	Program	Example help	Who qualifies	How to apply
Portland	Home Repair Grants (via partners)	Small/medium health & safety repairs; accessibility	Low‑income owner‑occupants in city limits	See PHB’s home repair & retention
Portland	Sewer Safety Net Loans	Deferred/low‑interest loans for connection & emergency repairs	Income‑qualified owner‑occupants	Apply on BES’s financial assistance page
Clackamas County	Home Access & Critical Repair Grants	Up to $5,000 for access or manufactured‑home critical repairs	North Clackamas area; income and disability/location rules apply	County grant page
Washington County	Housing Rehabilitation (HARDE/DIBL)	Low‑interest/deferred loans; limited grants	Low/moderate‑income owners (outside Hillsboro/Beaverton)	County program page
Hillsboro	Housing Rehabilitation Grants	Critical repairs like roofs, plumbing, accessibility	Within city limits, income & asset rules	City rehab page
Eugene	Home Repair Program	0% deferred loans up to ~10k (roofs ~15k)	Income‑qualified owner‑occupants	City program page (watch re‑opening)
Grants Pass	CDBG Weatherization/Rehab	Grants for accessibility/weatherization/repairs	Low‑income owners in city limits (stick‑built)	City CDBG page
Statewide (rural)	USDA Sec. 504 Home Repair	1% loans and grants for health/safety	Very‑low‑income rural owners; grants for age 62+	USDA Oregon 504 page
Statewide	Weatherization (OHCS)	Free energy & safety measures after audit	Households ≤200% FPL (priority groups)	OHCS weatherization page
Lane County (various cities)	Regional Rehab (CDBG‑funded)	Loans for health/safety repairs via local sponsors	Low/mod households in target areas	Ask Eugene’s rehab programs page
Statewide	Healthy Homes Repair Fund	Health/safety rehab grants via local grantees	Low‑income households; seniors & disability focus added in 2025	OHA’s Healthy Homes page

Smaller cities often run “owner‑occupied rehab” with CDBG/HOME. If you don’t see your town here, call City Hall/Community Development and ask about owner‑occupied housing rehab. 211 can also search programs near you; try the 211info weatherization listings.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use different cutoffs. Some use 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), some use 50%, and others use Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Always check the program’s own limits. To look up AMI for your county/metro, use HUD’s Income Limits tool.

• Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro MSA (example): The City of Hillsboro lists 80% AMI for a 4‑person household at $99,300 (effective June 2025). See the City’s rehab page for the table.
• Eugene–Springfield (Lane County) (example): Eugene lists 80% AMI for a 4‑person household at $73,350 (effective June 2025). See the City’s income limits page.

These are examples to help you gauge eligibility. Use HUD’s Income Limits tool or the program’s page for the most current numbers in your county.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (age 62+)

Start with USDA’s Oregon 504 page for the age‑62+ grant; repairs must remove health/safety hazards. If you’re in a city/county program area, also check local grants (for example, Clackamas access/critical repair) and the state’s weatherization network. For a national overview of common senior options, see this short seniors grants explainer.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Hillsboro with a leaking roof and fixed income might combine a city rehab grant for critical repairs and a state weatherization audit. If rural, call the USDA Oregon office about 504 grants/loans.

Veterans

For disabilities linked to service, the VA’s adapted housing grants (SAH/SHA/TRA) can fund accessibility modifications. Amounts adjust yearly; see VA’s disability housing grants page for current caps and how to apply. Veterans can also pursue city/county rehab, the state weatherization program, and nonprofit repairs (e.g., Rebuilding Together PNW’s homeowner assistance).

Disabled homeowners

Look for accessibility/health‑and‑safety programs: Clackamas access grants, Hillsboro’s rehab grants, and Portland’s partner network via PHB. Nonprofits like Unlimited Choices’ Mend‑A‑Home also help with ramps, rails, and minor critical repairs.

Rural residents

Check your address on USDA’s Oregon 504 page and contact your nearest local USDA office listed under Oregon contacts. For septic work, review DEQ’s onsite loans page (Craft3 Clean Water). Rural counties may also participate in Business Oregon’s CDBG rehab.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

• Make a short repair list (roof leak, unsafe wiring, failed heat, soft floor, ramp needed, septic failure).
• Gather documents: photo ID, deed or property tax bill, mortgage statement, last two months’ income, last tax return, recent utility bills, and any bid/inspection you already have.
• If rural and very low income, call USDA’s Oregon 504 line. If you’re in Portland metro, complete PHB’s programs interest form. Everywhere else, reach out to your local weatherization provider via OHCS’s WX page.

This week

• Apply for one local repair program (city/county) and one state/federal option (OHCS WX or USDA 504). If septic is failing, contact DEQ’s onsite loans resource.
• In Portland, if your sewer line failed or you must connect, ask BES about Safety Net loans. If you have a water leak and low income, apply to the Water Bureau’s leak repair program.
• If you were affected by a disaster, check the FEMA Oregon page and, for 2020 fire recovery, OHCS’s HARP program.

This month

• Get two written bids from licensed contractors (programs often require this). Use Oregon’s contractor license lookup on the city/county pages or ask your program for lists.
• Ask about funding cycles and timelines. Weatherization waits can be months; city CDBG cycles may open once or twice per year. Put re‑apply dates in your calendar.
• Stack safe help: pair rebates from Energy Trust’s incentive portal with grants/loans; consider federal credits on the IRS 25C page if you have tax liability.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

• If denied or funds are gone: Ask for the reason in writing and the wait‑list position. Ask when to reapply and if other local partners are funded this year (PHB lists partners on its home repair page).
• Appeal/second look: Provide any missing documents. If income is just over the limit, ask if another program uses a different limit (some use 50% AMI, others 80%, and some use 200% FPL).
• Consider alternatives: USDA 504 1% loans, city deferred loans (e.g., Washington County DIBL), or septic loans through DEQ’s onsite resources.

Debt warning: Loans are debt. A $20,000 USDA 504 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month (principal & interest). Deferred loans are usually liens due if you sell, transfer, or sometimes refinance. Ask the agency to explain any lien or payback conditions in plain language.

Duplication of benefits: You cannot be paid twice for the same damage. If FEMA or insurance paid for part of a repair, other programs can only help with the unmet need. See FEMA’s guidance on the Oregon page.

Phone Scripts (short and simple)

Calling a weatherization office (OHCS network)

“Hi, my name is _____. I live in [city/county]. I’m calling about weatherization help for my home. My household is [number] people, and our income is about [$ per month]. We have [list urgent issues, e.g., no heat, high bills, drafty rooms]. Can you tell me how to apply and what documents you need?”

Calling a city/county rehab program

“Hello, I’m a homeowner in [city/county], and I’m looking for help with [roof/electrical/accessibility]. My income is below the program limits. Could you tell me if applications are open, if this is a grant or deferred loan, and how long the process usually takes?”

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)

“Hi, I’m calling about the Section 504 Home Repair program. I live in [town/county] and own my home. I’m [62 or older if true]. My income is about [$]. I need [describe hazard]. Can you confirm if my address is eligible and how to start the application?”

Calling a nonprofit repair group

“Hello, I’m a low‑income homeowner in [city]. I need help with [safety/accessibility item]. Do you offer no‑cost or low‑cost repairs? What are your income limits and wait times, and how do I apply?”

FAQs (Oregon‑Specific)

Do programs help manufactured homes?

Yes, but rules vary. Some city grants focus on site‑built homes, while others (e.g., Clackamas critical repair and access grants) include manufactured homes with specific criteria. Weatherization usually serves manufactured homes. Check the city/county page and the state WX page.

Can I get help if I live in a rural area?

Likely. Start with USDA’s Oregon 504 page, and ask about the simplified pilot rules. Also check DEQ/Craft3 septic assistance and your county’s listing on Business Oregon’s CDBG page.

My income is a little over the limit—any options?

Try programs that use different measures (e.g., 200% FPL for weatherization). Ask if a deferred loan is available even if a grant isn’t (e.g., Washington County DIBL). Also consider rebates via Energy Trust’s incentive portal and federal credits on the IRS 25C page.

Septic failure—who can help fast?

Contact your county health department and check DEQ’s onsite loans page (Craft3 Clean Water). If you’re in Portland and it’s a sewer issue, review BES Safety Net loans. If a disaster caused the failure, also check FEMA Oregon.

How long will this take?

Weatherization wait‑lists can be months. City rehab cycles open/close and may take 60–120 days from application to work. USDA 504 timelines depend on backlog and how fast you submit documents. Ask each program about current wait times.

Will there be a lien on my house?

Grants usually don’t require repayment, but some “grants” are actually forgivable or deferred loans recorded as liens. Portland sewer Safety Net loans and many county rehab loans are liens. Ask the staff to explain the term, interest (if any), and what happens if you sell or transfer.

Disaster repairs—what if FEMA denied me?

You can appeal (deadlines apply) and still look at other programs like HARP for 2020 wildfires (see OHCS’s HARP page). Keep in mind FEMA and other aid cannot pay twice for the same damage; they can address different parts of the need.

I’m behind on my mortgage. Can I still apply?

Many repair programs are separate from mortgage help. If you’re at risk of foreclosure, contact the Department of Justice’s Foreclosure Avoidance Program and OHCS’s foreclosure resources. Free legal help/referrals are available through the Oregon State Bar referral service.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List urgent problems (health/safety first).
• Check income against HUD or program limits (use HUD’s income tool).
• Gather documents: ID, deed/tax bill, income proof, insurance, utility bills.
• Apply to 2–3 programs: one local (city/county), one state (weatherization), one federal (USDA 504 if rural).
• Get 2 contractor bids if the program asks.
• Track: program name, date applied, case #, contact person, next steps.

Contacts at a Glance

Agency/Program	What they do	Website
OHCS Weatherization	Free energy + safety repairs through local providers	state WX page
USDA Rural Development (Oregon)	1% repair loans & grants (rural)	Oregon 504 page
Oregon DEQ (Onsite)	Septic repair loans; local grant info	onsite septic resources
OHA Healthy Homes	Health/safety repair grants via grantees	program page
FEMA Oregon	Disaster repair/rental aid when declared	FEMA Oregon page
211info	Statewide program navigation	find local programs
Portland PHB	Home repair grants/loans via partners	PHB repair page
Portland BES	Sewer Safety Net loans	sewer assistance
Hillsboro	Home rehab grants	rehab program
Washington County	Housing rehab/DIBL	rehab page

Resumen en español (corto)

Esta guía es para propietarios de vivienda de bajos ingresos en Oregón que necesitan reparaciones de salud y seguridad (techo, calefacción, electricidad, plomería, rampas o sistema séptico/alcantarillado). Los pasos rápidos:

• Clima y seguridad (gratis): Solicite al programa estatal de Weatherization. La agencia local hará una auditoría y podrá instalar aislamiento, sellos y arreglar calefacción.
• Zonas rurales: Si vive fuera de ciudades grandes y tiene ingresos muy bajos, pregunte por el programa 504 de USDA (préstamos al 1% y, para mayores de 62 años, subvenciones). Empiece en la página de USDA Oregón.
• Ciudades/condados: Portland, Hillsboro, Washington County, Eugene y otras ciudades tienen programas CDBG de reparación para propietarios. Vea la página de PHB Portland o la de su ciudad/condado.
• Alcantarillado/séptico: Para séptico, revise los préstamos de DEQ/Craft3 en la página de DEQ Oregón. En Portland, hay préstamos “Safety Net” para conexión o emergencias de alcantarillado en la página de BES.
• Desastres: Revise la página de FEMA Oregón y el programa estatal HARP (incendios 2020). No se puede recibir doble pago por el mismo daño.

Si necesita ayuda en su idioma, llame al 211 (o 866‑698‑6155) y pida servicios de intérprete. También puede buscar programas locales en el sitio de 211info. Tenga listos documentos básicos (identificación, prueba de propiedad e ingresos) y describa reparaciones de salud/seguridad primero.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income thresholds on HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Rural loans/grants: verify details and state contacts on the USDA Oregon 504 page.
• Weatherization status and local agencies: use OHCS’s WX page.
• Disasters: see the FEMA Oregon page and the DisasterAssistance.gov checklist.
• Help navigating: search programs and numbers at 211info.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm with the agency or a trusted housing counselor. This guide is not legal, tax, or financial advice.