Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA)
Phone: 503.581.5535 or 1.800.560.5535
Eligibility Screening Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.*
Emergency Financial Assistance for Marion & Polk County Residents
Our EFA Program is here to support individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. We offer limited assistance for essential needs, such as eviction notices, utility shut-off notices, and other emergencies. Applying is easy—simply complete the online application. If you need assistance at any point, our team is available during business hours to help guide you through the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to assist you.
Questions or need support?
To determine your eligibility for our emergency assistance programs, please call us at 503.581.5535 and press option 3. Our team is ready to conduct a screening to assess your needs and provide the support necessary to navigate through difficult circumstances. *Operating hours may vary during the holidays.
While we strive to help as many individuals as possible, emergency assistance is subject to funding, resources and eligibility requirements.
Facing Housing or Financial Challenges? Resources and Tips to Help You Succeed
Eviction is the legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property. This usually happens when the tenant violates the lease agreement, such as by not paying rent or engaging in illegal activities.
- What are some common reasons for eviction?
- Non-payment of rent: Failing to pay rent on time is the most common reason.
- Lease violations: This can include having unauthorized pets, subletting without permission, or causing significant damage to the property.
- Illegal activities: Engaging in criminal activities on the property.
- End of lease: If the lease term ends and the landlord does not wish to renew
- What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
- Read the notice carefully: Understand the reason for the eviction and the timeline.
- Communicate with your landlord: Sometimes issues can be resolved without going to court.
- Seek legal advice: Contact a lawyer or a local tenant’s rights organization for guidance.
- Attend all court hearings: Failing to appear can result in an automatic judgment against you.
- Can a landlord evict me without notice?
- No, landlords must follow legal procedures, which typically include providing a written notice. The notice period can vary depending on the reason for eviction and local laws.
- No, landlords must follow legal procedures, which typically include providing a written notice. The notice period can vary depending on the reason for eviction and local laws.
- What are my rights during the eviction process?
- Right to notice: You must be given proper notice before an eviction.
- Right to a hearing: You have the right to defend yourself in court.
- Right to appeal: If you lose the case, you may have the right to appeal the decision.
- Can an eviction affect my credit score?
- Yes, an eviction can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to rent in the future3.
- Yes, an eviction can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to rent in the future3.
- What if I believe the eviction is unfair or illegal?
- If you think the eviction is based on discrimination or retaliation, you should report it to your local housing authority and seek legal assistance.
The Oregon Law Center may be able to help. Get free, legal advice from the Eviction Defense Project.
Eviction Defense Project – Oregon Law Center or call 888-585-9638.
- If you think the eviction is based on discrimination or retaliation, you should report it to your local housing authority and seek legal assistance.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this. Here are some steps you can take if you believe you’re being discriminated against by your landlord:
- Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Some states and localities have additional protections.
- Fair Housing Council of Oregon: https://fhco.org Questions/Complaints 503-223-8197 Ext 2
- HUD FAIR HOUSING ACT https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview 800-877-0248
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions with your landlord, including emails, texts, and notes from conversations. Document any incidents that you believe are discriminatory.
- File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They investigate claims of housing discrimination and can act against landlords who violate the law. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
- Seek Legal Assistance: Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in housing discrimination. They can provide legal advice and help you understand your options, including filing a lawsuit.
- Oregon Law Center oregonlawcenter.org 280 Liberty St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97301 503-485-0696
- Contact Local Housing Authorities: Reach out to local housing authorities or tenant rights organizations. They can offer support, resources, and sometimes mediation services to help resolve the issue.
- Marion County Housing Authority www.co.marion.or.us 2645 Portland Rd NE Suite 200 Salem OR 97301. 503-798-4170
- Salem Housing Authority www.salemhousingor.com 360 Church St SE Salem OR 97301 503-588-6368
- West Valley Housing Authority (Polk County) www.wvpha.org 204 SW Walnut Ave, Dallas OR 97338 503-623-8387
- Consider Mediation: Sometimes, mediation can help resolve disputes without going to court. A neutral third party can help you and your landlord come to an agreement.
- Neighbor to Neighbor https://n2nmediation.org
- Marion County Office: 347 Union St NE Salem, OR 97301 503-585-0651
- Know Your Goals: Determine what you want to achieve. Whether it’s stopping the discriminatory behavior, securing a different rental, or seeking damages, knowing your goals can help guide your actions
Receiving a 72 hour/10-day notice can be stressful, but understanding the process can help you navigate it more effectively. Here’s what typically happens next:
- Identify the Notice Type: Determine the reason for the notice. It could be for nonpayment of rent, a lease violation, or another issue. The notice should specify the reason and what you need to do to comply.
- ACT: Depending on the notice, you might need to pay overdue rent, correct a lease violation, or prepare to move out. If you can resolve the issue within the 10-day period, you might avoid further action.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you’re unsure about the notice or your rights, consider consulting with a legal professional. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and help you understand your options.
- Prepare for Possible Court Action: If the issue isn’t resolved within the 10 days, your landlord might proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit. This means you could receive a court summons and need to attend a hearing.
- Explore Resources: Research local tenant resources or assistance programs that might help you address the notice or find alternative housing if needed.
- You can find our extensive resource list for Marion and Polk Counties here at www.midvalleyresouces.org
The duration of the eviction process can vary based on several factors, including the reason for eviction and whether the tenant contests it. Generally, in Oregon, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
- Notice Period: The landlord must provide the tenant with a notice to vacate or correct the issue. The length of this notice depends on the reason for eviction (e.g., nonpayment of rent, lease violation).
- Filing an Eviction Lawsuit: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit. This step includes serving the tenant with a court summons.
- Court Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled where both parties can present their case. If the tenant contests the eviction, this can extend the process.
- Judgment: If the court rules in favor of the landlord, a judgment for possession will be issued.
- Eviction: If the tenant still does not vacate, the landlord can request a writ of execution, allowing law enforcement to remove the tenant
Starting a household budget is a great way to take control of your finances. Starting a budget can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step makes it manageable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started!
- List Your Income: Begin by listing all sources of income for your household. This includes salaries, freelance work, side hustles, and any other money coming in. Make sure to use your net income (after taxes).
- List Your Expenses: Next, list all your monthly expenses. This includes fixed expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and variable expenses like groceries, entertainment, and dining out.
- Categorize Your Expenses: Divide your expenses into categories such as housing, transportation, food, entertainment, savings, and debt repayment. This helps you see where your money is going.
- Subtract Expenses from Income: Subtract your total expenses from your total income. This will show you whether you have a surplus or a deficit. If you have a deficit, you’ll need to adjust your spending.
- Set Financial Goals: Determine your short-term and long-term financial goals. This could be saving for a vacation, building an emergency fund, or paying off debt. Allocate a portion of your income towards these goals.
- Track Your Spending: Keep track of your spending throughout the month. You can use budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or even a notebook. This helps you stay on track and adjust as needed.
- Review and Adjust: At the end of each month, review your budget. Compare your actual spending to your budgeted amounts and adjust for the next month. This helps you stay flexible and improve your budgeting skills over time.
Tips for Success
- Be realistic: Set achievable goals and be honest about your spending habits.
- Involve the whole family: Make sure everyone in the household is on board and understands the budget.
Use tools: Budgeting apps or spreadsheets can make tracking easier
Prioritizing bills on a tight budget can be challenging, but it’s important to ensure that your essential needs are met first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prioritize your bills:
- List All Your Expenses: Start by listing all your monthly expenses. This includes rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, debt payments, and any other regular expenses.
- Identify Essential Expenses: Essential expenses are those that are necessary for your basic needs and well-being. These typically include:
- Housing: Rent or mortgage payments to keep a roof over your head.
- Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, and heating to maintain your living conditions.
- Food: Groceries and essential household supplies.
- Transportation: Costs related to commuting to work or school, such as gas or public transportation.
- Prioritize Secured Debts: Secured debts are loans that are backed by collateral, such as a car loan or mortgage. Missing payments on these can result in losing your property. Make sure to prioritize these payments to avoid repossession or foreclosure.
- Pay Minimums on Unsecured Debts: Unsecured debts, like credit cards and personal loans, should be paid next. Aim to at least make the minimum payments to avoid late fees and damage to your credit score.
- Consider Medical Expenses: If you have ongoing medical expenses, prioritize these as well. Health is crucial, and neglecting medical bills can lead to more significant issues down the line.
- Review and Adjust Non-Essential Spending: Look at your non-essential expenses, such as entertainment, dining out, and subscriptions. These can often be reduced or temporarily eliminated to free up more money for essential bills.
- Seek Assistance if Needed: If you’re struggling to cover all your expenses, consider reaching out for help. There are various programs and organizations that offer financial assistance, food banks, and utility assistance programs.
- Communicate with Creditors: If you’re unable to make a payment, contact your creditors to explain your situation. Many companies offer hardship programs or can work out a payment plan with you.
Tips for Managing a Tight Budget
- Track Your Spending: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to keep track of your expenses and ensure you stay within your budget.
- Cut Unnecessary Costs: Look for areas where you can cut back, such as canceling unused subscriptions or negotiating lower rates on bills.
- Build an Emergency Fund: Even small contributions can help create a buffer for unexpected expenses2.
Taking these steps can help you manage your finances more effectively and reduce stress.
Losing your job is the WORST!!! Here are some steps you can take to navigate this challenging time:
- Process Your Emotions: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after losing a job. Allow yourself to feel and process these emotions. Talk to friends or family for support.
- Inform Your Network: Let your family and close friends know about your situation. They can offer emotional support and might even help you find new job opportunities.
- Apply for Unemployment Benefits: If you lost your job through no fault of your own, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply as soon as possible to start receiving financial assistance.
- Review Your Finances: Take a close look at your financial situation. Create a budget to manage your expenses and prioritize essential costs. This will help you stretch your savings while you look for a new job.
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent job and skills. This will make it easier to apply for new positions.
- Start Job Hunting: Begin searching for new job opportunities. Use job boards, company websites, and your professional network to find openings that match your skills and experience.
- Consider Health Insurance Options: Check if you can continue your health insurance through COBRA or explore other health insurance options, such as a spouse’s plan or marketplace insurance.
- Take Care of Yourself: Job loss can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your mental and physical health. Exercise, eat well, and consider talking to a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Explore New Opportunities: This might be a good time to consider new career paths or further education. Think about what you enjoy and what skills you might want to develop.
Applying for SNAP and other assistance programs in Oregon is straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Online: You can apply online through the ONE Applicant Portal. https://one.oregon.gov/
- By Phone: Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
- In Person: Visit a local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.
LOCAL SALEM AREA OFFICE: 3420 Cherry Ave NE, Keizer OR 97303
Other Assistance Programs
- Medical Benefits: Apply for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) online, by phone, or in person. The same methods as SNAP apply. https://one.oregon.gov/
- Cash Benefits: Programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and TA-DVS (Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors) provide cash assistance. Applications can be made online, by phone, or in person. https://one.oregon.gov/
- Childcare Assistance: Programs such as Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) help families pay for childcare. Apply through the same channels. https://one.oregon.gov/
Additional Resources
- Energy Bill Discounts: The Income-Qualified Bill Discount program offers monthly discounts on energy bills. Check eligibility and apply through your utility provider.
- Phone and Internet Discounts: If you qualify for SNAP, you might also be eligible for discounted phone or internet services through the Oregon Lifeline program.