Community Development Block Grant
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding, through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), to the State of Oregon to expand economic opportunities and provide housing and safe living environments for low to moderate-income individuals. The Oregon Business Development Department, through its Infrastructure Finance Authority, awards funds to counties and non-entitled cities through a competitive application process. Cities that receive direct funding from HUD (Ashland and Medford) are not eligible to apply through the State.
County Administration serves as the grant administrator for Jackson County, which sub-contracts with a local nonprofit to provide the housing rehabilitation program for low-moderate income homeowners. The grants directly benefits our local economy by assisting homeowners who do not qualify for financing and providing work for local contractors. The program provides zero-interest payable upon sale of the property home loans for low-moderate income homeowners to make necessary repairs to the home. The maximum amount of each homeowner loan is $25,000.Past home rehabilitation projects include; septic system repairs, heating system replacement, roof repairs, and upgrading homes for handicap accessibility. Once grant-funded home loans are paid off, the money is reinvested in the local economy through the Home Repair Program.
Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act and Oregon State Law protect individuals from housing discrimination. Fair Housing Laws apply to all aspects of the housing industry from rentals to sales and including land use regulations, building construction, mortgage loans, home insurance, appraisals and inspections. Fair Housing Laws apply to all types of housing, including but not limited to, single and multifamily homes, retirement housing, care facilities and homeless shelters.
It is illegal in the State of Oregon to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status (children), disability, marital status, source of income, sexual orientation including gender identity and domestic violence victims.
Within the resources available to Jackson County through city, County, State, Federal and community volunteer sources, the County will assist all persons who feel they have been discriminated against because of protected classes listed above in the process of filing a complaint with the Oregon Civil Rights Division, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that they may seek equity under Federal and State laws.
