Oregon using non-competitive funding process to build affordable homes

(The Center Square) - The Oregon Housing and Community Services recently used a non-competitive process to award $10 million to create 63 affordable homes in the Oregon Coast and Metro region.

Oregon Centralized Application is the state's new non-competitive process.

OHCS created ORCA earlier this year as a replacement for the traditional individual Notices of Funding Availability, something which OHCS said will create a "more efficient and equitable system," in a recent press release.

Lighthouse Village Apartments in Lincoln City and Shortstack Belmont Apartments in Portland received the first funding reservation approvals under ORCA.

"The projects will now receive a letter of interest to fund so the project can leverage other resources as needed and to firm up the project’s readiness for next steps," the release said.

OHCS emphasized that it thinks the new process, with less competition, is more efficient.

“Governor Kotek’s housing production goals are a call for action,” OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell said. "ORCA is one way the agency is developing new ways of working to help get housing built more quickly. Innovation is at its best when done through the lens of advancing progress for the people of Oregon. Our aim is to grow new ideas and make sure the people we serve can benefit from it. Lighthouse Village Apartments and Shortstack Belmont Apartments mark the beginning of a new chapter of affordable housing development.”

ORCA’s approach has three main steps: Impact Assessment, Financial Eligibility, and Commitment.

"This structured process guarantees that projects are ready to financially close within six months of completing the last step in the process, expediting the development of much-needed affordable housing," the release said.

Through ORCA, OHCS works to increase housing production resources, support minority-led organizations, and listen to tenants regarding building design and funding strategies.

"By simplifying the funding process and providing clear, flexible resources, OHCS aims to meet the critical housing needs of Oregon’s diverse communities."