Housing Assistance
Removing barriers to housing stability
Housing Programs assist individuals and families in accessing and maintaining sustainable housing. We work with those experiencing homelessness to remove barriers to housing stability, facilitate appropriate housing placements, and provide tools for long-term success.
Short-term rent assistance (STRA) is available by referral through SEI staff. Please connect with your SEI coordinator for support.”
SEI Community & Family Programs works with households and individuals to both access sustainable housing and to retain their housing.
SEI works with houseless community members to eliminate barriers to housing stability, find adequate housing placement, and ensure that families are able to access the tools necessary to be successfully housed for the long term, this includes individual growth, as well as the ability to identify and utilize both natural and community supports. Housing Programs also provide Short Term Rental Assistance for households in need of financial support to ensure that they are able to maintain their housing.
Both programs work with families who are currently homeless in Multnomah County and seeking housing. Homeless families wishing to access these programs must complete an eligibility assessment to be placed on the homeless housing queue. Wait time after completing the assessment and before receiving services can vary greatly. Both programs provide case management to help families address housing barriers and move in to safe and affordable housing, and can provide assistance with rent for 1-12 months.
Coordinated access assessment and referral required.
Eviction Prevention
SEI offers Eviction Prevention through Short Term Rent Assistance (STRA), Ready to Rent workshops and short-term case management to prevent houselessness and increase housing stability for eligible families. The goal is to provide financial support and connect families to essential resources to promote lasting housing stability.
Access points
In-House referrals by SEI Coordinators for currently enrolled students and participants.
Call 503-713-5590 (press option 2). Availability of appointments based on funding.
Eligibility
Must reside in Multnomah County (on the lease)
STRA Coordinator will determine eligibility at time of appointment
Specific documentation required (see Step 3, below)
Contact Information
stra@selfenhancement.org
The Process
In-house. referral/portal (community) appointment
Coordinator, Educator, Advocate makes a referral
Self Refer on our website (when available)
STRA Scheduler reaches out
Get a call from Scheduler
Receive an email requesting documents
Receive a text reminder to reply to email
Documents needed 24hrs before appointment
Send Documents
30 days of recent income for anyone 18 or older in the home
Declaration of zero income (DPI)
Proof of unemployment benefits
SSI Award Letter
TANF Letter
Pay Stubs
Signed lease agreement (send ALL documents that show terms of lease, cost
amounts, and signatures)
If rent amount is different from outlined on lease agreement, please send rent increase letter.
Eviction notice (preferred, if applicable) Government issued mail confirming address.
Appointments are scheduled and confirmed
Please be prepared for any new follow up directives. Sometimes there is a wait on documents from Landlords/Property managers.
payment process
STRA Staff send promise to pay/Commitment to pay letter
SEI Staff Request Payment to be sent
Home Forward processes and sends out payment
follow-up
Coordinators, educators, and advocates can ensure that they work with participants to plan forward and refer to ant necessary programs for their success
Energy assistance
Need help paying your energy bills?
Housing Development
Learn about SEI’s commitment to affordable placemaking.
SEI programs funded by Multnomah County enter participant data into a Housing Management Information System (HMIS) database.
Read the HMIS Privacy & Security Notice.