Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is awarding $1.95 million in capacity building grants (ORCA CB program) to 13 community partners working to expand and preserve affordable rental housing across the state. These grants, designed to help organizations be more efficient, deepen regional collaboration, and pilot innovative outcomes-based solutions that aim to build stronger, more resilient housing ecosystems in Oregon.

“Supporting communities and working across traditional boundaries between local, state, private, and nonprofit is how we deliver thriving Oregon communities,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Under Governor Kotek’s leadership, we are cutting through barriers and leaving no one behind. Delivering for all Oregonians is part of what brings us together. This investment helps Tribal, rural, and community-based leaders develop and deliver locally driven housing outcomes.”

The 2025–27 grant cycle offered two pathways:

• Organizational Strengthening Grants to help partners improve internal systems, staffing, and processes that support the development or operation of affordable rental housing.

• Innovative and Regional Projects Grants to encourage collaboration across neighboring regions or to pilot creative approaches to longstanding capacity challenges.

This year’s cohort reflects the strength, diversity, and determination of Oregon’s housing partners, including rural nonprofits, local housing authorities, and Tribal Nation housing providers who bring cultural expertise and deep community trust to their work. Each grantee was awarded $150,000 to be used in a two-year period.

“Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is grateful for this investment from OHCS, which strengthens our ability to stabilize and sustain our housing work over the long term,” said NAYA Family Center Community Development Director Sky Waters. “It builds the internal capacity we need to ensure Native families can access safe, stable housing, while also positioning us for future growth.”

“This grant supports more than capacity, it supports momentum. It allows the South Coast to strengthen systems, partnerships, and tools needed to deliver housing solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and rooted in the needs of our communities,” said Stephanie Hadley, executive director at Southern Oregon Coast Regional Housing.

“Mountain View Community Development is deeply grateful for this funding,” said Michelle Cross, development consultant at Mt. View Community Development. “Central Oregon faces a significant shortage of affordable housing developers, and we are excited to help bring this much-needed resource to underserved communities across the region.”

Congratulations and thank you to the following partners for their work in expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing throughout the state.