Oregon residents who live in manufactured dwelling parks have some good news before the turn of the year. The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is the recipient of a substantial federal grant intended to preserve affordability and prevent displacement in these communities. According to information obtained from the OHCS website, a $13.75 million windfall from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will bolster existing state programs.
Specifically, the funds are said to support the Manufactured Home Replacement Program (MHRP) and the Manufactured Dwelling Park Preservation (MDPP). The MHRP assists residents requiring major repairs or full replacements of manufactured homes—a need demonstrable as the program exhausted its initial $2.5 million within the first six weeks of its 2023 launch. With the MDPP focusing on keeping manufactured parks affordable, resident cooperatives and nonprofits are aided in acquiring park ownership to maintain stable land rents when these parks are poised for sale.
Andrea Bell, OHCS Executive Director, was quoted on the organization's website, expressing gratitude for HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman’s leadership and emphasizing the importance of these efforts: "Preserving manufactured parks is essential for strengthening housing opportunities and the legacy we leave for future generations," she said. "By protecting the affordability of these communities, individuals, and families can foster community and create an environment that supports their long-term well-being," as reported by the OHCS website.
Collaborative efforts have put CASA of Oregon, a significant player in cooperative park ownership transfers, in a position, identifying eight parks fitting program requirements and already in line for assistance. OHCS programs have historically reached out to homeowners less endowed with alternatives; housing costs spiking from market-rate sales threaten displacement, and these funds aim to cushion the impact.
A larger context shows OHCS as one among 17 state housing agencies partaking in more than $225 million in HUD PRICE grant funding. For those interested in the details of OHCS's grant application and its plans for the newfound resources, further information is readily available on the OHCS website.
