About Housing Services

For more than 50 years, the Department of Housing Services and the Housing Authority of Washington County have been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities in our community.

The Washington County Department of Housing Services, which includes the Housing Authority of Washington County, serves our community through rental assistance, affordable housing opportunities, and coordination of services for people experiencing homelessness.

Department of Housing Services

The Washington County Department of Housing Services was formed in 1992 to administer the housing activities and programs of both the Housing Authority and Washington County. Working in partnership with both the non-profit and the private sector, the Department of Housing Services combines traditional housing programs with economic opportunity to encourage self-sufficiency, skill enhancement and independence.

While our primary mission in providing affordable housing has remained the same for decades, much of our work has changed in recent years. With voter approval of the Affordable Housing Bond in 2018, we are on track to add more than 900 units of new, strategic affordable housing throughout Washington County. In 2020, voters passed the Supportive Housing Services Measure, dedicated to creating a system that provides the necessary services to address homelessness. In the last few years, our Department has built incredible capacity to rapidly increase these services and resources in our community.

Housing Authority of Washington County

The Housing Authority of Washington County was formed in 1970 by the Washington County Board of County Commissioners to provide affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life in our community. The Housing Authority is primarily funded through federal resources and regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While the Housing Authority remains a separate legal entity, it contracts with the County to implement and administer Housing Authority programs and all support services, like finance, purchasing and personnel.

Services

Rent Assistance

The Housing Authority of Washington County administers several rent assistance programs. The Housing Choice Voucher program (sometimes called Section 8) is our largest program and helps households pay their rent across the County. Other programs focus on populations with different needs, such as Regional Long Term Rent Assistance, serving formerly homeless households, or Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing, focused on housing stability for veterans. Learn more about these and other rent assistance programs.

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is regulated to keep rents lower than typical, with the goal of being affordable to low-income households. The Department of Housing Services owns approximately 1,000 units of affordable housing in our community. We continue to seek opportunities to add or preserve affordable housing in Washington County.

Shelter Access

With new regional and state funding resources, Washington County has expanded to now more than 430 shelter beds/units for people experiencing homelessness. Washington County funded shelters provide a low barrier steppingstone that can offer initial stabilization as shelter guests move toward long-term housing solutions.

Homeless Services

The Homeless Services Division partners with community-based organizations, affordable housing owners and independent landlords to provide housing assistance and supportive service programs that help families and individuals achieve housing stability. The system provides thousands of families and individuals with housing navigation, move-in assistance and wrap-around support services each year.

Linda's Story

Linda pictured at the playground at her home.

Linda struggled with addiction and later homelessness, bouncing around Washington County just trying to survive for many years. But her best friend refused to give up on her. Step by step, Linda was able to seek treatment, make different choices, get healthier, and stay sober. That was four years ago, and Linda hasn’t looked back.

Recently, Linda moved into her first apartment in more than a decade. She is focused on staying housed and sober, because she needs to be “grandma” for her two grandsons. The playground outside her new apartment is a perfect spot for the young boys to play while in the care of their loving grandmother. Read more about Linda’s story in our May newsletter.