IDD Housing Connector Program

Housing Connector - Low Barrier Housing Search program

What is Housing Connector?

• It is a nonprofit that increases access to housing for individuals with barriers by streamlining the housing search process.
• It partners with properties in the area that agree to lower screening criteria for tenants that are referred through the Housing Connector program. Currently there are over 500 units available within the Housing Connector resources database.
  • Housing Connector users can search their database for units that the tenant would qualify for based on the tenants housing barriers (credit, rental history, debt, eviction history).
• Housing Connector provides up to 3 months of rent assistance in the event of a financial emergency, and up to $5000 in damage mitigation funds, as well as mediation and conflict resolution support. (effective 90 days after move in)

IDD Case Managers can refer participants to the IDD Housing Team for access to the Housing Connector program or sign up to access the search engine directly:

(Our MOU with Housing Connector is only for IDD participants case managed at Mult. Co. IDD and does not include Support Service Brokerage Clients.)

How to make a referral to Housing Connector through the IDD Housing team:

1. Complete the Housing Connector Referral form and Housing Connector ROI (signed by head of household). 
    

   Document

   IDD Housing Connector Renter Referral Form (456.75 KB)
   Document

   Housing Connector Release of Information (115.73 KB)
2. Send completed docs to iddhousingassistance@multco.us
3. IDD Housing Team will provide a list of low barrier units tailored the tenants circumstances and will advise about next steps.
   • The tenant will be responsible for conducting the housing search.
   • The IDD Housing Team does not have the capacity to work with the tenant directly on the housing search (ie. contacting property managers, completing applications etc). 

How can an IDD staff directly access the Housing Connector portal and refer clients independently:

The first step is to attend the Community Partner Training. Visit the Housing Connector Training site to find a training opportunity specific to staff working in Oregon. 

The Housing Connector Training will provide details on next steps, but generally the following will occur:

1. The tenant will need to complete the Housing Connector ROI
2. The Case Manager will then login to the Housing Connector portal and input the tenant's data into the Housing Connector system and extract search results which can be downloaded into an excel spreadsheet and shared with the client or their support staff as needed.
3. If the client moves into a unit through Housing Connector the case manager would complete the Housing Connector Move In Form and submit that to Housing Connector.
4. If Financial Support is needed by the tenant the CM can make requests for funding through the Housing Connector portal. The training will cover how submit requests for financial assistance. The Housing Connector program can provide up to 3 months emergency rent assistance or damage mitigation funds are needed by the tenant. Funds can not be accessed in the first 90 days of tenancy. 

 Where can I find out more?

• Visit the Housing Connector website: https://www.housingconnector.com/