Medford, Ore. – A local woman has become the first beneficiary of the ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP), moving into a newly purchased home thanks to the program’s funding. Joan, whose identity has been protected for privacy reasons, now resides in a three-bedroom house made possible by the assistance of HARP.
Launched in 2024, the program was established in response to the devastation caused by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires that impacted communities across Oregon. The initiative is funded by the federal $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery, aimed at helping homeowners who lost their properties during the catastrophic fires.
Joan’s new home marks a significant milestone for the program, which has received thousands of applications from homeowners across the state. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced on Thursday that it has expanded the income eligibility requirements for the program, a move designed to ensure that even more residents can take advantage of this critical assistance.
“The ReOregon program is helping to restore hope for families who have been displaced by one of the state’s most destructive natural disasters,” said an OHCS spokesperson in a recent news release. “We are committed to supporting those who are still struggling to rebuild their lives and their homes.”
The expanded eligibility criteria could potentially open the door for a greater number of applicants to qualify for HARP funding, giving many more the opportunity to recover and rebuild after the destruction left by the 2020 fires. As the program continues to process applications, officials are hopeful that additional homeowners will be able to secure the necessary support to purchase new homes and restart their lives.
For many, including Joan, HARP is not just about receiving financial aid; it is about reclaiming a sense of stability and normalcy in the aftermath of the disasters.