Portland Public Schools: Information About Help For Families To Pay Rent And Utility Bills

Press release from Portland Public Schools:

October 15, 2021

Dear PPS Families,

We want to share information about rental and utility assistance that can help families struggling to pay their bills as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rental Assistance

The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program will cover up to 12 months of past due rent and three months of forward rent, once all past due rent is paid. The program will also cover past due utility costs including electricity, gas, home energy services, water, sewer, trash removal, internet and bulk fuels.

Direct Utility Assistance

Utility companies are also offering their own assistance programs, regardless of household income or other requirements to qualify.

• Pacific Power: Up to $300 forgiven. Go to pacificpower.net/assistanceplus or call 1-888-221-7070
• PGE: Up to $500 matching grant. Go to portlandgeneral.com/help/covid-19/helping-residential-customers or call 1-800-542-8818
• NW Natural: Up to $300 forgiven. Go to nwnatural.com/paymentassistance or call 1-800-422-4012

For questions or other referrals, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org. You may also contact your school counselor or social worker if you need more information or resources.

This press release was produced by Portland Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.