Oregon 2020 Labor Day Fire Survivors Could Lose Housing Help if They Miss the December 31 Deadline

Survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds risk losing benefits if they don’t apply for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) before the final opportunity ends in December.

To help more survivors apply before the December 31st deadline, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has expanded eligibility criteria for recovery pathways. Real-life stories from wildfire survivors who have already received assistance from HARP after the 2020 Labor Day wildfires can be found on the OHCS webpage.

Designed to help survivors rebuild or replace their homes, HARP has assisted 70 survivors in buying a new home and reimbursed 31 other homeowners since it opened in March 2024. Part of ReOregon, HARP is funded by a $422 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Regional HARP Intake Centers are available to assist 2020 Labor Day fire survivors with their applications. ReOregon can help survivors decide which option suits their situation and preferences. Still, survivors must apply for HARP as soon as possible before the Eligibility Questionnaire closes on December 31. More information about HARP can also be found online.