HOMELESS RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HRAP)

The Homeless Rental Assistance Program (HRAP) was the City of Salem’s Housing First initiative to permanently house the “top 100 hardest to house” chronically homeless individuals in Salem.

Launched in July 2017, Salem Housing Authority is the lead agency in this collaborative initiative and partners with various social service agencies. Salem Housing Authority provides intensive case management, resources and referrals, housing placements, landlord engagement, and administers all rental assistance and barrier removal funds for the program.  Since 2017, HRAP has served more than 300 households, with more than 110 of these households successfully completing the HRAP program and “graduating” to Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher).

The HRAP program is transitioning into Salem Housing Authority's Special Programs Team. We will continue to provide crucial outreach services and uphold our commitments to current Homeless Rental Assistance Program clients. We anticipate the program will sunset June 2024. We are no longer taking referrals to the program.

The Special Programs Team will continue to provide vital services in our community now and well beyond June 2024.  

We will remain in close partnership to help our unhoused neighbors. Working with the City of Salem, and specifically Salem Police Department, Code Compliance Department, and Salem Parks & Recreation,  Special Programs Outreach Navigators will connect clients experiencing homelessness with immediate basic needs and make referrals to other community partners as needed.  

As we look forward, we will begin assisting homeless and unstably housed clients to proceed through coordinated entry (CE).  We will also help facilitate rapid lease up for individuals and families who have reached the top of the CE Section 8 waitlists.  Our goal is to connect unsheltered clients with permanent housing solutions in a trauma informed and efficient manner.  

Donations

HRAP participants are living outdoors before housing is obtained. Please consider donating these much needed items:

• Tarps and sleeping bags

• Hygiene or first aid kits

• Socks, hats and gloves

To donate, please contact Sara Quick.

Landlords

In addition to Salem Housing Authority, the following is a list of landlords that are participating in the HRAP Program.  SHA would like to recognize these private landlords, who are making a positive difference in people’s lives and giving a second chance to the chronically homeless.

Without their support, HRAP could not be possible. Thank you to all of them!