Non-US Citizens: The New American Homeowners? Oregon Says Yes

In Oregon, migrants provide industry labor in the agriculture, construction, hospitality, food processing, and forestry fields. Some local residents and politicians have expressed frustration that some Latino migrant workers, particularly those who are not American citizens, would be able to receive down payment funding to buy a home in Oregon.

The state previously received $90 million in funding to help homeowners with down payments, with help from the American Rescue Plan Act.

News reports revealed that a flyer was recently distributed in the area listing that the $30,000 grant is now available.

WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM?

Business Oregon runs the state's Economic Equity Investment Program

The funds are coming from a Portland-based nonprofit, Hacienda CDC, the largest Latino-led, Latino-serving housing organization in Oregon.

They are receiving a state-funded grant of $692,775, and they in turn share part of this money to help would-be homeowners get interest rate buy downs, down payment assistance, and help covering closing costs.

Oregon's Economic Equity Investment Program gave out an estimated $5.3 million dollars to share with nine local nonprofits that help "disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities" purchase land, homes, and other real property, such as commercial buildings, lots, vacant land, and mineral and timber rights.

Hacienda CDC's mission is to help families in Oregon secure affordable housing, in addition to sharing resources for local Latino families seeking homeownership and affordable housing, economic advancement, and educational opportunities.

The org collaborates with over 200 local business and community partners to provide events and workshops throughout the year.

GRANT ELIGIBILTY GETS CLARIFIED BY HACIENDA CDC

Hacienda CDC Community Development Corporation in Portland, Oregon

While this monetary gift towards a downpayment on a house has ruffled the feathers of some, others see this as a way to prevent a further increase of homelessness in Oregon, regardless of citizen status.

Hacienda CDC has issued a correction to the flyer, stating that the grant is actually open to anyone living in Oregon, not exclusively to non-citizens.

"The EEI Program is for every Oregonian, and Hacienda apologizes for any confusion this may have caused." - Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda Community Development Corp.

Source: Newsweek.com

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