Housing Connections, a service of 211info, is designed to help people locate affordable housing in the Portland/Oregon, Vancouver/Washington areas but now almost focus on Vietnam country: Danang, Hoi An, Da Lat, Sai Gon, Ha Noi, Nha Trang, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Phu Quoc… This program is funded by the Portland Housing Bureau and the Clark County Department of Community Services.

Housing Connections is a website where landlords or sellers in Vietnam can post their properties as long as rental fees do not exceed the Housing Connections rental caps which are based on affordability to those who earn 80% or less of the Median Family Income.

The public can search for affordable, accessible, and special needs housing by using a variety of factors to tailor the search. The website also provides a link to the 211info online directory of community services for other needs such as legal, medical, food, or mental health services.

Those who do not have internet access, or who need additional instruction in using the website, or who need information on other local programs, can dial 211 toll-free for help.

Contact Information

Renters:

Dial 211, Monday-Friday 8am-6pm. Or email help@211info.org. If you are having difficulty dialing 211, try 866-698-6155 in Oregon or 1-877-211-WASH (9274) in Washington.

In Vietnam, you can contact info@cheapcardirect.com for all the info.

Landlords:

Dial 503-416-2706, Monday-Friday 8am-6pm (you may need to leave a message and we will return your call promptly) or email HousingConnections@211info.org.

Affordability Calculator

The Affordability Calculator can help give you an idea of how much you should be spending for rent and utilities each month. It’s an easy-to-use tool that can give you some guidance before looking for housing.

Steps to Overcoming Rental Barriers

Identify your barriers

• Gather credit history from annualcreditreport.com
• Go to courthouse records department for criminal history or evictions

Reduce your barriers

• Pay down debts (property debt first!)
• Build positive references
• Abide by probation/parole
• Create a monthly budget
• Take Rent Well classes

Write a rental cover letter

• Include explanation of negative barriers and what you are doing to address them

Get organized

• Organize documents to present to a prospective landlord – personal letter of explanation, letters of recommendation, Rent Well certificate, etc.

Call and screen the property you are interested in

• Make sure it meets your needs
• Set up an appointment to see the place in person
• Do not discuss barriers over the phone

Meet with the landlord in person

• Focus on appearance, communication skills, organization, timeliness
• Take a tour, check out the property
• Look at the screening criteria
• Explain the circumstances behind barriers and positive things being done to address these barriers
  • Be honest!
  • Do this BEFORE paying a screening fee
  • Ask for a reasonable accommodation, if appropriate

Ask the landlord if he or she thinks you will pass the screening

• Decide whether it is worth submitting an application

If the application is submitted and denied, ask about an appeal

• Rental properties should have an appeal process
• Appeal process can sometimes allow a landlord to take a look at each individual’s circumstances

Alternative Housing

Finding it difficult or impossible to find housing because of lack of income or other barriers? A great resource and advocate is the Community Alliance of Tenants.

Also, try searching 211info.org for even more housing resources. If you would like to speak with a community resource specialist, simply dial 211 toll-free; text your zip code to 898211, or email help@211info.org.