Fire Survivor Services
The Center for Community Resilience at ACCESS
The Center for Community Resilience (CCR) at ACCESS was created in August 2021 along with our partners, including case managers from the State of Oregon and other local agencies, to assist those who were impacted by the 2020 Jackson County fires. We help transition fire survivors from living in hotels and other short-term housing to stable, suitable housing options. Help is available for finding a place to call home.
The Center for Community Resilience is funded in part by a grant from the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services.
Fire-Affected Renters:
If you are a renter who was affected by the 2020 fires in Jackson County, you may qualify for assistance through The Center for Community Resilience at ACCESS.
Se habla Español: The Center for Community Resilience (CCR) has bilingual housing counselors and support staff available. Services can be provided in both English and Spanish.
Current Programs and Services:
ACCESS is currently processing applications for the Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) through the Homeownership Center. This pathway provides help with down payments and closing costs for qualified homebuyers who may need additional financial support.
If you are interested in becoming a first-time homebuyer and your previous home was damaged or destroyed by the 2020 Labor Day fires or straight-line winds, you could qualify for a forgivable loan through ReOregon’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program. This loan can help you cover a down payment and eligible closing costs when you buy certain types of homes (including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and manufactured homes) in one of the affected counties: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, or Marion.
A home must be purchased within one of the eight affected counties in Oregon, but it does not have to be in the county where your previous home was damaged or where you currently live.
Check your eligibility on the ReOregon Website. You can also contact the ACCESS Homeownership Center for an eligibility screening at (541) 774-4305 or email us at hocinfo@accesshelps.org.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need support getting documents from the DMV, VA, or other entities, please connect with ACCESS staff.
Housing Counseling Services connects households affected by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds with housing counselors certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Work with a counselor to create a plan for your long-term housing. Depending on your goals, a housing counselor can assist you with:
- Understanding what is needed to buy a home, including how much you can afford
- Rental issues, including knowing your housing rights
- Guidance to help you avoid losing your home to default or foreclosure
- Information and support if you are dealing with bankruptcy
- Tips and tools to improve your credit score
- Finding stable housing to avoid homelessness
- Creating a household budget and managing your money
Check your eligibility on the ReOregon Website. You can also contact the ACCESS Homeownership Center for an eligibility screening at (541) 774-4305 or email us at hocinfo@accesshelps.org.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need support getting documents from the DMV, VA, or other entities, please connect with ACCESS staff.
Fire-Affected Homeowners:
If you are a homeowner who was affected by the 2020 fires in Jackson County, please contact ACCESS directly to inquire about any resources that may still be available.
Se habla Español: The Homeownership Center (HOC) has bilingual housing counselors and support staff available. Services can be provided in both English and Spanish.
Additional Resources:
If you are a renter, homeowner, or business owner affected by the 2020 fires in Jackson County, you may be eligible for additional resources or support.
Essential Links & Information:
The PIER program is designed to help communities recover and rebuild after the 2020 Labor Day Disasters by funding critical infrastructure projects, economic revitalization efforts, and mitigation work for future disasters. These projects restore essential services and infrastructure and strengthen the local economy for the future.
Another local agency called IVCanDo (Illinois Valley Community Development Organization) is accepting applications for Jackson County microenterprise grants and small business loans. Contact IVCanDo and determine your eligibility by visiting their website. You can also email them directly at pier@ivcdo.org or call (541) 592-4440.
NEW Homeownership Opportunities for Fire Survivors:
Fire Survivor Services
New Spirit Village will allow families that lost everything in the wildfires to have a new start in life and an opportunity to experience the pride and financial security of home.
Breath of Life
Breath of Life Medford is a 142 unit innovative mixed ownership & mixed income community developed and managed by Turning Point Program.
2024-2025 Impact:
1,044 survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires received 6,175 independent services, helping them regain stability in our community.
As of October 2025
Survivor Success Stories
Community & Program Partnerships:
