New DFR Premium Assistance Program to assist affordable housing and shelter providers

April 15, 2026

$2 million program targets area of housing need at critical time

Salem - The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is accepting applications for help with the rising costs of insurance premiums for affordable housing providers. The legislature passed Senate Bill 829 in the 2025 legislative session to help mitigate and stabilize insurance costs for affordable housing providers and emergency shelter operators.

The program, which was one of Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek's priorities in the 2025 session, is being stood up in response to mounting concerns that insurance premiums, both property and liability coverages, are rising to levels that threaten the sustainability and availability of affordable housing and shelter bed access across the state. This program is designed to offset some of those rising insurance costs for shelter sites and those who provide affordable housing.

"We cannot afford to lose a single affordable housing unit due to unpredictable costs," Gov. Kotek said. "Affordable housing providers and shelter operators take on unique risks. These funds will help to protect the progress we're making on the ground to house and shelter Oregonians."

The legislature earmarked $2,474,644 for grants to be issued through an application process. The program makes the following entities eligible:

• Shelter provider
• Affordable housing provider
• Project Turnkey site
• Navigation center
• Local government entity

Entities must currently operate in Oregon and provide affordable housing or shelter services to individuals or families earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

"This is a positive step to address a large need we see in the insurance market as it relates to affordable housing," said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. "We look forward to making an impact and stand ready to assist providers and shelters that are struggling to find affordable insurance."

Those interested can find application materials on DFR's website.

Anyone with questions or concerns should email [email protected].

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon's largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.