In Oregon, a new $30,000 grant is available for first-time homebuyers, but it’s specifically for non-U.S. citizens. This grant is being promoted by the Hacienda Community Development Corporation in Portland through their Camino a Casa program.
The program provides financial coaching and HUD-certified housing counseling, along with workshops on mortgage readiness and financial fitness. It also offers down payment assistance.
However, some critics are upset. Republican state Rep. Ed Diehl has labeled the initiative as state-sponsored discrimination,arguing that Oregon’s tax dollars should not be used to prioritize home ownership for non-U.S. citizens.
The grant is part of the state’s Economic Equity Investment Program, which aims to support disadvantaged individuals. Hacienda received a $692,775 grant from this program.
In response to such policies, Republican officials in Oregon, a predominantly Democratic state, are working to change some of the state’s sanctuary laws.