Guide to Oregon Mortgage Help and Foreclosure Prevention Programs.
Oregon consistently ranks among the states with the lowest foreclosure rates in the country. That's not an accident. The state has built a layered network of free counseling, a mandatory mediation program, and legal assistance that gives homeowners more tools and more time than most states offer. None of these programs require payment to access, and all of them are available before a foreclosure reaches the point of no return.
If you're behind on your mortgage or have received a notice from your lender, the programs below are where to start.
The statewide starting point: oregonhomeownerhelp.org
The Oregon Housing and Community Services agency and the Oregon Department of Justice jointly operate a statewide clearinghouse for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. The website https://oregonhomeownerhelp.org/ is the main entry point — it describes your options based on where you are in the process, connects you with certified housing counselors, and explains the state's mediation program. If you're not sure what step to take first, this is where to go.
The Oregon Department of Justice also maintains a dedicated mortgage help page at https://www.doj.state.or.us/ with guidance specifically for homeowners who have already received a foreclosure notice or are significantly behind on payments.
Free housing counseling
The most important first step for any Oregon homeowner struggling with mortgage payments is speaking with a HUD-approved housing counselor. These are trained professionals — not salespeople — who review your specific situation and explain what your servicer is required to offer you, what programs may be available, and what the realistic options are given your income, loan type, and how far behind you are.
Counseling is free for qualifying homeowners through federally certified nonprofit agencies. Counselors help organize the financial documents servicers require, write hardship letters, negotiate directly with lenders, and assist with applying for assistance programs. They're also the gateway to Oregon's mediation program — having worked with a counselor strengthens your position considerably.
The OHCS website maintains a list of certified housing counselors searchable by county. HUD's national directory covers Oregon agencies as well, at https://www.hud.gov/states/oregon.
Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Program
Oregon law requires most mortgage servicers to offer a resolution conference with the homeowner before initiating a nonjudicial foreclosure. This is the Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Program, and it is one of the most borrower-protective requirements in the country.
When a servicer begins the process, you receive a notice giving you the right to participate. Participation involves four steps: paying a modest program fee (waived for lower-income households), meeting with a housing counselor, submitting financial documents through a secure online portal, and attending a resolution conference. The conference is an in-person or phone meeting with a representative of your lender who has full authority to negotiate. A neutral facilitator — trained in mediation and basic foreclosure law — leads the session.
The program gives homeowners a structured opportunity to negotiate a repayment plan, loan modification, forbearance, deed in lieu, or short sale before a foreclosure auction can proceed. Even if keeping the home turns out not to be possible, the process gives you more time and a direct line to the lender.
The Mediation Case Manager (MCM) administers the program for the state. You can call them at 855-658-6733 at any time for help setting up an account, scheduling, submitting documents, or understanding the process. Program information is also at https://www.foreclosuremediationor.org/Home/HowItWorks.
Free legal assistance
Low- and moderate-income Oregon homeowners facing foreclosure may qualify for free or reduced-cost legal help. An attorney can review your mortgage documents, verify that your servicer followed state law, and represent you in a resolution conference or court proceeding if errors are found.
The Oregon Homeowner Legal Assistance (OHLA) project connects eligible homeowners with attorneys who handle foreclosure cases. You can apply by calling the OHLA intake line at 1-855-503-2598, available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Intake staff can assist in English and other languages through phone interpretation.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (website https://lasoregon.org/)) also provides civil legal assistance to income-eligible residents statewide, including housing and foreclosure matters. The Oregon State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service (website: https://www.osbar.org/index.html) provides referrals to attorneys who have agreed to a $35 initial consultation for homeowners who don't qualify for free aid but want legal review.
Oregon Law Help at https://oregonlawhelp.org/ is a free public resource with guides on foreclosure law written in plain language, useful for understanding your rights before or during the process.
A note on scams
Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services (Website: https://www.cbs.state.or.us/) specifically warns homeowners to be cautious of anyone — a company or individual — offering to help with a mortgage or foreclosure for a fee.
It does not cost anything to meet with a certified housing counselor, apply for state programs, or participate in the Foreclosure Avoidance Program (beyond the nominal program fee, which is waived for lower-income households). Anyone asking for upfront payment to "save your home," stop a foreclosure, or apply to a program on your behalf is a warning sign. Verify any company's licensing status through the Division of Financial Regulation before sharing financial or personal information.
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