Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of Portland Housing Authority (PHA)?

Together with its community partners, the PHA provides and expands affordable housing and services that improve quality of life, build community, enhance safety and promote personal success for the people we serve and the neighborhoods in which they reside.

What is the COMB Block?

The COMB Block is the area of land owned by Portland Housing Authority bound by streets Cumberland. Oxford, Mayo, and Boyd. There are currently four existing public housing buildings located on the COMB Block. 

FUNDING & INCOME QUALIFICATIONS

What is Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and how will LIHTC affect residents?

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is a tax incentive program for housing developers to construct, purchase, and/or renovate housing for low-income families. It will require all households complete an annual income certification and income-qualify to live at the COMB Block. PHA will work with all residents to complete paperwork.

Will the new housing be Public Housing?

No, the new development at the COMB Block will be funded partially through Section 8 project-based vouchers (rental assistance) where many units will have a voucher upon completion of construction. The vouchers operate very similar to Public Housing and income-qualifying residents will continue to pay only 30% of their income towards rent and utilities. Moving from Public Housing to Section 8 vouchers changes the way that HUD provides funding to PHA; congressional voucher funding is a more stable source of income than Public Housing funding.

Who will be eligible to live at the COMB Block?

All former residents of the four COMB Block buildings will be given the opportunitiy to return to a newly constructed unit at the COMB Block that fits their household's needs. Additional units will be available for income qualifying households and a few units will be set aside to be rented as market-rate units. Learn more about applying for PHA housing here. 

CONSTRUCTION

What is the construction timeline?

While construction is expected to begin in early 2026, the project is very early in the planning stages and this timeline could change depending on permitting, approvals, and funding applications. Periodic project updates will be posted to this website. Subscribe above for updates to be sent directly to your inbox. 

What is Passive House?

New construction at the COMB Block will be designed and built to Passive House standard to ensure comfortable living spaces and energy-efficient buildings. Passive House construction focuses on creating an airtight building envelope with continuous insulation throughout, and employs high-performance windows. The building orientation and window locations are taken into consideration in the design process to manage the sun's energy for both heating and cooling purposes. 

RESIDENT SERVICES

What resident services spaces will be offered at the new building?

The Phase 1 building will include community spaces on the ground level with an entrance off Oxford Street. These spaces will include a large community room, a lounge, community kitchen, covered and secure bike storage, and office space for Resident Services staff. A dedicated Resident Service Coordinator will be available on-site to assist residents with their specific needs.

NEXT STEPS

I have a question about the project or resident relocation. Who should I ask?

Visit the Feedback Tab to leave a comment for the project team.

How can I stay informed about project updates?

Click "Subscribe" at the top of the page to sign up for updates that will be posted to this site periodicaly.