Many Oregon homes were damaged or destroyed in the devastating 2020 wildfires. Onsite septic systems were hard hit. Even with funds available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other disaster recovery programs, septic system repairs are prohibitively expensive for many homeowners.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Craft3 are partnering to offer a unique financial aid package to help homeowners impacted by the 2020 wildfires. Fire-impacted homeowners can apply for both a loan and a grant to repair or replace their onsite septic system. Eligible borrowers will be offered grant resources on a sliding scale based on annual household income. This grant award can cover a significant share of project costs. Onsite septic system project costs that exceed the grant award can be covered by a low cost Craft3 loan.
Eligible homeowners can receive a grant to help pay for part of their septic project. Grant funds are limited, so apply soon.
We offer affordable financing for homeowners facing a septic system repair or replacement. No upfront fees and perfect credit not required.
To be eligible you must meet the two following criteria located below.
Please contact a Craft3 Clean Water Lender at 888-231-2170 ext. 125 if you believe you may be eligible but answered no to one of the above questions.
Eligible homeowners can receive a grant to help pay for part of their septic project. Grant funds are limited and are available thanks to the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and DEQ. Apply soon to access funds while they’re still available.
The grants do not need to be paid back. The amount you are eligible for is based on your annual income, with lower-income homeowners receiving larger awards. Annual income is based on the most recent full calendar year. For example, if you apply in 2022, we will look at your 2021 annual household income. This chart shows the grant amount you may be eligible for based on your annual household income and property ownership.
Craft3 is proud to offer Clean Water Loans to finance the costs of septic system repair and replacements that are not covered by a grant. Our loans cover all eligible permitting, design, and installation costs; they have lower rates for lower-income borrowers; and they are designed to be accessible to borrowers who may not have perfect credit. In some cases, you can even finance connection to a nearby municipal sewer. Rates and terms are determined by applicants’ annual household income.
*APR, Annual Percentage Rate based on example loan criteria.
**Deferred Payment option maximum loan amount is $35,000 and maximum loan-to-value is 80 percent.
***Interest-only Payment option maximum loan amount is $45,000 and maximum loan-to-value of 100 percent.
Loan availability, terms and conditions current as of 1/1/23 and are subject to change. Examples include financing of Craft3 $795 loan fee. All loan applications are subject to credit, property and project approval. Maximum loan amount and Loan to Value apply and are subject to equity value and underwriting requirements for all programs. Loans are secured by a UCC-1A filing recorded with the county. Subordination may be available with lender approval, fees may apply. Principal balance and interest (if applicable) is due on sale, transfer, refinance or maturity.
Complete an online questionnaire to determine your eligibility for grant funding. We may need to ask you follow-up questions or collect additional documentation. If you are approved, Craft3 will issue a grant reservation letter and let you know the dollar amount of your grant award.
If necessary, apply for a Clean Water Loan with Craft3 to fund the remainder of your project.
Work with your contractor to design your system, receive permits and finalize project cost
NOTE: Your contractor must be approved by the Department of Environmental Quality to conduct septic system replacement work. Contact your local health jurisdiction for a list of approved contractors.
Securely sign your electronic loan documents. By request, document signing is also available via postal mail.
When your loan documents are signed, your contractor can get to work. Once the Certificate of Satisfaction or Completion is provided and the work is completed to your satisfaction, you authorize final payment to your contractor.
Repay your loan with automated payments from your bank account.
The brochure explains the Clean Water Loan + Grant program for Oregon homeowners impacted by the 2020 wildfires.
Example Grant Agreement - Please read an example grant agreement to ensure you will be able to comply with all terms and conditions. You will not sign your official grant agreement until it is provided to you later in the process.
"What does a great day at work look like? Being able to say “YES” to someone who comes to us believing there isn’t any hope."