WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Monday that 21 public housing authorities throughout Oregon, including the Umatilla County Housing Authority, will receive more than $5.7 million in grants to help with tenant-based rental assistance needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Oregonians battling the multiple economic challenges triggered by this public health crisis need to know there’s support available when they’re staying at home and fighting to keep a roof over their heads,” Wyden said in a press release. “I am gratified these local housing authorities are receiving this much-needed assistance to help the renters counting on them in Oregon.”

The Umatilla County Housing Authority, which provides public housing for Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler counties, will receive more than $45,000 in aid.

“Oregon’s housing crisis is being made all the more urgent by a public health emergency, during which Oregonians are facing economic uncertainty and should stay home as much as possible to keep our communities safe,” Merkley said. “I’m glad we’re getting these grants out to help renters keep roofs over their heads during this pandemic, but let’s make no mistake — this problem predates the pandemic and will be with us until we put in place bold solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a decent place they can afford to live.”

The Northeast Oregon Housing Authority in Union County received more than $121,000 in aid.