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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

In response to COVID-19, we are gathering important information and resources to help our community stay healthy and navigate this unprecedented time. We will continue to update this page with information for our community members.


FOOD SERVICES

Oregon Department of Education Food Resources This ODE page has links to each Oregon district’s web page with information about how they are feeding kids during school closure.

Oregon Food Bank: This food finder site is updated regularly with locations for accessing food in a safe and convenient manner.


RENT AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Governor Kate Brown Issues Commercial Eviction Ban: Governor Kate Brown today issued Executive Order, placing a 90-day moratorium on commercial evictions for nonpayment, in light of the impacts on business owners caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The order also strengthens Governor Brown’s previous ban on residential evictions, and prohibits landlords from charging tenants late fees for nonpayment of rent during the moratorium.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to serving 1.6 million customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista by providing comprehensive, sustainable energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Programs provided include: Residential program resources, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Utility resources for customers.

  • Contact Us : English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are here to assist you with your questions.
  • Contáctenos : Representantes que hablan inglés y español están disponibles para atender sus llamadas y ayudarlos con sus preguntas.

EMPLOYMENT

The Oregon Employment Department continues to respond to questions related to layoffs, work-hour reductions and unemployment claims. As conditions change daily, the department encourages people to visit its COVID-19 employment page for the most current information.

The Oregon Employment Department provides Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to most workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. In non-pandemic times, to get benefits, workers must meet some requirements. In general, to receive UI benefits for a week, you must be able to work, be available for work, and look for work you can do. During these times, the agency’s temporary rules (linked below) add flexibility to those requirements, by helping those who are temporarily laid off stay connected to their employers, and accommodating Stay Home, Save Lives orders as they relate to availability for work. Please read the questions below for more details.  


RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

The Oregon Department of Education released its school closure guidance and commitment to distance learning. School districts throughout the state should have distance learning plans in place by April 13.

Blue Mountain Community College, Eastern Oregon University, and Treasure Valley Community College have created resource pages to provide up-to-date information on COVID-19 as it pertains to students, faculty, staff.  Click each institutional link for current information.


ADVOCACY & HEALTH

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

The CARES ACT established $349 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides relief to millions of small businesses to sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed. This news release from the U.S. Treasury Department explains the program, where business owners can go to a participating Small Business Administration lender, bank or credit union starting April 3, with funds approved the same day. Loans will be forgiven as long as the funds are used to keep employees on the payroll and for certain other expenses. View a list of approved SBA lenders in Oregon here.


IMMIGRATION 


BIAS & HATE INCIDENTS

Oregon Department of Justice 

What is a Hate and Bias Incident? A hate and bias incident is any hostile expression that may be motivated by another person’s race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. The act does not need to be a federal, state or local crime.

Examples of Hate and Bias Incidents Hate and bias acts can be verbal, physical, or visual. This language and behavior often contributes to, or creates, an unsafe or unwelcoming environment. Some examples include:

  • Name calling; using a racial, ethnic or other slur to identify someone; or using degrading language.
  • Creating racist or derogatory graffiti or images/drawings.
  • Imitating someone with a disability, or imitating someone’s cultural norm or practice.

Why Should I Report? While hate and bias incidents sometimes target specific individuals, they often violate an entire group or community’s sense of safety and belonging. Graffiti on the wall, fliers, anonymous emails and language meant to harass individuals convey intolerance that impacts all of us. We want Oregon to be welcoming and inclusive.