There’s Good News: Over $240K in community benefit grants awarded by St. Charles Health System

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System today awarded more than $240,000 in Community Benefit grants to 45 local organizations in Central Oregon. The grants will support basic needs, help reduce loneliness and provide healthy, affordable food.

The funding is part of St. Charles' initiative to address key community needs across the region.

The grants focus on two Priority Grant areas: providing access to healthy, affordable food and increasing a sense of belonging and reducing loneliness. The demand for funding was high, with more than 90 organizations applying for the grants this year.

Carlos Salcedo, manager of Community Partnerships with St. Charles Health System, noted the increasing need within the community. "We are proud to provide support for many wonderful efforts and events in Central Oregon. The need in our community seems to be growing, as more than 90 organizations applied for grant funding, which is a fairly significant increase from what we have seen in years past."

One recipient, Open Door Ministries, received a $5,000 Basic Needs grant. This organization, affiliated with the Bend Methodist Church, provides essential services to individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness.

Open Door Ministries helps local residents with free clothing, hygiene and personal items, food and financial assistance for utilities or gas.

The organization also operates a mailroom specifically for individuals who do not have a permanent address. More than 200 Central Oregonians utilize this vital service.

Chuck Hemingway, a representative with Open Door Ministries, emphasized the organization's core mission. "Our roots are in helping marginalized people. It's who we are. We are thrilled to receive this grant. We will be good stewards of the funding and will put it to good use."

Charlotte Hartman, a volunteer in the Open Door Ministries mailroom, helps connect people with clothing and other necessities. Hartman has volunteered for nearly 40 years. "I've worked here almost 40 years. I do it because you just look around and see the need. It's huge. It makes me feel good and hopefully it touches someone's life in a positive way."

St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon. It employs more than 5,600 caregivers and partners with the local medical community to provide various health services.