C.O. agencies offer resources to those in need — or who want to help others
(Update: adding comments from NeighborImpact, Central Oregon COAD)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The fallout from the coronavirus outbreak is hitting some Central Oregon families harder than others, and several local agencies want to help.
Whether people need extra assistance putting meals on the table for their families, or are struggling to pay rent during this time, there are some options available for the community.
NeighborImpact can help people with food, rental, mortgage and energy needs in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
Frankie DiDomenico, NeighborImpact’s housing stabilization coordinator, told NewsChannel 21 Thursday rental assistance is an especially growing need right now.
"I think that it is bigger than usual,” DiDomenico said. “This is usually the slower part of our season, and we have seen a significant spike."
DiDomenico said a rental assistance wait list opened up on the NeighborImpact website on Wednesday, and there are already 30 names on it. However, the non-profit is out of funds for that specific need. Still, DiDomenico encourages people to apply through the website.
"For those clients that are in crisis, once they’re on that wait list, that is the first place we will look to try to alleviate that crisis for them,” DiDomenico said. “We will be using that wait list, as it builds and builds, to request those funds, if more are necessary."
DiDomenico said funds will come from the state of Oregon, but she's unsure when that will be, and how much. DiDomenico said NeighborImpact would need about $100,000-$150,000 to help clients, conservatively.
"How much we would need often does not match how much we get. I think that that's just the climate that we're always in," DiDomenico said.
The Family Access Network has an updated page online dedicated to community assistance and resources, including meal information for students and childcare information for parents.
Central Oregon Community Organizations Active in Disaster, or the Central Oregon COAD group, is a fairly new tool that connects people with professional organizations. Just head to its website and click on ‘Get Help,’ Then, type in your name, number, where you're at and what type of help you're looking for. You can get assistance from vetted organizations with things like meals and spiritual support.
"I think there's a great need for that right now,” said Patty Myers, Central Oregon COAD Co-Chair. “A lot of people are afraid, shelves are bare, things are being hoarded, and it's hard for grocery stores to keep things stocked."
Finally, the city of Bend is playing its own role in helping with meals, resources, and hotel and rental assistance.
For links to each of these resources, see the press release below sent out Thursday afternoon by the Central Oregon Emergency Information Network:
Central Oregon agencies on Thursday offered updated information to those in need regarding community resources ranging from food and energy assistance to housing options and mental health.
NeighborImpact, which serves residents in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, is encouraging those looking for food, rental, mortgage and energy assistance to navigate to its website and appropriate applications.
Currently, NeighborImpact is out of funds for rental assistance, but it is always accepting applications, regardless of fund status, and will keep them on file for 30 days. NeighborImpact offices in Prineville and La Pine will close through April, effective Friday, March 20. Residents can access services through neighboring offices in Redmond and Bend, and online.
The Family Access Network has an updated page dedicated to community assistance and resources, including meal information for students and childcare information, including support for Spanish speaking residents.
The Central Oregon Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COCOAD) group is made up of volunteers serving individuals and families in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. The multi-community organization combined effort provides resources such as volunteer labor, clothing, food, water, chaplaincy services, financial advice, etc.
If you’re an organization that would like to offer help or resources to COCOAD, you can email centraloregoncoad@gmail.com or call 541-316-0087; and individuals who need assistance should go to centraloregoncoad.com and click the blue “Get Help” button.
The City of Bend now has a COVID-19 page on its website with more information about the City’s efforts and ongoing changes. Resources on payments, business impact, schedule changes and more can be found there.
City staff is closely collaborating with local nonprofits serving vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 precautionary period and any subsequent outbreak in our community. The city is also in process of establishing contracts to support Family Kitchen (meals), REACH (case management and resources), and NeighborImpact (hotel/rental assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness and are at high medical risk OR have been exposed to/or have contracted COVID-19).
ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information.
Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC (Joint Information Center) at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
