Community Action Organization assistance programs.
Family advocates from Community Action Organization can direct Washington County families to a number of assistance programs and services. The non-profit offers everything from the HopeSpring housing center to emergency, one time funds for paying rent and other costs.
Any type of support provided by the agency will be combined with job placement and help in seeking and applying for public aid, such as LIHEAP or food stamps. The goal is to help people overcome poverty and any hardships they are facing.
Housing programs - including financial help and advocacy
As far as self-sufficiency, Community Action offers Family Advocacy and guidance to Washington County individuals and families who are homeless. There is also support for families that have received an eviction or foreclosure notice. The family advocates are available to help clients set goals, identify resources or grants to apply to, and address barriers to stable housing.
The Hillsboro Family Shelter is a lead partner in a network of emergency facilities that also includes Good Neighbor Center in Tigard Oregon and Family Bridge in Hillsboro. During their up to five-week stay, guests of the shelter will receive help with developing plans for finding adequate and secure housing. They will also be given support in meeting other needs to assist them in achieving long-term self-reliance and stability.
While there is often a waiting list, the Open Door Counseling Center day shelter is also available for single homeless persons who need food, use of a computer and access to laundry and shower facilities. This can also support single parents and moms in Washington County. Dial 503-640-6689 for more information.
HopeSpring is a year long transitional housing program for homeless women and children, including both singles and survivors of domestic violence. HopeSpring serves women who, besides being homeless or in unstable housing situations, are in recovery from survivors of domestic violence, the disabled or chemical dependency. It can even eventually lead to section 8 housing in Oregon as well as Washington County.
In addition to offering this short term housing to those that qualify, Community Action Organization clients receive support and encouragement as they work toward financial self-sufficiency and stronger family relationships. Applicants to the non-profit must have referrals from a community service agency or a caseworker from a local authority. Or read more on section 8 housing requirements in Oregon.
Community Action’s resources for its Emergency Rent Assistance are very limited and may not be available in all areas. While that is the case, the agency may be able to help in cases where Washington County residents are homeless or at risk of evictions. To be eligible, applicants must show an eviction notice or a new lease agreement specifically for the month for which they are requesting assistance. To apply, please call 503-615-0770 and leave a message. Proof of income and more is needed for clients requesting an eligibility screening and information in regard to availability of funds.
Rent Well housing readiness training courses provide information on tenant rights and responsibilities. This includes topics such as budgeting, housing laws in Oregon, and other topics related to renting a home, apartment, or townhouse. Rent Well from community action offers classes targeted to prospective tenants who are having difficulty with being accepted for units due to previous history such as evictions, criminal convictions, or negative credit history.
The goal of Community Action’s of Washington County Veterans Administration-funded Supportive Services for Veteran's Families Program (SSVF)’s is to promote housing stability. It is targeted only at military members and very low-income veterans and their families in Washington County Oregon. It is government funded, and it will help people with making the transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
The program includes the services of a housing specialist, who assists veterans with obtaining some place to reside or preventing eviction from their current home or apartment. Short-term supportive services that include assistance with obtaining benefits from the VA and other public agencies are also available. Or veterans can learn about government aid from states as well as government financial help by state. There may be funds for paying a security deposit on a new home, or loans for rent to stop evictions from occurring.
Community Action’s year-round Energy Bill Assistance Program assists low-income households with managing the high costs of heating and lighting their homes. It depends on federal, state of Oregon, and private funding, and availability is dependent on these various funding cycles and donations received. Another key component is what type of assistance is needed by the household.
All funding for paying utility bills is limited, so at certain times, immediate assistance may not be available. Community action also offers limited outreach services for home bound seniors, families with young children or infants and people with disabilities in Washington County. Translation services may be available for non-English speakers.
To help eligible for a grant for their utility costs, households will need to conserve energy, lower utility bills, and take other steps in an effort to stay warmer and healthier throughout the year. This is done by the Energy Education Program, which provides information on conservation. This is accomplished through written materials, one-on-one counseling, and group workshops, all provided at no cost to the participant.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is a federal government law that mandates fair education practices for children of homeless families. To ensure that individuals have access to services specified in the act, Community Action partners with the Hillsboro School District to provide assistance with enrollment into school. Clients will also be given free school supplies, transportation, and record transfers. In addition to those services, the McKinney-Vento Student Advocate also helps families find appropriate resources for affordable health care, housing, and school nutrition assistance.
Educational and Washing County Community Action job programs
Head Start is for economically disadvantaged children, and there is also help for their parents. It will assist Washington County families with educational programming and support services that fully prepare them to begin school. This addresses cognitive, social, and emotional development. As noted, Community Action Organization offers support services for both children and families include free meals, social services, case management, and other services determined to be necessary based on family needs assessments.
Job training and placement programs are offered too. Community Action Organization helps parents whose kids are in Head Start or it assists the underemployed as well as job less. There is computer training, resume classes, job fairs in the Hillsboro region, using technology or smart phone apps, taking surveys, as well as many other programs. Or read about other non-traditional income programs, such as online survey companies that pay out cash.
Locations of community action in Washington County
There are a few offices that clients can stop by. Each offers resources or refers clients to another site. Whether financial aid, tenant righ programs, LIHEAP grants, or something else, help is available. They include the following.
- Hillsboro Multi-Service Center is at 1001 SW Baseline St., Hillsboro, OR 97123. Call 503-648-6646
- Beaverton Multi-Service Center is part of community action. The address is 5050 SW Griffith Dr., Suite 100, Beaverton, OR 97005. Call the center at 503-601-6005.
- Hillsboro Family Shelter is at 210 SE 12th Ave., Hillsboro, Oregon 97123. Call 503-640-3263.
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