Springfield Community Service Center emergency assistance programs.
A food pantry available at Springfield Community Service Center can provide both groceries as well as information on assistance programs available in Lane County as well as the city of Eugene. The location relies on a combination of volunteers and funding from partner agencies to help the less fortunate in the community, with a particular focus on senior citizens as well as families with young children. During a visit to the site, residents can learn about other services that may be available.
Donations are used to provide for some of the resources below. Each program is limited in capacity and who can be helped. There is a focus on applicants that are threatened by a short term hardship situation. Some of the resources are as follows.
- Springfield Service Center food banks – Clients can use the centers a few times per year. Non-perishable items may be available.
- Fan and Air Conditioners – Based on donations, or partnerships with local thrift stores, there are box fans for the ill, seniors, or families with children under six years old. The applicant needs to have some form of medical need for a fan to protect them extreme heat.
- Clothing closets across Eugene offer attire for work or school.
- Free holiday meals, toys, and clothing.
Students often struggle to find a meal during the holidays or breaks, as the free school lunch program can't help them during this time-frame. So the Summer Food Services for Children, which is United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) support, provides free snacks in lieu of those Breakfast and Lunch meals. The student can receive them at sites such as community centers, churches, or even youth summer camps.
Other Springfield Community Service Center hunger prevention programs distribute free brown bag meals; process applications for food stamps, coordinates food for hot meal programs; and sponsors special events, such as the Annual Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner. Many of these other hunger fighting programs are funded by donations and volunteer efforts.
Housing, utility and rent programs
Housing assistance may be offered after applicants meet with a counselor to determine eligibility. Any aid is one time only, and is first come and served. Applicants need to have proof of income, identification, and residency in Lane County as well as the service area.
For those that qualify, small dollar amounts may be issued for a portion of any overdue costs. This can range from utility bills, such as water or heating, to back rent. Any funds from the Springfield Community Service Center will be paid directly to the landlord or energy company. This is done in an effort to ensure that any donations from the community are used properly. Other support includes the following:
- Energy bill programs can help families faced with the threat of utility service disconnection. There may be grants for electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating oil.
- Other utility services include Energy Conservation classes, weatherization of homes, minor repairs. There is also the repair or installation of furnaces and air conditioners.
Springfield Community Center services provided by these programs are funded by the federal government emergency solutions grant program or private donations. Applicants must live within Lane County as well as meet State of Oregon and Federal Income Guidelines. Most people will need to be turned away due to demand and limited resources.
Eviction prevention and help for the homeless in Lane County can be arranged by Springfield Community Service Center. There are agencies that offer guidance and direct financial assistance. There may be short term loans for paying deposits for rent, electric and water connection fees. This will tend to be for individuals with a pay or quit notice or that have secured housing after being homeless but need help with the move in costs.
Find help for senior citizens
Senior Citizen Services are for people age 65 and older. The resident may be able to receive assistance with their basic needs. There is even support for their care givers, in the form of respite. Some of the solutions are as follows.
- Assistance with prescriptions in the form of applications to discount cards.
- Special diet foods can be met from the Springfield Community food bank, and applications need to have proof that it was prescribed by a medical doctor.
- Local transportation to a doctor or store in Eugene.
- Meals on Wheels services.
Applying to assistance programs from Springfield Community Service Center
Anyone seeking help from Springfield Community Service Center will need to be addressing the root cause of why they are low income or in poverty. Solutions for this may be adult education classes, help in studying for GED exams, and job placement. For more information on any program, call 541-345-3628.
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