UCAN financial programs.
People of all backgrounds can get assistance from UCAN (formerly known as the United Community Action Network). Help is offered for the unemployed, working poor, seniors, and disabled. Emergency assistance is often available for paying bills and housing expenses. The support is also combined with case management, self-sufficiency and job training services.
Whenever possible, the community action agency will try to help on its own. But as resources are limited, or some people may not qualify, the organization will offer referrals to Oregon based agencies or other forms of advice. The bottom line is they do what they can.
Energy and heating bill assistance
LIEAP, or the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, is offered by UCAN. This is their main tool that helps low income households, including the disabled, pay heating and natural gas bills.
This federally funded program helps eligible applicants with all types of heating sources, including electric, propane and wood heat. Checks/payments are issued directly to the heat source provider or utility company. One household can use the services of this program at most once per year, so apply sparingly.
This is just one of several energy assistance programs of the UCAN that provide financial assistance concerning heating bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is one of the main ones. All families in need residing in Douglas and Josephine Counties Oregon can apply for this winter assistance program. It is not necessary to have a past due energy bill or be facing a shut off to access this assistance. For more information, The intake phone number is (855) 935-2542.
Rent and housing programs from UCAN
That is not the only service offered though. Emergency funding concerning electric or gas bills is also available from time to time directly from the agency. These funds are as a last resort in an emergency situation.
Due to the growing need, rental assistance funding is rarely available. It comes and goes, however clients can call for the latest in Douglas County. In some cases a loan may be issued for paying rental expenses, or in other cases the agency will coordinate other eviction prevention such as mediation.
People that rent or own a home and that are struggling can apply for the services of the Housing Counseling. This is a service that will help them with both the short and long term housing or rental needs. These services cover landlord-tenant issues like evictions, rental assistance, deposits, unsafe living conditions and fair housing problems. Get referrals to some of the following.
- Help with mortgage default prevention and how to avoid foreclosure.
- Emergency rental assistance that may be available from local charities.
- First time buyers can get information.
- Assistance in accessing low free and interest mortgage loans and grants for major home repairs.
- Reverse equity mortgage counseling for seniors.
Home TBA Program offers rental assistance to very low income tenants for the payment of housing costs and a refundable security deposit. UCAN acts like a mediator between the tenant and the landlord when needed. Payments are available in six-month or one-year terms and they are paid directly to the landlord.
Eligible client for the TBA Program is a household whose total gross income from all sources does not exceed 50% of the Oregon area median income for that household size, so the cut offs change each year. Those are very low-income families. The rental payment standards are based on the HUD guidelines for fair market rents (FMR). They are also based on the HUD area-wide exception rent.
An eligible tenant chooses a housing unit or apartment for which he will receive the assistance and in case of household moving to other unit. The rental assistance can also follow that household if they eventually move. The rental unit or apartment selected must meet housing quality standards.
Among other eligibility requirements for participation in the program, self-sufficiency is one of them. A plan is based on an assessment of the household's needs. It is developed and agreed upon by Case Management Services that work to determine if the tenant is out of compliance with the self-sufficiency plan agreed upon.
SSVF- Supportive Services for Veteran Families from UCAN is when they are eager to help homeless veterans and their families. Aid is offered through the funding that consists of security deposit assistance, rental assistance and other limited services. The primary purpose is to help them achieve housing and self-sufficiency through this assistance. For any information, please feel free to contact Case Management. In Douglas County, phone number is (541)672-5392 or stop by 948 SE Mill Street, Roseburg, OR;. Residents of Josephine County can dial (541)956-4050, and that office is 900 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, OR.
In partnership with the Neighbor Works Umpqua as well as organizations like the Roseburg Veteran's Administration, UCAN has a Case Manager on-site in the Eagle Landing housing on the VA grounds.
Additional resources
Medicaid Transportation is offered in partnership with TransLink. The non-profit United Community Action Network offers transportation services to some income qualified clients through the federal government Medicaid Transportation program. The program provides rides to eligible clients who have no other way to reach authorized doctor or hospital appointments in Douglas and Josephine counties. It is for Medicaid or Health Plus clients. Call TransLink at 888-518-8160.
Case managers will determine program eligibility and refer applicants to the UCAN Medicaid Transportation Program in Josephine County area. Volunteer drivers make sure applicants turn up for their medical appointments at no cost.
Early Head Start is a Home-Based service in Douglas and other counties in Oregon. It is for very young children, parents and their entire families. Through weekly home visits, both children and their parents/caretakers have an opportunity for learning, discussion, and social activity. Promoting parents’ abilities to support the child's development and developing their independency is the goal of the services of the home visitor.
Teachers, staff and others from UCAN, as part of Early Head Start, work with the entire family and offers members opportunities to develop to their full potential. Both parents and their children (in age from 0-2 years old) are provided with access to a safe and effective environment that ensures individuals growth and self-sufficiency. Pregnant women are also eligible.
Head Start is also processed by UCAN. The center provides families with information about services and opportunities in the community through the Head Start program. Parents from the community are encouraged to take steps towards their personal growth and development. The primary goals of will include parent education, information, support, motivation and involvement.
UCAN ensures emergency food and free groceries to the needy throughout Douglas and Josephine Counties. This assistance is realized through the Food Shares and Josephine County Food Bank. These two groups collect and distribute emergency food to a network of local member agencies and charities. Almost 15 food pantries and six community soup kitchens serve food to people in need.
Homeowners and renters living in Josephine and/or Douglas Counties who meet income requirements can apply for cost-free weatherization services. The assistance of the weatherization programs help families lower their utility bills by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, making them warmer and more comfortable while ensuring their health and safety.
Typically, working poor or senior households spend about 15 to 20% of their annual income on energy costs. This amount can be reduced by the improvements made from weatherization. This federal government program tends to provide home repairs such as increased insulation, repair of broken windows, repair of furnaces and air sealing, in order to reduce energy usage.
Office locations
UCAN has a few centers, food banks, and offices. They are below.
- Family Service Center is based at 280 Kenneth Ford Drive, Oregon OR 97470. Phone: (541)672-3421
- Josephine County Service Center - 900 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526. Telephone number is (541)956-4050
- Next door to UCAN is a free Food Pantry, the FISH of Roseburg located at 405 Jerry’s Drive, Roseburg, OR 97470, phone number (541) 672-5242
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