Washington County COVID-19 Community Engagement Newsletter |
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COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Update |
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Since Washington County submitted its first COVID-19 vaccine equity report to the state in May of 2021, vaccination rates among Hispanic/Latina/o/x adults in the county have increased by 16 percentage points, and by 17 percentage points among Black adults in the county. Our new, COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Update, illustrates how more than 70 community groups came together to make that happen.
Report highlights:
- Learn how community groups are working to close the vaccination equity gap--which persists even as Washington County has vaccinated more than 80% of adults.
- Find out how vaccination rates in Washington County compare to rates in other Oregon counties.
- Watch our new video about how to talk to your friends and family about the vaccination.
- Learn how we partner with community organizations to organize, staff and communicate about our mobile clinics.
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CDC Approves Pfizer Booster |
If you got your second Pfizer shot at least six months ago, you may be eligible for a booster shot. The CDC approved boosters for people:
Contact your health care provider or pharmacy if you are eligible for a booster. Boosters for people who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines have not been
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Governor Brown visited the mobile vaccination clinic at the Forest Grove Farmers Market to congratulate Washington County, Adelante Mujeres and all community partners who are working to close the vaccination equity gap. Read the governor's press release. Watch the KGW story.
See our mobile clinic schedule here. Please let us know if you are interested in co-hosting a clinic. |
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Help us find location for our fall and winter clinics. |
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The suggestions we received in the last survey helped us reach many community members at parks, farmer's markets, local businesses, and various outdoor events and community spaces.
As we're planning our clinics during the rain and cold season, we would love your suggestions about how we can reach the community. Please share your suggestions on this 5-minute survey.
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If you or anyone you know is looking for COVID-testing, please visit this webpage to view the list of testing locations. Currently, there’s high demand and shortage of testing supplies throughout the community. We are actively working with partners to increase resources in this area. |
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program |
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Ordinance extends 60-day renters’ protection to 90-day period
With the adoption of the county ordinance, a tenant would now have 90 days of protection from eviction rather than 60 days of protection, after the tenant shows the landlord proof of an application for rental assistance. Once the application is completed, tenants will receive a notice that the application was received.
Tenants should share this confirmation with their landlord to be protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent for an additional 90 days if they live in unincorporated Washington County and 60 days if they live in other incorporated areas of the county.
We encourage County residents to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance program. To learn more on how to apply for emergency rent assistance, follow this link or visit the Community Action webpage to receive assistance on submitting an application.
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American Rescue Plan Act Town Hall Recap |
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On September 18, 2021, the Washington County Board of Commissioners hosted a virtual public Town Hall focused on the ongoing COVID-19 public health response, community stabilization and wellness, and economic recovery efforts funded through the American Rescue plan.
Washington County is carefully balancing continued response and thoughtful recovery with an equitable lens.
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Investing in Washington County |
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Summary of ARPA Tranche one investment areas
Many programs will be created with these funds to assist the community in the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about our investment areas for Washington County. Stay up to date by bookmarking www.co.washington.or.us/recovery.
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Great Oregon ShakeOut Earthquake Drill |
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Mark your calendars!
On Thursday, Oct 21 at 10:21 a.m. join Washington County by participating in the Great Oregon Shakeout earthquake drill.
We will be practicing how to drop, cover, and hold on when we feel the ground shake. If you’re working from home, you have the opportunity to practice responding to an earthquake from somewhere in our house. Think about a place in your house where you spend a lot of time, like the couch or the bed, and practice there.
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Prepare for the Drill
Register for free at www.shakeout.org/oregon/ to learn more about what to do. Invite friends and family to practice for their safety, too! To prepare for the drill, check out these videos from the Great ShakeOut. |
Everbridge Alert System
Starting October 25, Washington County will move to a new emergency alert system, called Everbridge. Through Everbridge, the county and partner first response agencies can issue emergency alerts to the entire county or to specific affected neighborhoods. Signing up for emergency alerts is easy through www.publicalerts.org/signup
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage/Latinx Month |
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In recognition of this year’s theme, “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,” we honor the legacy of Latinx people throughout our nation’s history and their significant and diverse contributions to the cultural, educational, economic, and political vitality of our community. |
The Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation dedicating the 30-day period between September 15 and October 15, 2021, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington County. View the video clip here. |
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Board of County Commissioners seeking volunteers for advisory boards and commissions |
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Utility Assistance and Energy Conservation - Community Action |
If community members are experiencing financial difficulty, Community Action can make a payment directly for them. For more information, please visit Community Action's utility assistance page. If repair is needed to improve energy efficiency, weatherization assistance is available. For more information, visit this page. Or, call (503) 615-0771, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
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Emergency Rental Assistance |
Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP). For those who live in Oregon and have felt uncertain about their housing due to COVID-19, this program can help them with rent and utility payments. Individuals can request rental assistance starting from last March (March 13, 2020) and up to 3 months of future rent at a time, until the program funds run out. Rent and utilities can include expenses like: electric, gas, power, heat, water, sewer, bulk fuel, eviction costs, fees charged by a landlord, and hotel costs if the hotel is the main residence. Click for an application in Spanish or in English. To learn more about the program, click on www.oregonrentalassistance.org. |
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Home Access Repair for the Disabled and Elderly (HARDE): offers grants to pay for urgent repairs and accessibility improvements for Washington County residents who are disabled or elderly and have assets lower than $15,000 and low income. Eligible repairs include repair or replacement of failed heating, plumbing, roofing, or electrical systems, and accessibility improvements such as grab bars, accessible bathrooms, and ramps. For more information, visit the Washington County Community Development webpage or contact Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator.
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Wood Stove Exchange
Older and uncertified wood stoves and inserts are inefficient, dirty and pollute the air inside your home and around your neighborhood. If you currently use one of these old stoves to stay warm in the winter, Washington County offers rebates of $1,500-$3,500 for a new stove, insert, or other heating system or offer free replacement for households that meet income criteria. For more information, visit this page.
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Business Recovery Disaster Loan Program |
New updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to the federal disaster loan program for small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural businesses impacted by the pandemic. New applications are now being accepted until December 31, 2021. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn about the new updates and about eligibility and application requirements.
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Relief for Agricultural Stakeholders Impacted by COVID-19 |
The USDA will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the Pandemic Response and Safety Grants program to aid small producers, processors, distributors, farmers markets. A grant forecast is available to determine eligibility. Visit the USDA for key dates on when applications can be submitted through the grant portal. Learn more about the program here.
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Help with Past-Due Balances at NW Natural Gas |
Oregon Arrearage Management Program (AMP): Oregon NW Natural Gas customers in need may be able to receive assistance through several grant options available to help with a past-due balance. This new program provides instant grants of up to $300 and more options for larger balances. A grant can be used to help offset the cost of a payment plan or to pay off a past-due account balance. Click here https://www.nwnatural.com/account/payment-assistance or call Customer Service at
800-422-4012.
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Portland General Electric encourages all customers to call and ask for information on payment plans, fee waivers, and other assistance. The phone numbers are 503-228-6322 (for Portland), 503-399-7717 (for Salem), or call toll-free at 800-542-8818. |
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For clients who are houseless and looking for temporary shelter in their community, this site lists all available shelters in the area: www.shelterlistings.org
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Free TriMet Bus or MAX Passes to Vaccinations |
Free day passes are available for people who would like to ride TriMet buses or trains or the Portland Streetcar to get to vaccination site. People can receive two free day passes to get both a first and second vaccine dose. Community organizations can request and distribute them by filling out this request form online. CBOs can request to pick-up or drop-off passes in person or via mail. You can also email TriMet at ticketsoha@trimet.org or call
503-962-2150 with any questions.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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The Washington County District Attorney’s Office, Washington County Law Enforcement Agencies, and Washington County Domestic Violence Community-Based Agencies have collaborated to produce a series of short, educational public service videos on domestic violence topics that will be released on social media throughout the month of October (available in English and in Spanish).
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Domestic Violence Resource Center 24hr Crisis Line |
Click here https://www.dvrc-or.org/ or call the 24hr Crisis Line at: 503-469-8620. If the survivor experiencing domestic violence has a minor child in their care, they may be able to apply for the Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors grant through ODHS (Oregon Department of Human Services), which may be able to help them flee, if eligible. To apply for this assistance, the survivor needs to contact their local ODHS Self Sufficiency office and request Domestic Violence services. Click here for information: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/abuse/domestic/pages/tadvs.aspx or call: Tigard – 503-670-9711 – 10777 SW Cascade Ave, Tigard, OR 97223
Beaverton – 503-646-9952 – 15425 NW Greenbrier Pkwy, Beaverton, OR 97006
Hillsboro – 503-693-4555 – 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124
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Mental Health and Addiction Services in Washington County |
Services may be accessed by calling the Washington County Member Services Line at
503-291-1155.
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Access to Healthcare Services
Project Access NOW has a mission to improve the health of our community by creating access to care and services for those most in need. They support comprehensive solutions adapted to meet the changing needs of our community. As they continue their core work of connecting low-income uninsured people to donated healthcare services, their focus has expanded to include innovative initiatives and partnerships that go beyond simple healthcare and address the social determinants of health. For more information click https://www.projectaccessnow.org/programs.
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This monthly newsletter is designed for community-based organizations to share COVID-19 related information and resources specific to Washington County. Please email us if you have:
- Information or resources you would like to include in this newsletter
- Question about resources needed in the community not included in this newsletter
- Opportunities or ideas you’d like to collaborate with another CBO on (e.g. Media campaign or events)
- Successful outreach events or stories you would like to share with other CBOs
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