Washington County COVID-19 Response and Recovery Community Newsletter |
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Get vaccinated now before the next variant arrives |
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COVID cases are declining, but scientists say the next variant is already circulating in the U.S. and could be in Oregon by next month. Vaccines and boosters are still the best tools we have to prevent hospitalization and death, so get yours now while there are plenty of opportunities.
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In Washington County, our vaccination rates are higher than the state average, but we still have a ways to go, especially among kids ages 5 to 11. Only 53% of children in this age group have had their first vaccination, compared to other age groups where vaccination rates are in the 80 to 90 % range. Right now, kids in this age group are not eligible for boosters.
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We have made progress, but also have a ways to go to close the vaccination equity gap. Vaccination rates among people (18 and older) who identify as Hispanic/Latinx or Black are lower than rates among other groups. Most clinics don't require appointments and there are many opportunities at night and on weekends. See our vaccine page for options: www.co.washington.or.us/vaccine.
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Help us host a vaccination clinic! |
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Thank you to all of you who have hosted a vaccination clinic with our mobile team.
We have been to schools, parks, farmers markets, barbershops, chiropractors, post offices, libraries, fire departments, faith- and community-based organizations and more. If you have an idea for another location or want to host a clinic with us, please email us at: covidvaccine@co.washington.or.us
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Hang on to your masks to protect those most vulnerable |
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Once daily hospitalizations go down to around 400, the Oregon Health Authority says it will lift the indoor mask mandate. That should happen by the end of March, or possibly before.
Masks will still be required in healthcare and other high-risk settings and businesses can opt .
You should still wear a mask in indoor public settings if you are at high-risk of COVID complications, unvaccinated, immunocompromised or if you around people who are at high-risk.
Some schools may also require masks even after the mandate is lifted.
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Providing at-home tests kits for those most vulnerable |
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As of February 17, we have provided over 16,000 at-home test kits to community organizations that serve high-risk populations and those who otherwise would have a hard time accessing tests. This includes first responders, shelters, daycare centers, organizations that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and organizations that serve low-income, elderly and veterans. Watch this KGW story to learn more. Community organizations can now order larger supplies of at-home tests through the Oregon Health Authority by filling out this form.
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COVID-19 Testing Sites & Information |
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American Rescue Plan Act Latest |
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Washington County is a Best Practice leader in Pandemic Response and Recovery |
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Washington County is being recognized for its pandemic response and recovery investment plan for spending American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the community. The Board of County Commissioners’ adopted framework was highlighted as a best practices model by Results for America, a national nonprofit organization that supports local, state and federal government entities in the use of evidence and data to help solve today’s most pressing challenges.
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Washington County was one of four counties nationally to demonstrate a clear investment across all data and evidence criteria in Results for America’s Data, Evidence, and Outcome Provisions Assessment for ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Reports. The Results for America dashboard is a data-driven tool, created with Mathematica, to examine how Cities and Counties are investing their American Rescue Plan funds.
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This month, Washington County Board of Commissioners received a status update on the federal funding for pandemic response and recovery known as the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA.
Watch the video presentations on our YouTube linked channel below and visit
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Feb 1st, 2022 ARPA status report |
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Topics in this work session presentation include current operations and progress in developing ARPA programs.
Presentation materials available from this work session are available here.
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Feb. 3rd, 2022 COVID-19 pandemic projections and ARPA considerations |
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Topics in this work session presentation include the understanding of the current reality and future projection scenarios of the COVID-19 pandemic given by staff and subject matter experts.
This presentation is considered part two of the February 1st ARPA Status Update presentation.
Presentation materials available from this work session are available here.
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COVID-19 Equitable Economic Recovery: Workforce Support |
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Washington County also welcomed Senior Workforce Development Coordinator Greg Goloborodko to the Economic Development team earlier this year.
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Commissioner District Boundary Change Process Begins |
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Board appoints Joe Nelson to oversee reapportionment process |
New population numbers are prompting the process for redrawing commissioner district boundaries this year. Read the press release here.
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Census 2020 Findings Part 1 |
What did the Census 2020 reveal about the Washington County community?
The first wave of findings from the decennial census are now available. Details here. |
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Board of Commissioners are hosting a Town Hall March 9 at 6 PM. This virtual event will focus on the budget process and efforts to center equity in the provision of County services.
Watch this space for details and how to participate.
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The Washington County Law Library and those across all 36 counties in Oregon are vital public resources that enhance equal access to justice by ensuring that legal information, resources and tools are readily available and accessible to everyone. Watch this video on how it all works, closed caption can be turned on for multiple language subtitle options. |
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Washington County Job Opportunities |
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Come work at Washington County!
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What can I do to keep my car safe from thieves? |
Over the last few months, there has been an increase in vehicle crimes in Washington County. Our community has experienced thefts of property left inside cars, thefts of vehicles left running unattended to de-ice or warm-up, and even thefts of car parts such as catalytic converters. You can help protect yourself from vehicle crimes by taking to the following precautions:
- Park in well-lit areas and leave outside lights on at night.
- Install and use anti-theft devices or audible car alarms.
- Use a camera to help catch and identify thieves.
- Do not leave your vehicle running unattended; remain with it as it warms up.
- ALWAYS lock your vehicles.
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Never leave valuables inside your car.
- If anyone or anything seems out of place, is suspicious, or disconcerting, report it to non-emergency dispatch (503-629-0111) so law enforcement is aware and can respond accordingly.
- Get to know your neighbors and look out for each other by identifying suspicious behaviors, promptly reporting pertinent information to law enforcement, and reducing opportunities for criminals.
If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately, or if you discover you are a victim after-the-fact, call non-emergency dispatch to report at 503-629-0111.
Ask the WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
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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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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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Inclement Weather Shelters are activated when weather conditions create an immediate danger for unhoused people.
Inclement weather shelters "pop-up" through the weather event and operate on a "no-turn-away" basis to ensure everyone seeking a safe place to sleep can have access.
When forecasted extreme weather conditions are present, this website will be updated, and communications will be broadcast with the public and emergency service systems to ensure people know how to access inclement weather shelter sites. For additional information about either program, please contact shsinfo@co.washington.or.us. |
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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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Funding for CBOs supporting Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Oregon Department of Human Services will be inviting funding requests for community projects supporting older adults and people with disabilities. Of the $3 million available, at least $2 million will be designated for equity-related proposals serving Oregonians who have experienced barriers in accessing services and supports. To learn more, please see the press release
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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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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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