Washington County COVID-19 Response and Recovery Community Newsletter |
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Prepare for the next COVID surge |
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As COVID cases increase in Washington County and across Oregon, it's a great time to get your vaccinations and boosters. Last month, the CDC authorized additional boosters for people 50 and older and some immunocompromised people.
It's also a good time to plan ahead in case you or a family member or close contact gets sick.
If you are at high risk of getting seriously ill with COVID, it's especially important to have a plan in place and to know where you can get treatment.
Antiviral pills that can reduce the severity of the disease are now more widely available.
Check out the federal Test to Treat website to search for pharmacies and health centers that have the treatment.
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Gathering safely as cases rise |
We have all missed family and friends during the pandemic and as the weather gets warmer, you may be planning more gatherings and get togethers.
To keep you and your guests safe:
- Gather outside when possible.
- Consider delaying the gathering if you or someone attending has recently been exposed to COVID-19.
- If you are inviting people at high risk of severe disease take extra precautions.
- You can still ask guests to wear masks.
- Vaccination and boosters are still the best protection against severe disease.
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Are you or a loved one unable to get to a vaccine clinic because of a disability or other physical or mental health barrier?
Washington County is accepting requests for in-home vaccinations for people experiencing barriers.
You can make a request for you or your loved one by calling 503-846-8123,emailing covidvaccine@co.washington.or.us. or by filling out this form.
Please share the flyer for this service available in multiple languages ( Arabic, Chinese - Traditional, Chinese - Simplified, English, Farsi, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese). |
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COVID-19 Testing Sites & Information |
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Community Action resource flyers |
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Is one of your clients at risk of having their electricity shut off?
Is someone you know experiencing homelessness or in need of rental assistance?
Do you know someone who needs education resources for their young child or who wants to start a childcare business?
Note: You have until May 6th to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program mentioned on the flyer. The program will stop taking applications after that date to make sure it can meet obligations for people who have already applied. |
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Ballots for the May 17, 2022, Primary Election start getting mailed April 27. If you are a registered voter, start checking your mailbox for your ballot. If by May 3rd you have not received your ballot, you can request a replacement ballot by using the Ballot Request Form at washcovotes.org or contact the Elections Office at 503-846-5800.
This is a closed primary, meaning voters must select a party affiliation to participate no later than April 26th before midnight. The quickest way to verify your registration is online at oregonvotes.gov/register
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Housing access fair connects people to programs |
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About 250 people attended Washington County's Housing Access Fair April 19-April 20. The event was very successful and reached its goal one day early of connecting most people to housing programs and case managers and will begin working towards their housing goals.
If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness get connected to resources by calling 503-640-3263 or email communityconnect@washco.org
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The County's Department of Housing Services would like to share their deep gratitude to the many service providers who made the event possible and for connecting people with housing services and supporting them throughout the process. A BIG thanks to volunteers from our faith community partners that generously provided lunch for clients and service providers too. Final updates regarding the outcome of the event can be found via the SHS newsletter. |
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Housing applications opening |
The Valfre at Avenida 26, which is an affordable rental housing complex located in Forest Grove, will be leasing up this summer! There will be 36 one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments available.
The housing application will be released on Wednesday April 27th online. Please call Cascade Management at (971) 444-3526 to learn more about this affordable rental housing opportunity.
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Board adopts charter for Advisory Council on Racial Equity |
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The Board of County Commissioners voted this month to establish the Advisory Council on Racial Equity (ACRE), a new advisory Council to the Board and department directors. The formation of the Council, as called for in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) resolution of February 2020, is intended to support the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion best practices and outcomes.
A recruitment of members for ACRE is underway and all are encouraged to apply here.
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Stay up to date on the American Rescue Plan
For questions regarding ARPA funding opportunities, please email Washington County’s ARPA Senior Program Coordinator, Dorian Russell, at: Dorian_Russell@co.washington.or.us
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Washington County updates |
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Washington County is hiring for multiple positions including:
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*Subject to change based on Washington County guidelines for large gatherings at time of the event.
Hosted by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff's Office Foundation of Washington County
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The Washington County K9 Trials competition is almost here! Join WCSO for a FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT as police K9 teams from throughout the region compete for the title of "Top Dog." The event will take place on Saturday, May 21 at the Hillsboro Stadium- 4450 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
K9 Trials competition 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Safety Fair: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Vendor Fair: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Emergency Shelter Expansion |
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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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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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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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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.
Saturday May 7, 2022 from 9 am – 3 pm at Far West Recycling
Far West Recycling, 6440 SE Alexander St., Hillsboro.
This one-day event and the funds to be distributed are available only to homes in Washington County. Only 40 stoves will be accepted at this event. For more information, visit this page.
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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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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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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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