Dear Constituents,

As the financial crisis continues to evolve, it is clear that we will be feeling its effect for some time. To help Oregonians during these uncertain times, I’ve assembled a list of services that might be helpful in answering questions or finding assistance as we cope with changing finances.

General Assistance

If you are looking for general information, especially regarding money, jobs, and housing, check the local Portland edition of the Beehive at http://www.thebeehive.org

For general information about a variety of government assistance programs call 211. 

If 211 doesn’t work from your phone, dial 503-222-5555 (from Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties); their phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 8am to 8pm.

Resources by Topic:

    Aging and Disability Services

If you are a senior citizen, your county’s aging services can assist you with a variety of issues.

Multnomah County Aging Services Senior Helpline: (503) 988-3646

Clackamas County Social Services: (503) 655-8640

   Energy Conservation

To save money on heating and electric bills, refer to the Home Energy Saver’s website, sponsored by the US Department of Energy: http://hes.lbl.gov/

  Credit Counseling

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides assistance to help you become debt free at http://www.debtadvice.org/ or by calling 1-800-388-2227.

  Insured Accounts

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) both insure deposits of up to $250,000 for each account. The FDIC and the NCUA have information posted on their websites about recent changes and have set up hotlines.
FDIC Call Center (877) 275-3342 or http://www.fdic.gov/
NCUA Assistance Hotline (800) 755-1030 or http://www.ncua.gov/  

   Food Stamps

To determine your eligibility to receive food stamps, go to the Oregon Department of Human Services website; they administer the federal food stamp program in Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/foodstamps/foodstamps.shtml

Other Food Resources:

•    Oregon Food Bank:  http://www.oregonfoodbank.org

•    Oregon WIC Program:  http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/wic/

    Heating Bills

If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, you may be eligible for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program. Assistance is determined on the basis of income, household size, and availability. See http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/SOS_Oregon_Energy_Assistance_Program.shtml

You can also reach a number of energy assistance help lines by phone:

•    Oregon HEAT: (503) 612-3790

•    Clackamas County Energy Assistance Line:  503-650-5641

•    SEI-Community Services Energy Hotline: (503) 240-0828

•    Human Solutions:  (503) 548-0200

•    Human Solutions East County Offices:  (503) 988-4531

•    Portland Impact Energy Hotline: (503) 988-6020

Health

    Oregon Health Plan

For information on qualifying for or enrolling in the Oregon Health Plan, see:  http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/healthplan/app_benefits/ohp4u.shtml

    Prescription Drugs

For help paying for prescription drugs, see the Oregon Prescription Drug Program’s website, http://www.oregon.gov/OHPPR/OPDP/index.shtml

   Low Cost Health Clinics

Federally funded health clinics offer medical treatment and assistance to people without health insurance; their payment schedule is based on actual income. 

To find your nearest health clinic, go to http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Or to find an immunization clinic, go to http://www,mchealth.org/immunizations

Housing

    At Risk of Defaulting?

If you are at risk of defaulting on your mortgage payment, visit http://www.hud.gov/hopeforhomeowners/ to learn if you are eligible for a new, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

    Facing Foreclosure?

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage or are facing foreclosure, you can find helpful information at http://egov.oregon.gov/DCBS/safe_money.shtml

    Need Loan Counseling?

For loan counseling services, call toll-free 1-888-995-4673. This program is cosponsored by Neighborworks and the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. Hotline counselors will help connect borrowers with lenders and try to work out loan modifications.

Legal Assistance

Low-income Oregonians can obtain free legal information and assistance at http://oregonlawhelp.org/OR/index.cfm

Pet Assistance

If you are having trouble feeding or caring for your pet, you can get assistance through http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/ or http://www.help-a-pet.org/apply.html

Refunds

Thousands of Oregonians have not received their economic stimulus check or tax refund due to faulty addresses.  To find out if the government owes you money, go to: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Money_Owed.shtml

Digital Television Transition

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna or “rabbit ears” will not work after this date. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay/cable TV service need to take action now. Consumers who purchase a TV Converter Box today can connect it to their existing television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television immediately.

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. To apply for coupons, or for more information about the Digital Transition, visit https://www.dtv2009.gov/

Small Business Assistance

Small business owners can find valuable resources at: http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/or/index.html

Unemployment Insurance

Oregonians are now eligible to receive unemployment benefits for 39 weeks. You can submit applications at a Regional Unemployment Insurance Center or online at http://www.employment.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/claim_filing_info.shtml

Other useful online resources:

•    Oregon Unemployment Insurance - http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/index.shtml    

•    U.S. Dept of Labor – Unemployment Insurance  –  http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/