As the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis are felt around the state, nonprofits serving vulnerable populations and providing critical loans to small businesses are getting timely, home-grown support.
Powered by the collective action of Oregon donors and channeled through Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), grants are reaching nonprofit service providers and community lenders every week. Donors have cumulatively donated $13.3 million to COVID-19 relief, and in just the first few weeks of grantmaking, 302 nonprofits received a total of $7.8 million in grants to continue offering vital services.
Here’s a look at seven Oregon nonprofit organizations responding to community needs with recent OCF grants – just a sampling of the important work happening around our state.
NeighborImpact
Nonprofits provide food to vulnerable people every day, and that need is growing from the economic impacts of COVID-19. NeighborImpact distributes food in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Before COVID-19, they distributed 40,000 pounds of food a week, but the weekly amount doubled in late March. An Oregon Community Recovery grant is helping with overtime staffing, temporary positions and food and supply purchases to meet the increased need.
Community Action of Washington County
Many families in Washington County are struggling with lost or reduced wages as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Community Action of Washington County in Hillsboro assists by providing rent and bill paying assistance and distributes diapers, hygiene and cleaning supplies. Demand is huge and the Oregon Community Recovery grant is helping to fill funding gaps to keep families safe.
Jackson County Bear Creek Greenway
Unhoused residents – without basic hygiene facilities and few options for meals that meet social distancing guidelines – are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Bear Creek Greenway, a 21-mile path that runs from Central Point to Ashland, is used for recreation, but is also home to a large population of people experiencing homelessness. An Oregon Community Recovery grant is helping Jackson County and partnering cities, Mercy Flights, and Access Food Share to deliver food, medical services, portable handwashing stations and toilets to camps along the greenway.