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Washington County News and Resources Community Newsletter

September 4, 2024

Join us on Monday, September 16 from 5PM to 7PM at the Hillsboro Brookwood Library (2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy Hillsboro, OR 97124) for a Voter Education Night hosted by Virgnia Memorial Health Center in partnership with Washington County's Elections Division.

Whether you need to register, update your voter information, or simply want to learn more about the elections process, this FREE event will equip you with the knowledge to participate confidently in the upcoming General Election in November. This event is open to the public and will also feature a community resources fair. Help spread the word and don’t miss out on this chance to get election-ready while connecting with your community! 

Spanish translation services will be available at this event.

Washington County celebrates Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month 2024

As Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month approaches, everyone is invited to recognize and celebrate the history, traditions, cultural diversity, and countless contributions of those whose ancestors were indigenous to North America, including Mexico, as well as those whose ancestors came from Central America, South America, Spain and the Caribbean. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” recognizes all the Hispanic and Latin Americans who have been trailblazers and game changers—paving the way for future generations.

A special proclamation at the August 27th Board of Commissioners’ meeting kicked off the celebration. The proclamation was read in both English and Spanish by Janeth Ceja, a community health worker in HHS, and by Gemma Balderas, a business coach and retail specialist for Adelante Mujeres.



• Watch the presentation online here.
• Read the proclamation here.

Washington County recognizes and celebrates Community Health Workers

On August 27, the county's Board of Commissioners also issued a proclamation in honor of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week (NACHWAW) recognizing the unique, critical and essential role Community Health Workers (CHW) play in advancing health access and justice. As problem solvers, advocates and educators, CHWs act as bridges between key resources and communities in need; promoting self-sufficiency; and advancing community resiliency. Though NCHWAW has ended, we encourage everyone to continue sharing their appreciation for CHWs, who work tirelessly to bridge gaps, lower disparities and make sure you get the treatment you deserve. We thank our CHWs throughout the region for all that you do!

To learn more about CHWs near you, visit Washington County’s page about Community Health Workers. For details on NCHWAW, visit the National Association of Community Health Workers’ official website. 

Elected officials, government staff, program recipients and community members throughout Washington County celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program on August 22. The celebration included a bus tour featuring projects funded by the program including many parks, senior center, sidewalks, and other infrastructure projects throughout the County. The tour concluded with a luncheon held at CDBG-funded Walnut Street Park and featured guest speakers Bryan Guiney from the Housing and Urban Development, Chair Harrington, Commissioner Treece, City of Banks Mayor Stephanie Jones, and Community Development Program Manager, Shannon Wilson. A special thank you to the Cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Cornelius; Project Homeless Connect, Marjorie Stewart Senior Community Center, Just Compassion of East Washington County, and Bienestar for their participation in the tour.

Help us improve: Survey on Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Line Awareness

The survey is geared toward Washington County residents as well as to service provider organizations. It is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian and simplified Chinese.

Unite Oregon: BOLD Program 2024 call for applications

Downtown Tigard Street Fair and Multicultural Festival

The Explore Downtown Tigard Street Fair and Multicultural Festival is back again this year. Join the community on Sunday, September 15 from 12PM to 6PM in Downtown Tigard for shopping, music, great food and fun activities for the kids!

Parking options include the City Hall parking lot, the Public Works parking lot, and on-street parking on Burnham Street. Accessible parking is also available at the Burnham Street Public Parking Lot.

Westside Small Business and Workforce Open House

This event is conveniently located at Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave Transit Center with access to Trimet Max Blue line and bus lines.

Washington County Economic Development Resource Webpage

The Economic Development Resource Webpage provides Washington County small businesses with access to a variety of resources through the new small business resource directory and includes various opportunities ranging from workforce development to government contracting.

• Small Business Resource Directory: Resources range from technical assistance services, help with access to business capital, networking opportunities and legal services. They include the local area and culturally specific chambers of commerce, community-based organizations and trade associations. 
• Workforce Development Resources: Resources for job seekers, employers and community partners navigating their workforce development needs.
• City Resources and Government Contracting: Resources for those who are interested in or currently contracting with local, regional, or federal government agencies.



Centro Cultural DACA Fund

This scholarship fund was created by Centro Cultural, in partnership with Oregon Foundations, to remove barriers to prosperity for people with DACA status.

With increased renewal fees, Centro Cultural understands the financial burden this process can cause and is here to support you.

Centro invites Oregon DACA recipients to apply for this scholarship fund to renew your DACA status. The financial assistance program covers the $605 needed for processing and renewal fees. The process is completely confidential and open to everyone who needs to renew their DACA status and reside in the State of Oregon. For more information or questions call: 503-359-0446.

Start the process and complete the online form by clicking below, or scanning the QR code:

Oregon Food Bank - Food Finder

The Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder map makes it easy for everyone to access free, nutritious food. This map lists different food pantries and meal sites that provide free groceries and fresh produce. These options are community based and accessible to ALL. To learn more about free food options in your community visit the Food Finder map to locate free groceries, meals or places that double your SNAP EBT benefits*.

*The Double Up Food Bucks program doubles each dollar you spend when you use SNAP EBT at participating grocery stores, CSA's and farmers markets. Learn more about SNAP Double Up Food Bucks here.

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Climate Supports

As of March 1st, 2024, eligible OHP members will be able to apply for climate related resources under the benefit health-related social needs (HRSN). Eligible members will be able to receive devices such as but not limited to air conditioners, heaters and portable power supplies. For more information access the fact sheet created by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Weatherization

Ensure your home is staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Weatherizing your home involves finding areas where warm or cool air may be lost, like windows, doors, and vents, and improving them. The following organizations provide free or low-cost weatherization assistance to low-income households.

• Community Action
• The Low-Income Weatherization Program provides weatherization and energy conservation services at no cost to households at or below 200% of federal poverty income level.
• Through Energy Trust landlords can receive up to $250,000 per year in cash incentives for increasing energy efficiency and weatherization at multifamily properties they manage.

Find other cooling programs at www.staycoolwashingtoncounty.com.

Utilities Assistance

Community Action is available to assist community members experiencing financial difficulty with utility bills. For more information, please visit Community Action's utility assistance page. If repair is needed to improve energy efficiency, weatherization assistance is available, visit this page, or call 503-906-6550.

City of Hillsboro utility bill assistance

Residents facing financial hardship can stay connected to City utility services through the City of Hillsboro’s Utility Bill Assistance program, which offers flexible payment plans and bill relief support. View the flyer in English and Spanish.

Portland General Electric

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 or toll-free at 800-542-8818. Income-Qualified Bill Discount program is available for qualifying households. Check here to see if you qualify.

NW Natural

NW Natural's Oregon bill discount program is now available for income-qualified customers. Apply online or download the application and mail it in.

Reduced Rate Garbage & Recycling Program

If you live in Washington County and your income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level - $51,338 per year for a household of four - you can have your garbage and recycling bills cut by 75%. Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling is partnering with Community Action, to make the application process easy. You can apply online, in person, or request an application by mail. To learn more and access the application, visit our website.

Domestic Violence Resources

The Washington County Domestic Violence Crisis number is: 503-469-8620 or toll free 1-800-469-8600. Find a list of the most commonly requested resources here. Additional resources including mental health, food and housing here.

The following pages provide information and resources on abuse and violence in romantic relationships: 

• The Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC): A local non-profit agency that offers services, including crisis intervention and shelter, to domestic violence survivors and their children.
• Family Justice Center of Washington County: A non-profit offering wrap-around services to survivors of family violence, all in one place.
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: A national organization dedicated to ending domestic violence.
• NCADV Domestic Violence Information: General information on Domestic Violence.

Mental health and substance use services in Washington County



Washington County is available to help, get in contact with the Behavioral Support Team at 503-846-4528. If you are in a crisis, call the Crisis Line at 503-291-9111.

Find regional resources and listings for mental health and substance use services, plus help on how to quit gambling or tobacco use here.

Homelessness Resources

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. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness contact Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or email communityconnect@caowash.org.

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