FORTH and Hacienda CDC have partnered to bring two electric vehicles for shared use at Las Adelitas and Salón Comunal.

Read more about the community launch event and what to expect from the EV carsharing system.  

A new Chevy Bolt will be available for carshare rental program in partnership with FORTH.

Hacienda’s dedication to supporting and uplifting communities is strengthened through valuable partnerships. Collaborating with remarkable organizations, we develop resources to engage residents and community members. 

On January 23, 2024, Hacienda’s Resident Services team, in collaboration with FORTH, a nonprofit organization focused on clean transportation, introduced an exciting new carshare program to the Cully community. But what exactly is carsharing? It's a solution aimed at overcoming transportation limitations by providing access to a fleet of vehicles for short-term rentals. Additionally, with its utilization of electric vehicles, it also contributes to reducing carbon emissions. 

The 2-hour Launch Event served as an opportunity for residents to discover more about the carshare program and its benefits. The system will feature a specialized app allowing residents to easily reserve, unlock, and drive the vehicle during their allocated time. Moreover, participants were assured of receiving travel support throughout their journey, highlighting one of the many ways FORTH supports participating residents. A standout feature of the carsharing program is its use of electric vehicles as a transportation option. Residents got an exclusive first look at the new Chevy Bolt and eagerly explored the vehicle they will soon have access to. 

Families and individuals across the Cully community will utilize the carshare for their daily errands and to create new memories during their vacations. Thank you FORTH for partnering with Hacienda and making transportation accessible to everyone!  

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Are you a Hacienda Cully resident interested in using the carshare system?  

Download the MDO Carshare app from the Google Play or App Store or scan the QR code to get started:

1. Register Account  

2. Onboarding Call 

3. Reserve 

4. Unluck and Drive  

5. Return and Pug-In  

Need help? Please visit goforthcarshare.com or call 503-850-0007 

Portland Parks & Recreation engages the next generation of environmental leaders through volunteer naturalist training, paid work programs, nature-based camps, field trips, guided walks, and stewardship. Learn more about opportunities available.

Free community-focused college course supporting participants in connection building and networking.

Read more to learn about this program and eligibility.

Humanity in Perspective (HIP) is a free, for credit, college level humanities course for individuals living on low incomes and/or face barriers to continue their education.  

In addition to a free course, all class-related readings are provided. Upon fulfillment, participants receive transferable undergraduate credits as well as a certificate of completion.  

This unique and incredible course has been made possible through a partnership between Oregon Humanities, Bard College, and Portland State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

To Register: View the list of upcoming courses and complete a short, noncompetitive registration form located on the HIP website.

Questions? Contact Rozzell Medina, HIP’s Program Manager and Lead Instructor at r.medina@oregonhumanities.org or (971) 361-9883.

Do you have an idea for a new business or a product or service that expands your current business? You could win $20,000 for your entrepreneurial journey.

Read more about how to wear a life jacket, the importance of water safety, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer.

Did you know body heat can be lost four times faster in cold water than in cold air? When your body hits the water, you can experience cold shock—rapid breathing, a spike in heart rate and blood pressure. Wearing a life jacket, even if you know how to swim, is the best thing you can do to stay safe in the water this summer and any time of the year!

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How to fit a life jacket:

The life jacket has to fit to do its job. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a jacket for you. Life jackets come in many shapes, sizes, colors and materials. No matter which style you choose, it is very important that you choose one that's not too big, not too small, but just right. http://oregonmetro.gov/watersafety

When shopping for a life jacket, size matters. Rather than getting one to grow into, make sure the jacket fits snug on the user.

It’s important that a life jacket fits properly—check the label for height and weight requirements.

Water safety for all ages:

Regardless of your age, anyone can learn how to swim. It’s never too late to learn basic swim and water survival skills. Swim lessons are hard to come by this summer, but some lessons might still be available in your area:

o   Tualatin

o   Portland

o   Oregon City

In general, it’s always best to teach children to always ask for permission to go near water. Continue to supervise around water, even once kids get older.

Remember:

• Knowing how to swim will not drown-proof any person at any age.

• Drowning isn’t just a risk to young kids. Many drowning victims are young adults, especially in open water.

• Never swim alone. Use the buddy system, even when swimming with a large group of friends.

• Don’t use alcohol or drugs before or while swimming, diving or supervising swimmers.  

Overall Safety Tips:

Here are some things to keep in mind once children enter adolescence:

• Learn how to swim. It’s never too late to learn basic swim and water survival skills.

• Continue to supervise. It can save lives. Knowing how to swim will not drown-proof any person at any age. Never swim alone. Use the buddy system, even when swimming with a large group of friends.

• Choose natural water swimming spots carefully. Swimming in a river or lake is very different from swimming in a pool. Be aware of the risks before you go.

• Wear a life jacket.

Lower your risk of drowning: learn to swim, bring a buddy, know the risks of natural water and plan your trip.

The East County Library will be an entirely new building similar in size to the Central Library in downtown Portland. Help Multnomah County better understand your needs and interests by filling out our quick 3-question survey at the link:

• English Survey: ECL - Art Survey (English) (surveymonkey.com)

• Spanish Survey: ECL - Art Survey (Spanish) (surveymonkey.com)

• Vietnamese Survey: ECL - Art Survey (Vietnamese) (surveymonkey.com)

• Chinese Survey: ECL - Art Survey (Chinese) (surveymonkey.com)

• Russian Survey: ECL - Art Survey (Russian) (surveymonkey.com)

  Submit your response before no later than July 16th.

  Share your ideas and excitement for the future of this new East County Library in-person at the July 11th event!

  Multnomah County is looking forward to dreaming big with you and they can't wait to hear your ideas!

This program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.

Hacienda CDC is partnering with Comcast to get the word out about Comcast RISE, a grant program for small businesses that opens June 1st! 

This program was created in 2020 to help small businesses hard hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. As small businesses transition from pandemic recovery to a focus on expansion and growth, Comcast will continue its efforts in 2023 to help an even broader range of small businesses while focusing on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. 

 “We are thrilled to partner with Comcast to help spread the word about Comcast RISE and make sure small businesses know about this opportunity and submit an application,” says Ernesto Fonseca, Hacienda’s CEO. Year-round Hacienda helps entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing a business with technical assistance and connection to resources through our Empresarios program.  

Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment. Comcast will award grant packages to 100 small businesses in Multnomah County, including those owned by women, people of color, and individuals committed to uplifting their local communities. Valued at approximately $40,000, the grant packages will include the following: 

• Business consultation services 

• Education resources 

• $5,000 monetary grant 

• Creative production, media, and technology makeovers 

From June 1-30, 2023, small businesses in Multnomah County can learn more and apply for Comcast RISE at  www.ComcastRISE.com. We will be hosting drop-in application hours at Portland Mercado and the Cully Learning Center in June. Stay tuned for dates and times! 

Comcast will notify the winner in August. 

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Begin the application process…

OregonHealthCare.gov is a great resource to learn about health coverage, financial assistance and receive Oregon Health Plan enrollment help.

Read more about health coverage in Oregon.

Health coverage in Oregon:

Get help with…

• What coverage and savings you can get at oregonhealthcare.gov/windowshop

• Financial help is available through the Marketplace for both monthly and other out-of-pocket costs

• Free coverage may be avaible to kids, teen, and adults through the Oregon Health Plant at ohp.oregon.gov

• Find free, local help at oregonhealthcare.gov/gethelp

Time is running out, enroll by January 15th!

Contact Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

Toll-Free: 855-268-3767

Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace

855‑268‑3767 (toll‑free)
info.marketplace@odhsoha.oregon.gov

The PDX 311 program is an initiative by the City of Portland to connect residents to city and county services.

Read more about this easy-to-use Tool.

PDX 311 is a tool for those living in Portland and Multnomah County to quickly access government services. Call 311 when you have a question or have a need from local government within the county.

Start with 311 when you have…

• Questions about anything from recreational programs to how to pay for a parking ticket

• Requests about anything from getting a permit to help with a fender bender

• Reports about anything from obstructed roads to leaky hydrants

Contact:

Phone: 3-1-1 or (503) 823-4000 within Multnomah County

Email: 311@portlandoregon.gov

PDX 311 staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays, by phone or email.

Staff is fluent in English, Spanish, Romanian, and Tagalog and has resources to assist community members in additional languages. 

PDX 311 is not a substitution for 911. During emergencies, please call 911. If you need social services, call 211.

Over the past two years Hacienda has worked quickly to meet the urgent needs of our community during the COVID-19 crisis. Read the infographic below to learn about our work to support the health of our community.

Hacienda’s community card is a new initiative that will enable you to seamlessly access programs and services in Hacienda’s network. Read more to learn about this card and its benefits. 

About the Community Card  

Hacienda’s affordable housing and holistic programming have supported our residents and broader community since 1986. During that time, we have grown to over ten communities with thousands of residents and community members.  

Our growing impact requires innovative new systems that increase access to our array of programs and services. The new Community Card initiative will provide Hacienda’s current and future clients with a seamless way to access our programs with the scan of a single card. 

This card can currently be used to access to our bi-weekly food pantry, transit assistance, and our state-of-the-art Learning Centers. In the future, Hacienda's Community Card will be implemented in additional Hacienda programs.  

Why a Community Card? 

This new initiative allows residents and community members to seamlessly access our array of holistic programming with the scan of a single card.  The Community Card allows Hacienda to centralize our program intake process and support accurate and efficient data collection while ensuring a positive client experience.

A pilot of the Hacienda Community Card began in June 2022 and has been successfully implemented with over 100 community members. Through this pilot we learned that the Community Card created a better client experience, improved accuracy of information collected, and increased engagement within other Hacienda programs that currently accept the Community Card. 

Where can I get one? 

Register for a Hacienda Community Card at a Learning Center near you or visit our bi-weekly food pantry at the Hacienda headquarters to receive a card and gain seamless access to our services. 

What information is collected? 

Hacienda’s Community Card gives us insight into individual and community trends so that we can do our best work.

When requested, demographic and programmatic trends may be shared with partners that support Hacienda CDC’s work.  Information collected via the Community Card will only be distributed as numbers and trends that broadly demonstrate the impact of our work. Individual information is confidential and never shared with third parties.

How To Use the Community Card

(New Users)

Receive a card from a Hacienda employee

Click
“I need to register”

Fill out Intake form

Scan the QR code to finish registering!

How to Use the Community Card

(Returning Users)

Click
“Check-In”

Select method for check-in

Scan the QR code or enter your unique pin and

follow the prompts on screen to check-in!

Multnomah County, City of Portland announce cooling shelter and cooling center locations starting Tuesday, July 26 

Overnight cooling shelters opening Tuesday at 2 pm

Charles Jordan Community Center: 9009 N. Foss Ave., Portland

East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland

Portland Building: 1120 S.W. 5th Ave., Portland

Sunrise Center: 18901 E. Burnside, Portland

Daytime cooling center opening Tuesday, from 2 to 10 pm

Old Town: 435 N.W. Glisan St., Portland

Transportation

TriMet will not turn away anyone riding to a cool place who cannot afford to pay fare. TriMet asks riders to let their driver know they are headed to a cool place.

When riding transit during extreme heat, riders will want to plan extra time and check trimet.org/alerts before traveling, as there may be heat-related delays to service.

Anyone who needs transportation support to a cool space can also dial 2-1-1 (866-698-6155).

Libraries Many libraries are open until 8 p.m.

Extended hours until 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday:

Central: 801 S.W. 10th Ave.

Gresham: 385 N.W. Miller Ave.

Holgate: 7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd.

Misting stations

12 pm to 8 pm starting today (Tuesday 7/26):

East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave. 

Glenhaven Park, near skate park: 7900 N.E. Siskiyou St.

Harney Park, near restroom: S.E. 67th Ave. and S.E. Harney Street

Knott Park, west restroom: N.E. 112th Ave. and N.E. Russell Street

Lents Park, at Walker Stadium: 4808 S.E. 92nd Ave.

Mt. Scott Community Center, near playgrounds: 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.

Community spaces, including Lloyd Center

Community locations, including pools, splash pads, senior centers and Lloyd Center mall, which is welcoming people with extended hours starting Tuesday : Interactive Map of Cool Spaces

The Joint Office of Homeless Services supply center is providing water, electrolytes, sunscreen and more for groups doing outreach. Email JOHSSupplies@multco.us for an appointment.

FREE TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY!

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In response to last year’s heat wave, PCEF (Portland Clean Energy Fund) has funded a heat relief program to distribute portable heating and cooling units to the homes of vulnerable populations throughout Portland.

Installations and trainings are included!

Qualifications:

• Must live in Portland and earn below 60% of the area median income (co-qualification and self-attestation can be provided)

Prioritization: People who do not have cooling and meet two or more of the following will receive units first

• Do not have a functioning cooling device

• Over 60 years old

• Has a medical condition (self-reported, no medical verification needed)

• Living alone: household size = 1

Additional factors:

• Community programs (Verde Builds) can prioritize recipients

How to request a cooling unit

The following information is intended to help eligible Portlanders access a cooling unit through the Heat Response Program. The CDPs are responsible for identifying and selecting recipients in the program, the City of Portland is not selecting recipients.

If you or a loved one are experiencing a heat emergency, we urge you to seek a public cooling space or call 911. For more information about how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and how to find a cooling shelter or transportation during a heat emergency, visit https://www.publicalerts.org/heat

Housing Provider CDPs : If you live in a housing unit managed by one of the following housing providers in the Heat Response Program, you can contact your property manager to determine if you are eligible to receive a cooling unit. Housing providers are currently only serving people who live in the housing that they manage.

• Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare

• Central City Concern

• Hacienda CDC

• Home Forward

• Innovative Housing

• Northwest Housing Alternatives

• PCRI – Portland Community Reinvestment Inc.

• REACH CDC - Note : REACH CDC is only serving people who are homeowners eligible and participating in their Community Builders program. If you live in a rental property managed by REACH CDC, contact one of the community-based organizations below.

• Rose CDC

Community-based organizations: The following organizations are serving low-income Portlanders and have intake processes to determine eligibility and prioritization.  If you are Portlander who meets the income qualifications, you can contact one of these organizations to request a cooling unit.

The processes are not on a first-come, first served basis, and there are no guarantees that you will receive a cooling unit this summer. PCEF recognizes that there is significantly more need in the community than units available.

• African American Alliance for Homeownership

  • Email: info@aaah.org

  • Phone: 503-595-3517

  • Intake form: LINK

• APANO (intake process coming soon)

• Verde

  • Email: info@verdenw.org

  • Phone: 503-290-8570

  • Intake form: LINK

If you are receiving health benefits from a Health Share Oregon provider, whether you live in Portland or in another city:

You may be eligible to receive a cooling unit from your medical provider, if you are covered by one of the following organizations: CareOregon, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy, OHSU Health, Providence. Contact Health Share Oregon for more information

• Health Share Oregon

  • Website

  • Phone: 503-416-8090

Verde is working with the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) to make ductless heat pumps more affordable or even free for those who qualify.

A ductless heat pump uses 30-40% less energy than traditional AC systems which can save you money on your utility bill!

Through Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), Portland residents can receive up to $600 in total incentives by attending a stewardship workshop that provides additional tips around weatherization, energy efficieny information, and maintenance.

See how the DHP program has helped others.

Interested in a DHP? Fill out Verde’s Build DHP Intake form here.

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This summer while grocery shopping, you can also help take care of the environment and your community at the same time! When you bring in a reusable bag to the Slabtown New Seasons Market, their Bag It Forward Program will donate 5 cents to Hacienda CDC.

Give while you can at the New Seasons Market - Slabtown at 2170 Northwest Raleigh Street in Portland, Oregon.

Bag It Forward supports organizations like Hacienda and others that support food access and equity, education programs, and environmental action and justice. Hacienda CDC is honored to have been selected in this partnership that has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to community organizations.

Hacienda CDC is a Latino Community Development Corporation that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities. We are grateful for this partnership and support of our work! Take the opportunity to give and support our mission by visiting the New Seasons in Slabtown, Portland, Oregon.

Learn more at NewSeasonsMarket.com

MENTAL HEALTH GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES

It’s been a difficult time for a lot of families. Many are dealing with a loss, financial instability, and poor health. With all these struggles taking front seat it’s important that we acknowledge our mental health and seek out professional help to support ourselves and others.

It’s okay to ask for help

Oregon-based nonprofit Lines for Life and OHA have launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it – not only those experiencing a mental health crisis. Callers are routed to a counselor who can provide emotional support, mental health triage, drug and alcohol counseling, crisis counseling or just connection.

More information:

• Safe + Strong: https://www.safestrongoregon.org/mental-emotional-health

• For children/family: https://multco.us/behavioral-health/system-care-children-and-families

• For adults: https://multco.us/behavioral-health/system-care-adults

Stress management/ health

Stretching and practicing yoga can help your body rid of toxins and fight infections through increasing circulation of the lymph which acts as your body’s filtering and drainage system.

Take a minute to stand up and stretch out your arms and legs. Bend at the waist and let your arms and head hang freely (only if this feels right). Or just lye down and take slow deep breaths focusing on each inhale and exhale.

Adho Mukha Svasana or Downward facing dog

Bhujangasana or Cobra

Arhda Matsyendrasana or Seated Spinal Twist

(you can also do this by lying down and bringing one or both of your legs to your chest then letting them rest to one side of your body)

Stress-relieving hand massage video

Can help to relieve tension, headaches, and pain

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

Portland's new Street Response program has gone citywide. This program sends teams of paramedics and mental health professionals to respond to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, instead of sending armed police officers.

The program started off last year in the Lents neighborhood, and has now expanded to the entire city, including Cully.

If you come across someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or who is intoxicated and needs support, please consider calling on Portland Street Response instead of the police. You just call 9-1-1 like you normally would, and ask them to send Portland Street Response.

This service is available every day 8:00am-10:00pm. Street Response teams can come to public places, including stores and public areas of businesses, but not private homes. Here is more information on the program:

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/28/portland-street-response-oregon-mental-health-crisis/

Our Resident Services team works every day to support our residents and community members during times when they need it most. This work wouldn’t be possible without various community resources. If you are looking for rental assistance in Washington County or Clackamas County please reach out to the below contacts who can support your needs for rent relief and finding permanent stable housing.

Clackamas County:

• 503-655-8575 - Call this number for coordinated resources

• Callers can be connected to the rent assistance program or partners who are offering rent assistance

Washington county:

• 503-615-0700 (Mon-Tue starting @ 9am)

• Call for assistance or fill out a request form here https://caowash.org/programs/housing-stability/renter-support.html

• 503-640-3263 Call Community Connect - a 24/7 hotline for supportive referrals to access permanent housing

OTHER RESOURCES

• Referral to homeless housing and services available at the Veteran Community Resource and Referral Center in Portland at 503-808-1256 or 1-800-949-1004 extension 51256.

• Referral to homeless housing and services available at the Hillsboro Veteran Community-Based Health Clinic (CBOC) at 503-906-5000.

• Dial 211 or go online at www.211info.org.

• Fleeing domestic violence, contact Portland Women's Crisis Line at 503-235-5333.

• Veteran, seniors or people with disabilities, contact Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services at 503-846-3060.

• Other entry points for systems of care in Washington County

Are you behind on your sewer/stormwater/water bill?

The City of Portland has a new program that could help you get your sewer/stormwater/water bill back on track. They have federal funding to give a limited number of bill payment support credits.  

You can apply if…
  *  You pay your sewer/stormwater/water bill to the City of Portland;
  *  You have overdue charges on your household water bill;
  *  You have been affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  *  You meet the income guidelines on this chart.

The application usually takes 10–15 minutes to fill out and is due April 11, 2022.  

The process for giving credits
Program staff expects to receive more requests than the program can fund. View the criteria for how the City of Portland will distribute the funding.

If you haven’t been able to stay on top of your bill, please apply today!  

The United States Postal Service is offering free at-home Covid tests delivered right to your door.

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com and are limited to one order per residential address.

One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Orders will ship at no charge starting in late January.

To order a free covid test kit visit: https://special.usps.com/testkits