I wanted to reach out to let you all know about the new COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program and to ensure you had access to wildfire and COVID resources.
I know these are extraordinary times which is why it is more important than ever that we do what Oregonians do best and come together in support of our community.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance with a state agency or just want to share your opinion. My email is Rep.MaxineDexter@OregonLegislature.gov
COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program
Working Oregonians at the frontlines of this pandemic should not have to worry about how they will pay their bills if they are forced to quarantine. I was proud to support the COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program, and I am glad to report it is now taking applications for eligible workers. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have to quarantine but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave, you might be eligible for up to $120 per day. Learn more about the program and eligibility at Oregon.gov/CovidPaidLeave.
Air Quality
Air quality is at unhealthy levels across Oregon. We are seeing significant health impacts of this in hospitals and clinics across the state. I urge all who live in areas with poor air quality to stay indoors as much as possible. With such high levels of particulate matter in the air, the possible negative impacts on your lung health are dramatic - we will continue to see more asthma and COPD exacerbations, heart attacks, strokes, headaches, nausea and allergy-like responses. We also have every expectation that we will soon see increased COVID infections. Research has shown that inflammation in the lungs makes us more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and also increases the risk that someone with COVID-19 will transmit infection to others. Please refer to the end of this newsletter for more COVID-19 and wildfire resources. Please stay inside and keep safe!
You can visit AirNow.gov for up to date air quality information for your zip code.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Red Cross is seeking volunteers to assist with shelter operation, provide health services (for licensed medical professionals), assist with blood drives, and assist with miscellaneous activities
If you know of volunteer or donation drive opportunities, fill out this form to possibly be featured in a future newsletter.
Local Business Spotlight
Local businesses are not just the backbone of our economy, but the heart of our community. It has been devastating to see the impact of COVID-19 on the small businesses of House District 33, and I want to do all I can to support our local businesses.
That is why I am incredibly excited to be launching a small business spotlight as a recurring feature of my newsletters and social media. If you own or know someone that owns a small business in House District 33, fill out this form to possibly be highlighted in a future newsletter and/or social media post.
Washington County Virtual Learning Assistance
To support schools, teachers, parents, and other caregivers who will be involved with students’ remote schooling this fall, the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) has created distance learning resources for grades K-12. Resources include live tutoring, homework help, scads of online reference materials, writing assistance and more.
While it is recommended to stay indoors as much as possible if you are able to, if you must travel, be sure to check the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck for road conditions and closures.
Red Cross Find Shelters
For the latest updates: Red Cross Cascades Region Facebook Page
SNAP participants who have lost food due to the fires are eligible to have up to $200 of benefits reloaded onto their EBT card. Call DHS Office.
Multnomah County is providing extra shelter capacity for unsheltered members - Contact 211infor.og.
Housing assistance: Family Promise of Beaverton is committed to helping children and their families affected by homelessness in the Beaverton area. (https://www.familypromiseofbeaverton.org/#homepage)
Housing assistance: Community Action helps pay rent and help to get people in need of housing. (https://caowash.org)
Housing assistance: Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter serves women in the community who are experiencing homelessness. (https://safes.salvationarmy.org)
Housing assistance, utility assistance, food assistance: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette provides access to critical services like housing assistance and utility assistance and access to food. (https://www.unitedway-pdx.org)
Utility assistance: Oregon Energy Fund is a 30-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability. (https://www.oregonenergyfund.org/about-us/)
Disability assistance: Plan For Work services help individuals with disabilities and provide different services to those in need. (https://www.droregon.org/plan-for-work)
Youth assistance: New Avenues for Youth provides meals, showers, laundry, respite from the streets, engagement activities, and legal counsel. (https://newavenues.org/our-services)
Food assistance, water bill assistance, and grants, utility assistance: Care To Share coordinates assistance to families and individuals who seek emergency food and other basic necessities. (http://www.caretosharehelp.org)
Food assistance: Mercy Corps Northwest provides assistance for community members returning from prison. (https://www.mercycorpsnw.org/work/)
Food assistance, housing assistance, utility assistance, disability assistance: Department of County Human Services ensures that everyone can reach their potential and contribute to communities. (https://multco.us/dchs)
Follow Representative Dexter on social media to stay connected!
