City Extends Facility Closures, Supports Wilsonville Community Sharing
March 31, 2020 –Guided by the recommendations of state and federal health officials, the City of Wilsonville has extended the public closure of all City facilities through at least April 30.
This decision extends public closures already in effect at City Hall, the Wilsonville Library, the Wilsonville Community Center, SMART Transit, the Parks & Recreation Admin. Building and all City-owned buildings and park shelters.
“We applaud the overwhelming majority of Wilsonville residents for putting their community first and recognizing the importance of social distancing,” City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said. “I appreciate how quickly City staff has adjusted to remain responsive to community needs via phone and email.”
Community Need to Grow As New Month Begins
Cosgrove said City staff and elected officials are concerned about the devastating impact that this heath crisis, and the resulting economic fallout, may have on community members as the situation continues.
“As the new month begins and bills for rent and utilities come in, we are expecting the need for social services to increase,” Cosgrove said.
To assist those experiencing financial insecurity, the City is making additional funds available to Wilsonville Community Sharing (WCS), the local non-profit and food bank. The funding is earmarked to allow WCS to help in-need individuals and families pay City utility bills.
WCS serves Wilsonville residents by providing a variety of resources, including utility assistance, prescription help, housing support and more. Visit wilsonvillecommunitysharing.org to make a tax-deductible donation, or donate by mail, PO Box 205, Wilsonville, OR, 97070.
In-need individuals can contact WCS to learn more about local assistance programs (see Social Services below) or seek further information from the additional resources provided.
Employee Assistance
For employees furloughed or let go, the Oregon Employment Department’s page provides guidelines around the collection of unemployment benefits, which may change rapidly as the public health crisis evolves. It also addresses common questions many employees, employers and job seekers may be asking.
Food Bank
Wilsonville Community Sharing, 28925 SW Boberg Rd., operates a local food bank each Tuesday for those with critical need. The food bank is now providing curb-side pickup, (or walk up for those w/o transportation). Volunteers will hand the recipients a pre-packaged food box.
- Tuesday food bank hours
- 12:30-2:30 pm (last visitor accepted at 2:15)
- 6-8 pm (last visitor accepted at 7:45)
Directions are provided at the side. Anyone with medical dietary needs should tell the volunteer when you get to the pickup area. Food boxes are pre-packaged by volunteers using safe and sanitary procedures, so staff cannot adjust for personal preferences at this time. Food allotment is based on household size, and households are limited to one visit per month.
Housing (Rent/Mortgage) Assistance
The State of Oregon issued executive order 20-11 on March 22, putting a 90-day moratorium on residential evictions. Under the Governor's emergency powers, the order places a temporary hold throughout Oregon on law enforcement actions relating to residential evictions for not paying rent.
Federal housing agencies, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, recently added flexibility for borrowers facing difficulty with upcoming payments. Borrowers are encouraged to inquire with their lender directly to see if a program is in place.
Internet Access & Free Wi-Fi
The FCC's Keep Americans Connected pledge is to keep Americans connected to internet service during the pandemic. Participating companies -- including Comcast and Frontier -- are waiving late fees, postponing disconnects and creating Wi-Fi hotspots for free Internet usage.
For residents seeking new residential service, the Internet Essentials service, from Comcast, provides low cost service to eligible households. New customers may receive two months of free service in response to the Coronavirus emergency.
Additionally, Oregon Lifeline reduces the monthly cost of phone or broadband service for qualifying low-income Oregon households. Those who qualify are eligible to receive free or reduced-rate services.
Nutritional Assistance
The Federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), a division of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA), administers 15 nutritional assistance programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), for individuals and families. USDA intends to use all available program flexibilities and contingencies to serve program participants.
Social Services
A number of resources are available to those struggling to make ends meet. Here in Wilsonville, Wilsonville Community Sharing provides utility bill assistance, prescription assistance and other programs. Because every situation is unique, those seeking resources should call 503-682-6939 or email leigh@wilsonvillecommunitysharing.org or lani@wilsonvillecommunitysharing.org.
The Wilsonville Community Center hosts several additional programs, including referrals to regional assistance programs. Call 503-570-1526 for assistance.
- HealthShare Oregon offers a comprehensive list of community resources.
- 211info connects people to information and resources, including childcare and housing.
- Clackamas County's Resource Line, 503-650-5622, is available to county residents struggling to meet basic needs.
Utility Assistance
The State Office of Emergency Management has announced that some utilities in Oregon have suspended disconnects and/or late fees to support Oregonians during the COVID-19 outbreak, including:
- NW Natural: Call 1-800-422-4012 to make payment arrangements and get more info.
- Portland General: Call 800-542-8818 to make payment arrangements.
For general questions about City of Wilsonville utility billing, residents may call 503-570-1610 for assistance.
