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NeighborImpact's Housing Center Announces New Mortgage Assistance Program
NeighborImpact's Housing Center has announced the new Mortgage Payment Assistance Unemployment Program. Limited online applications will be released, by county, every two weeks until all slots are filled. Applicatons for Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties will first be available on February 8th. Open applicaton period closes July 11, 2012.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be receiving Unemployment Insurance when they apply
- See the website for additional criteria
- Eligibility pre‐test available online
Click here to download the program flyer |
NeighborImpact Receives $115,500 Grant from NeighborWorks America
Today, NeighborImpact, a member of the national NeighborWorks® network, announced that it received $115,500 in flexible grants from NeighborWorks® America, which will support NeighborImpact’s affordable housing and community development activities including foreclosure prevention counseling, homebuyer education and counseling, and post purchase training classes, at a time when communities need investment most.
NeighborImpact is Central Oregon’s lead agency for homeless services, child care resources, emergency food programs, homeownership, housing rehabilitation, Head Start, and self-help programs for the working poor. In 2011 NeighborImpact served more than 60,000 individuals as the community action agency serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. For over 25 years, our community action programs have focused on building successful families by helping them with their basic needs, affordable housing, home ownership and training to increase life skills, work skills and financial literacy.
Click here to download the official press release |
3rd Annual Chicken Coop Tour Seeking Participants and Sponsors
Bend’s 3rd Annual Chicken Coop Tour is searching for hens and chicks who will cluck and bawk and flock together, along with their owners, for the 2012 Tour held on Saturday, May 12, from 10 am to 4 pm. This community event offers enjoyable, neighborly interaction while raising funds and food for three local nonprofits: NeighborImpact Food Bank, Together For Children and Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center. Since it began, Bend’s Chicken Coop Tour has raised over $11,500 in cash and in-kind donations and more than 900 pounds of food through the generous support of 50 sponsors and 2,700 people touring the 61 featured coops. Whether you have a coop extraordinaire or one cobbled together with recycled materials, consider showing off your feathered friends and their homes to folks interested in learning more about poultry. Coop owners from Bend and surrounding areas including Tumalo and Alfalfa are encouraged to participate. Deadline to sign up for the Tour is March 9th. Sponsors for the event are also sought at $50, $100, $150 and $250 levels. Each tour booklet, with map, directions and coop descriptions is the ticket for a carload of people, and will be available in early April for $10 or six items of nonperishable food. For information on where to purchase booklets, or to participate or become a sponsor, contact: www.bendchickens.com, 541-241-2040 or bendcooptour@gmail.com.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact’s Weatherization Program to Install Madras Solar Project
NeighborImpact, in partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), will be installing a 68,000 watt solar panel system on three buildings at the Madras Townhomes complex in Madras, Oregon. Financial support for this project originated from a US Department of Energy (DOE) grant through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Besides NeighborImpact, only four other community action agencies throughout Oregon received this grant. “This grant was a great opportunity to bring a large scale solar project to Central Oregon,” commented Laura Fritz, Housing Center Director at NeighborImpact. “Just as energy use increased with the onset of colder weather this program will enable Madras Townhomes residents to save money on their electric bills.” NeighborImpact contracted with E2 Solar from Bend to complete work on this project. The winner of a statewide competitive bid process, E2 Solar has completed local projects at Miller Elementary School, the Redmond Airport and Healy Heights. This contract will provide 4 new jobs for the company and support our local economy by providing over $900,000.00 dollars of grant funding to our area.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact Food Bank Receives $30,000 from the Walmart Foundation for Food Recovery Program
NeighborImpact Food Bank received a $30,000 contribution to support its Food Recovery Program. The grant – which was given to the nonprofit organization though the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will serve to alleviate hunger by absorbing the many maintenance costs of tri-county food recovery including collection, transportation and program expansion expenses. “NeighborImpact works to serve and speak out for the economically disadvantaged people in Central Oregon,” said Sharon Miller, executive director of NeighborImpact. “With this grant, NeighborImpact will be able to expand its reach and resources to more individuals in need and help to increase its monthly donations by roughly 25 percent in 2012.” NeighborImpact’s Food Recovery Program receives more than 700,000 pounds of food from the Oregon Food Bank and local vendors such as the Bend and Redmond Walmart annually. The food, which typically includes produce, dairy, meat and baked goods, is transported in refrigerated trucks to NeighborImpact’s facility, where it is stored until distribution. The food gets distributed to more than 17,000 individuals every month through a network of agencies located throughout Central Oregon. “The Walmart Foundation is pleased to support NeighborImpact, and we are committed to helping people who need it the most in the communities we serve,” said Matti Havener, senior director and regional general manager for Walmart in Oregon and Washington. “Through this grant, we hope to serve the organization’s mission by providing for those in need.” The contribution to NeighborImpact was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Oregon State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact’s Weatherization Program to Install Solar Project
NeighborImpact, in partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Energy Trust of Oregon, will be installing a 134,000 watt solar panel system on nine buildings at the Healy Heights apartment complex in Bend, Oregon. Financial support for this project originated from a US Department of Energy (DOE) grant through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Besides NeighborImpact only four other community action agencies throughout Oregon received this grant. “This grant was a great opportunity to bring a large scale solar project to Central Oregon,” commented Laura Fritz, Housing Center Director at NeighborImpact. “Just as energy use will increase with the onset of colder weather this program will enable Healy Heights residents to save money on their electric bills.” NeighborImpact contracted with E2 Solar from Bend to complete work on this project. The winner of a statewide competitive bid process, E2 Solar has completed local projects at Miller Elementary School and the Redmond Airport. This contract will provide 4 new jobs for the company and support the local economy. This project is also supported by Energy Trust of Oregon, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. Their services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $800 million on energy bills. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878. NeighborImpact plans to replicate this process in Madras by adding solar panels to a 24 unit housing complex.
Click here to download the official press release |
Over 9000 lbs of Food Donated by Stuff the Bus to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank
On Tuesday, November 15th, two Mt. Bachelor Buses loaded with non perishable food items unloaded over 9000 lbs of donations to the NeighborImpact Food Bank Warehouse in Redmond, OR. The food was collected during a two week campaign called “Stuff the Bus” through a partnership with Combined Communications and local businesses in Bend and Redmond. “We couldn’t have been happier with the outpouring of community support for this event,” states Steve Reis founder of the event with Combined Communications. “With three buses stuffed full of food, we are already looking forward to next year’s event with enthusiasm.” This was the fourth year of the Stuff the Bus Food Drive that was sponsored by PremierWest Bank, Newport Ave. Market and Mt. Bachelor. The food collected will be distributed to over 40 partner agencies throughout Central Oregon over the winter months.
Click here to download the official press release |
Rockin’ Dave’s Feast for the Community Postponed Until Future Date
Rockin’ Dave’s Feast for the Community will be postponed until further notice. The event that was planned for November 20, 2011 has been postponed. Dave Flier, owner of Rockin’ Dave’s Bagel Bistro is hoping to host the event in the winter of 2012 but unfortunately will be unable to hold the event on the weekend of November 20th. For more information, call Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact Weatherization Program Supports Local Residents
With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides money saving services to Central Oregon residents. Since the inception of the federal weatherization program in 1976, more than 6.7 million homes have been weatherized across the nation. The NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides permanent solutions to reduce the energy burden on low-income families by installing cost-effective, energy-efficient materials and services. More than 140 homes have been weatherized by NeighborImpact in the past year alone, including that of Central Oregon Resident, Frances Barber who said, “The experience (with NeighborImpact) was wonderful. What was done to my home is a blessing as it is warmer in the winter. I am tickled that there is a service provided like this for the ones that cannot afford to do the things the weatherization program does.” As the cold weather approaches, most families across the country are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option. These families pay 14% or more of their annual incomes for energy compared with only 3% for other non low-income families. Unable to pay big balances or hefty reconnection fees, some families are considering how they will survive this winter without heat. Barber had a roof leak, an inefficient refrigerator, and limited financial resources to address these issues in addition to her daily expenses. NeighborImpact’s weatherization program provided her with a new refrigerator and addressed the roof leak as part of a comprehensive improvement plan for her residence. Now Barber doesn’t worry about food spoiling or water damage in her home due to a leaky roof. In addition, she has had a total savings of $180.00 on her utility bill in the six months since her home was weatherized Each year, October is designated as National Energy Awareness Month and October 30 is recognized as Weatherization Day. The Department of Energy uses the onset of winter to promote energy conservation, renewable energy, and new technology use in the energy industry. With the high costs of fuel oil and natural gas, a successful conservation program like the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program makes a noticeable impact to local residents.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact Supports Foreclosure Prevention with Counseling and Education
NeighborImpact’s Housing Center foreclosure prevention services offers assistance to Central Oregonians still struggling to pay their mortgage and keep their homes. With monthly foreclosure prevention classes and housing counselors on staff, NeighborImpact services can provide homeowners with the tools and support needed to negotiate a modification with their lender. “Our staff works with clients to assess their situation and help them make informed decisions about options they may wish to pursue,” notes Selef Spragg Housing Center Manager. “Our accredited counselors have the specific skills and knowledge to help people through this trying time.” NeighborImpact’s Housing Center offers a variety of free programs including foreclosure prevention classes and counseling, first-time homeownership classes and counseling, down payment assistance loans, reverse mortgage counseling, financial literacy classes and counseling, credit counseling, and a matched savings program (IDA). “We want to encourage Central Oregonians to attend our classes so we can address their needs,” continues Spragg. “If you are struggling to pay your mortgage or on the brink of foreclosure and researching your options, we have resources available to assist you in making informed decisions about your financial future.” The next foreclosure prevention class (held every third Monday of the month) will be taught in Bend on September 19th, 2011. Anyone interested in signing up for classes or counseling services should contact Karen Bushnell at 541-318-7506 ext. 109 or karenbu@neighborimpact.org. Please refer to the website www.homeownershipcenter.org for additional information.
Click here for more information |
Child Care Resources Participant Receives National Accreditation
The Whole Kid and Kaboodle, a Registered Family Child Care participant in The Child Care Network of Bend (A project of NeighborImpact Child Care Resources) has received accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care. When asked why she decided to pursue accreditation, Kristine Sessions, owner of The Whole Kid and Kaboodle replied, “I really wanted to raise my standard of care and level of child care education. Having a child care business isn’t just about “watching” the children all day; it’s about setting the standards higher and making our days interesting, challenging and fun.” The National Association for Family Child Care (NSFCC) is the only nationally recognized accreditation system designed specifically for family child care providers. Meeting the standards designated by NAFCC assures providers are delivering child care that is high quality and healthy for developing children. “Kristine is one of six family child care providers in the state of Oregon that have achieved NAFCC Accreditation,” states Denise Hudson, Child Care Resources Project Coordinator. “This is a huge accomplishment and we a very excited about it. We hope other local providers will follow Kristine’s lead and become NAFCC Accredited Providers.” The Whole Kid and Kaboodle is the first and only family child care business in Central Oregon to achieve Accreditation. They are also a participant in NeighborImpact’s Child Care Resources’ Child Care Provider Network of Bend. The Child Care Network of Bend is a group of experienced, professional family and center-based child care providers who are dedicated to promoting quality child care and meeting the needs of local families and employers.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact’s Head Start Program is dedicated to helping ensure that children ages 3 and 4 from low-income families are ready for school. The Head Start Program is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. Head Start builds success for children through child focused, family-centered services that enhance social competence, school readiness and overall health and well-being. Children are provided a free high quality preschool education which includes individualized curriculum, nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and transportation. Head Start Classes are available throughout Crook and Deschutes counties. Space is limited.
Click here to download the official press release |
Download the Head Start Application
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Fred Meyer Customers and Associates Raise more than $6600 for NeighborImpact
Fred Meyer customers and associates donated $6,650.49 to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank by dropping their change in the coin boxes located at the Bend and Redmond Fred Meyer checkstands. Coin donations were collected for NeighborImpact between November 7 and January 29. Additionally, Fred Meyer associates chose to combine their quarterly donations to the Fred Meyer Fund- Fred Meyer’s corporate foundation-with the coin box donations. “The funds will support NeighborImpact’s Food program, by providing us with the resources to keep food accessible to the 16,000 individuals accessing emergency services at meal sites and food pantries in Central Oregon each month, ” said Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist, NeighborImpact. Fred Meyer has stationed coin boxes at its checkout stands in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington for more than 10 years. The money collected from the coin boxes in combination with Associate contributions has been used to award nearly $2.5 million in grants to organizations in Fred Meyer’s four-state market in 2010. For more information on NeighborImpact’s Food Bank, please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548- 2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.
Click here to download the official press release |
Low Income Households Realize Goals with Matched Savings Program
Matched savings programs are useful to many members within our communities. For every dollar invested into the program also known as an individual development account (IDA), three dollars are matched by the state. “The spirit of the matched savings program is to help people develop regular savings habits,” notes Selef Spragg, Housing Center Manager at NeighborImpact. “Saving on a regular basis is key in dealing with the unexpected expenses that arise whether you run a business, own a home, or are going to school.” Income restrictions do apply to the IDA program. For example, a four person household in Crook, Deschutes, or Jefferson County would have to earn $50,500 a year or less to qualify for the program. The funds, made possible by state tax credits, enable an individual to save an additional three dollars for every dollar they invest. “IDA funds may be used for purchasing a home, starting or expanding a small business or going to school and vocational training,” says Spragg. “The funds may also be used if your home is in need of rehabilitation to address health and safety issues.” Households must participate in the IDA program for a minimum of six months and earn 80% or less of the family median income in their county. Participants must also attend financial fitness classes and meet with a financial counselor. Anyone interested in applying for the program should contact Self Spraag at 541-318-7506 or selefs@neighborimpact.org Please refer to the website www.homeownershipcenter.org for income restrictions and additional information.
Click here to download the official press release |
NeighborImpact Offers Central Oregon Homebuyers Tips To Prepare for Homeownership
“With interest rates near historic lows and home prices more affordable now than in the last decade, right now may be a great time to buy a home for working families who are ready for homeownership,” says Laura Fritz, Housing Director at NeighborImpact. But how do Central Oregon homebuyers know whether they are prepared to realize the American dream? “Homeownership – if it’s done right – opens the door for a better life for families, communities and future generations,” says Fritz. “NeighborImpact provides first-time homebuyer education and counseling to help households make smart, sustainable choices about homeownership.” To help potential buyers determine whether they are ready for homeownership this Homeownership Month, NeighborImpact offers the following tips on how homebuyers can prepare for homeownership the NeighborWorks way.
Click here to download the official press release |
Local T Shirt Sales to Benefit Food Bank
With the “local” movement huge in Central Oregon, two entrepreneurs have started a new business called 541 Threads and are dedicated to giving back to the community they love. Not your ordinary clothing company, 541 Threads founders, Zack Nutter and Patrick Wurtz are out to change the world, “one t shirt at a time.” Their inaugural design features Bend’s area code, and for each 541 shirt sold, they will donate the cost of 4 meals to the NeighborImpact Food Bank. They will be donating proceeds to the Food Bank for the next six months and the shirts are available through their website: www.541Threads.com. For more information contact Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.
Click here to download the official press release |
Virtual Food drive a new, interactive way to support the NeighborImpact Emergency Food Bank
NeighborImpact has created a new, interactive way to support the Emergency Food Bank through its Virtual Food Drive program. Mainly a source of collecting funds, the Virtual Food Drive makes donating a little more interesting and meaningful and is easily accessed from any computer.
Click here to download the official press release
Click here to use the new Virtual Food Drive feature |
‘Beehive’ Web Portal Promises Self-Help
Local nonprofit Neighbor Impact and One Economy Corporation, a multi-national nonprofit, partnered to build this free English/Spanish online resource to help workers connect to resources about money, schools, jobs, housing, health and more. The Beehive Cascades is a localized version of the national Beehive web site that was launched by One Economy in 2001. The site can be found at http://cascades.thebeehive.org.
Click here to download the official press release |
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