A word from the Oregon Department of Human Services:
The Oregon Cares Fund is a grant program designed to specifically help Black people, their families, and Black-led organizations and businesses. As you know, COVID-19 has highlighted what was already true: Black, brown, and Indigenous communities have not had access to the health care they need for themselves and their families. So, with this reality, it is no surprise that these communities have been hit the hardest by COVID-19 – and not just by the virus itself, but also by economic hardship.
Last month, leaders from the Black community publicly called on state and local elected leaders to create a plan “to specifically address prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for Black children, families, and community.” This is what became known as The Oregon Cares Fund, a targeted investment in the Black community from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund.
After weeks of collaboration and talks, the E-Board approved a $62 million fund that will provide Oregon’s Black community with the resources it needs to weather the global health pandemic and consequent recession. This fund – The Oregon Cares Fund – is for Black people, Black-owned businesses, and Black community-based organizations. The Contingent, the organization that also houses Every Child Oregon, Know Me Now and Emerging Leaders, will administer these funds in partnership with The Black United Fund.
The Oregon Cares Fund officially launched for applications on August 24. Applying and receiving funds will not affect the resources of financial assistance families are receiving from other programs or entities.
Applicant qualifications for families or individuals applying would include:
- Applicant(s) must reside in Oregon,
- Applicant(s) must self-identify as Black, and
- Applicant(s) must suffer from demonstrated employment or economic interruptions due to COVID-19 related impacts.
If a family or individual is approved, those funds will be administered by the Black United Fund and The Contingent.
Find the application and similar information on how Black individuals, families or businesses can apply for the funds, by visiting The Oregon Cares Fund website, HERE.
As always, thank you in advance for your continued work in supporting communities and building a strong Oregon.
Regards,
Dan Haun, SSP Director
