Recent acts of hate, violence
We are saddened and angered by the unrelenting racism and violence against Asian Americans, including those in Oregon communities. We stand in collective solidarity with our Asian American communities and many colleagues who have been personally and deeply impacted.
We are asking for unity from all of you to support our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Also, we ask that you support your communities by advocating and bringing awareness of these discriminatory and hateful actions. As an agency committed to anti-racism, we recognize the power of language to normalize prejudice and violence. We must call out racist language and hold leaders accountable for hateful messages. Concerted efforts, vigilance and allyship are required to combat hate and violence. We encourage those of you who witness discrimination to interrupt when it can be done so safely.
Incidents of discrimination and hate in Oregon can be reported to Portland United Against Hate at www.ReportHatePDX.com, the Oregon Department of Justice's Bias Response Hotline at 1-844-924-BIAS, 711 for Oregon Relay, or at www.StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov.
You may also browse these resources assembled by the ODHS Asian and Pacific Islander Network (APINet) Employee Resource Group:
Resources about anti-Asian violence:
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Asian Americans Advancing Justice: An organization dedicated to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans.
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Stop AAPI Hate: A website with resources and reporting tools from the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council, Chinese for Affirmative Action and the Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco State University.
Community organizations in the fight for justice:
Community Rebuilding Fund
The Community Rebuilding Fund is a partnership between Oregon Community Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, and The Ford Family Foundation.
The Fund is raising and distributing funding to support communities impacted by Oregon’s devastating 2020 wildfires. It supports equitable, inclusive and resiliency-based rebuilding that engages residents – especially vulnerable populations – in shaping the future of their communities.
The Fund is being developed with community input. Nonprofit organizations serving fire impacted communities are being asked complete the following survey, which takes between 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
Please complete this survey by March 31st. Results will be shared with all respondents around April 15th. Please direct any questions to Kristin at surveys@kelleynonprofitconsulting.com
Updates from Child Welfare
Expanded funds to support postsecondary education for young people experiencing foster care
We are pleased to announce expanded funds to support progress toward postsecondary education goals for young people who are experiencing or experienced foster care at age 14 or older and who are not yet 27. These funds were included in the bipartisan passage of the 2021 Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, following foster youth advocacy at the national level.
The pandemic relief aid temporarily expands funding for two programs: the Chafee Educational Training Vouchers (ETV), and the Youth Transitions Program in Child Welfare. More information is in a joint news release from ODHS and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Office on Student Access and Completion.
Guidance updates
We have updated several guidelines and guidance documents on the ODHS Child Welfare COVID-19 Resources web page, including Education and Visitation Guidelines.
Organizations can apply to provide wraparound services to wildfire survivors
To assist wildfire survivors, ODHS is seeking applicants for emergency outreach and wraparound supports to people affected by emergencies and disasters in Oregon’s communities. Support services include an assessment of support needs, the provision of information and referral services, and monitoring the effectiveness of the services and supports. The grant also includes flexible funds for the direct purchase of items and services to support the recovery and stability of wildfire survivors, such as housing expenses, utility payments, transportation, essential clothing and furniture, retrieval of vital records, and more.
Applicants must have experience providing culturally specific and responsive services and can respond to complex service demands and adapt to dynamic and emergent situations.
Apply using the state’s contracting portal, ORPIN. Apply for RFP DHS-5118-21.
Information sessions about the opportunity, including how to use the state’s contracting system (ORPIN), will be posted at the ODHS Emergency Management 2020 Wildfires Partner’s web page when the translated and captioned versions of the information sessions are completed.
 Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Department of Human Services programs and services. Some examples of the free help we can provide are: sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, Braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help or have questions, please contact us at ADA.dhs@dhsoha.state.or.us.
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