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Date: July 17, 2025

Contact: Communications.dhs@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Welcome to the Partner Update. Here’s a compilation of recent news you can use. You can expect the Partner Update in your email the third Thursday of every month

ODHS analyzing impacts from new federal budget

 A new federal budget was approved that will significantly affect key programs that support people in Oregon, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the state’s Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). These changes are expected to shift more cost and responsibility to the state, putting additional pressure on already stretched systems.

Key Impacts:

• SNAP: 1 in 6 Oregonians rely on food benefits. Under the new law, Oregon will need to contribute an estimated additional $385 million annually to maintain current service levels.
• OHP: Covering 1 in 3 Oregonians, including half of the state’s children, OHP may face a reduction of up to $10 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade. ODHS staff help people apply for OHP and determine program eligibility.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working closely with the Oregon Health Authority and Governor Kotek’s office to analyze the full impact. The Governor has said that the state budget cannot fill all the gaps and that difficult decisions are ahead. Guidance around making changes is being developed.

What Partners Should Know:

• People should continue to apply for and use the benefits and services they qualify for. They do not need to wait.
• The bulk of the changes have not taken effect. No large-scale cuts to services, no layoffs, and no budget reductions are happening now at ODHS because of the new federal budget.  
• Developing implementation guidance. We are awaiting information from federal agencies on implementation guidance for changes. The bill is complex. We want to fully and clearly communicate the future impact. 
• People will be notified as we make changes. We will plan carefully and communicate clearly before anything changes with the benefits and services people receive from ODHS. 

At the heart of the ODHS mission is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive. We know that health, food, housing, and financial stability are essential to the individuals, families and communities we serve. These changes present serious challenges, but ODHS remains committed to working with you to support people in Oregon.

Upcoming webinars on federal changes

You’re Invited: A virtual conversation with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht on the Oregon legislative session

We warmly invite you to join Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht for a virtual conversation reflecting on the outcomes of Oregon’s 2025 legislative session. This is a chance to come together with fellow community partners to hear about key legislative highlights, explore how the state budget will shape ODHS programs, and consider what lies ahead. We’ll also reserve time for your questions and thoughts, because your voice and partnership are essential to our shared work in serving individuals and families in our diverse communities.

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 
Time and format: 10 to 11 a.m. on Zoom

ASL Interpretation along with Real-time captioning (CART) will be available. 

Please contact   Communications.dhs@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 503-716-2871 (voice or text), at least 48 hours before the start of the webinar to request an accommodation. We will make every effort to provide services requested after the 48-hour deadline. We accept all relay calls. If you need an accommodation, please contact us right away, even if you are only considering attending. The earlier you make a request the more likely we can meet the need. 

ODHS takes first steps in moving to new and historic Astoria location

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will be moving to a newly renovated but historic location in the heart of Astoria in about a year. The building, at 1535 Commercial Street, was the first structure completed in 1923 after the 1922 fire that leveled much of Astoria. It is one of the first buildings you see as you drive into historic downtown Astoria. Over the years it has been an active part of the community. It’s been a police station, a fire station, a car dealership, a furniture and appliance store and a public market. There is a door in the building that leads to the infamous tunnels that, according to history, ferried crimped sailors to waiting ships and were also used during Prohibition to transport alcohol. Just as this building has been a part of the community throughout its past, that community legacy will continue with ODHS moving to that location. The renovation work when feasible will be done by local contractors and using local products. ODHS District Director Tim Cork has met with staff, Clatsop and Nehalem Tribes, local non-profits such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and local school staff in the area to learn what their needs for the building would be. It is also more accessible inside and outside for people and easier to find than where the ODHS offices are now located in the port area at 450 Marine Drive. The city will be removing curbs for better wheelchair access. Also, it will be renovated to be a completely trauma-aware building.

Something new is coming: a fresh look for ODHS

Change is on the horizon—and it’s rooted in who we are and how we serve. In the coming weeks, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will be introducing a new visual identity, including an updated logo and refreshed look. This change is more than just cosmetic. It reflects our continued evolution into a more inclusive, people-centered organization—one that sees, supports, and celebrates the diversity of Oregon’s communities.

The rebrand journey has been unfolding over several years. Our current logo was originally introduced as our agency was evolving—but as ODHS continued to grow and respond to the needs of Oregon’s communities, it became clear our visual/agency identity needed to grow with us. The effort gained momentum when concerns arose about confusion between our “DHS” acronym and that of the federal Department of Homeland Security—especially among immigrant and refugee communities, for whom the association can evoke fear or mistrust.

We’re excited to share more soon. The new brand will begin rolling out in a few weeks—starting with updated materials and resources. As we take this next step, we do so with gratitude for the care and well-being of the people we work with every day. This new look is a reflection of that spirit—and a signal of where we’re headed, together.

ODHS appoints George B. Lopez as Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of George B. Lopez as the new Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs, effective July 7, 2025. Lopez joins ODHS with extensive experience in tribal governance and community leadership. Most recently, he served as General Manager for the Klamath Tribes, where he led key administrative and community-based programs, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and played a leading role in advancing tribal sovereignty and partnerships across education, public safety, and infrastructure development.

Webinar series to honor 35 years of disability civil rights kicks off in July

The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates, experts and influencers who will share the latest information on educational and employment access, challenging perceptions about disabilities as well as how to remove barriers. Upcoming topics: July 22: Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who host YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs on changing perceptions about disabilities July 29: Oregon’s journey to accessibility: removing barriers The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Ways for people to protect their EBT card

Imagine suddenly losing $250 of your monthly budget. What would you have to give up — meals, medication, peace of mind? For more than 1,500 families in Oregon, this wasn’t a thought exercise. It happened to them in 2024 when they reported their food or cash benefits were stolen, likely through organized fraud. This theft of food and cash benefits­­ — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — are a growing and serious problem nationwide and here in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working hard to fight this theft. The agency urges everyone who uses SNAP or TANF to protect their EBT card and benefits.

Emergency kits and batteries available for eligible older adults and people with disabilities

Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for free emergency kits and batteries to stay safe during disasters. Emergencies like wildfires, heat waves and floods can happen at any time. It’s important to be ready. But for many people, it’s hard to know where to begin. They also may not have money for supplies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) saw that many people needed help getting ready for emergencies. This was especially true for older adults, people with physical disabilities, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Many of them rely on electricity for important medical and safety equipment. To help, ODHS got support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Two ODHS programs — the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) — used ARPA funds to give emergency supplies to those in need.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events across Oregon highlight importance of preventing, reporting abuse

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and community partners joined together to spotlight the importance of preventing and reporting abuse of older adults in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This observance serves as a critical reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the safety, dignity and rights of older adults across Oregon. Every year, thousands of older Oregonians are subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial and neglect. In Oregon in 2024, there were 18,535 alleged victims, according to data collected by the Adult Protective Services (APS) unit within ODHS. However, many cases go unreported due to fear, isolation, or lack of awareness. Education and community engagement are essential to ensure people know what to do if they are being harmed or suspect someone they know could be at risk. “Anyone can be a victim of abuse. Understanding the many forms that abuse takes and what to do about it is everyone’s responsibility,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., Director of ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time to strengthen our commitment to educate ourselves, check in on neighbors and relatives, and speak up when we see or suspect harm.”

“Hope on the Horizon”: ODHS directors tour Resilience Hubs on North Oregon Coast

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht, Deputy Director Liesl Wendt, and Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director Nate Singer, toured three sets of emergency preparedness equipment on the North Oregon Coast — Oceanside, Cape Meares and Seaside — to witness firsthand how communities are transforming emergency preparedness into a beacon of hope. This equipment is called a typed package and includes supplies like food, sanitation, generators and radios. Supported by ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management’s (OREM) $10 million Resilience Hubs and Networks Grant, the packages are pivotal in empowering local communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The grant, established through House Bill 3409 passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023, allocated funds to develop resilience hubs and networks throughout the state.

Government Technology recognizes 2024 Oregon Summer EBT for best practices

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) was recognized in a national Government Technology Case Study for its excellence in the use of smart technology in rolling out the Summer EBT program. As a result, more than 362,000 children were able to get more food during summer 2024.

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