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Date: December 19, 2025
Contact: Communications.odhs@odhs.oregon.gov
We are sending this out a little earlier than normal as ODHS will be closed next Thursday. Wishing you a happy holiday season and happy new year!
Together We Plan: Community and Tribes Budget Sessions in January
ODHS invites Tribes, community partners, providers, local leaders and member of the public to join us for a series of collaborative conversations as we begin building the next two-year budget.
The sessions are an opportunity to:
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Learn how Oregon's human services budget is built
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Explore the risks and choices ODHS may need to consider
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Understand when and how you can share input throughout the budget process
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Tell us what matters most to you, your community and Tribes
Please save the date and register in advance for one of the following sessions:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ended Oregon’s SNAP work-rule waivers in November 2025.
Because of this, Oregon began applying the work rules statewide starting Dec. 1, 2025, expanding from six counties to all counties. This change affects approximately 37,000 people in Oregon today, and the number of people impacted is expected to increase over time.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is here to help, if you have questions about these new work rules or think they may apply to you, contact ODHS right away.
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All children deserve to be loved and kept safe. At the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), we believe everyone can help prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. By building strong support networks, making sure families have the resources they need, and creating safe environments, we can make a difference.
Reporting concerns also has a role in keeping children safe. Earlier this year, we launched our first-ever interactive online training for the public about reporting suspected child abuse. Recognizing the signs of abuse is a good first step. But it’s also important to understand that we all have our own beliefs about good parenting.
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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is issuing SNAP benefits on its normal monthly schedule in December, following disruptions in November due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP plays a major role in Oregon’s food security and economy. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, contributing an estimated $1.6 billion to Oregon’s economy each year.
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On Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025, at 8 o’clock, about a dozen staff from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) gathered in a warehouse on the outskirts of Salem. The warehouse was at least the length of a football field with ceilings as high as a two-story barn. It was chilly and smelled like freshly unearthed potatoes. On nearby shelves were boxes and boxes of food. The job was clear: Fill 1,500 cardboard boxes with food in three days.
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New quarterly Child Welfare report tracks progress, challenges
In November, the Oregon Department of Human Services published a new, quarterly report with key data points and information showing progress, challenges, and work under way to improve the Child Welfare system.
ODHS historically has provided monthly progress reports to the Governor, but has expanded the format so it can give the public access to more comprehensive information about Child Welfare.
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It’s the season for connection and caring for one another. But we also know the holidays can be hard for many people. To help during this time, some of our community partners provide resources like food, warm clothing and toys to help make the season bright.
Check out our list of ways to get holiday help!
Didn’t find what you’re looking for on our list? Try calling @211info at 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org to learn about more community resources near you.
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 We’re also on Nextdoor with other State of Oregon agencies.
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