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Friends and Neighbors,
Gratitude is my attitude today!
Thank you to all the medical professionals, first responders, childcare workers, delivery drivers and grocery store clerks. They are showing up to work to support our community during this difficult time. I am sure they are feeling nervous, tired, concerned and so very careful to protect their own families, but they have heard the call and know they are needed. Their hearts are BIG and their service is helping us. Let us show our deep appreciation and do THE most important act of kindness we can do for them…stay home!
Other ways to show your thanks and appreciation to them:
- Put a note of love and support on their social media page
- Drop a card in the mail to them or leave a note of thanks on their front door
- Leave a phone message of love for them on their phone
- Send lunch or dinner to them at home or at their workplace (win-win – you support a local small business too)
- Offer to grocery shop for them (please only if you are well and making a trip yourself)
- Offer to watch their kids (or organize virtual playdates with their kids)
- Offer to walk their dogs
There is also a way for medical & other private sector companies to help. They can donate their medical supplies to this emergency situation, as the state works with the federal government to increase our stock.
I also want to personally give a BIG note of thanks to my team. Nickole Vargas and Shannon Walton-Clark have been readily available to help with constituent questions and concerns. We work together by phone and email. We connect with local city, county and parks officials for updates and info. We watch committee meetings virtually together. We listen in on daily state update calls. We work together to get out information to you through multiple newsletters a week. We support each other. My high school interns; Ryan Smith, Lily Donis and Olivia Vargas have been working on a project to research how we can support small businesses in my district. I could not do this work alone and I am forever grateful for such an amazing team of movers, shakers and givers! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤
City of Hillsboro Announces $1.1 Million in COVID-19 Crisis Funding
Immediate measures will help impacted small businesses, employees, and renters including:
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$500,000 in Emergency Business Support Grants — The City of Hillsboro will provide $500,000 in grant funding to small businesses and entrepreneurs to immediately offset the short-term financial impacts of the COVID-19 containment efforts — as well as the directives for closure or operational curtailment from the Federal Government and the State of Oregon.
The grants of up to $5,000 will be available from March 23 through the end of April 2020, and applications will be reviewed by a panel of community partners including the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, Centro de Prosperidad, and the City of Hillsboro.
To qualify, businesses must have a facility located in Hillsboro and a current Hillsboro Business License. Priority will be given to businesses with 10 employees or fewer; businesses that are a food and drink establishment, education or daycare facility, or businesses that rely on larger gatherings of people; and businesses that are open and operational, or are closed due to forced closure.
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$500,000 in Emergency Loans for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses — The City is working to set up a low-interest loan program for small- and medium-sized businesses in need of financial support because of COVID-19 containment efforts and the directives for closure or operational curtailment from the Federal Government and the State of Oregon. Details are still being finalized.
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$100,000 in Rental Assistance — For households struggling to pay rent, the City will immediately contribute $50,000 to help. In coordination with our trusted partner, Community Action, the City will be able to help 42 households with up to $1,200 in rental assistance right away. This will be followed by an additional $50,000 contribution from the City.
Apply for assistance from the City of Hillsboro using the City’s website.
Hillsboro Virtual Tip Jar
The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce has established a Virtual Tip Jar for the service industry in our community.
If you are a business owner who has had to lay off or reduce hours, please share this with your employees. This is one small way Hillsboro can continue to support our community members at this time.
You can learn more on their website about how to donate and help share the word with your favorite service providers in Hillsboro. Money is transferred securely with either PayPal or Venmo.
Social Distancing Outside
Please continue to practice social distancing, especially during these days of beautiful weather. I know it seems like spending time outside with friends may be a good thing, but we must do so at a distance. Go for a walk or bike ride, but keep children off of playground equipment that can harbor unsafe germs. Keep the recommended 6 feet of space between you and anyone not living in your home.
Oregon State Parks has announced temporary camping closures for Oregon state
parks, forests, and wildlife areas. Additionally, follow these helpful tips from THPRD.
Ways to Help Out or Volunteer
- Community Action is hosting a virtual version of Kaleidoscope their fundraiser this year. Join them on Friday, April 17 at 7PM to enjoy a short program, online auction and special appeal to bring Hope, Help and Change to our neighbors in need. Information can be found here.
- Community Donation Drives & Other Ways to Give to Community Action
- 9 PLACES TO VOLUNTEER ONLINE (AND MAKE A REAL IMPACT)
- Meals on Wheels Volunteer Information
- Hands on Portland: Have a few hours? Visit the Project Calendar to find a variety of “Done-In-A-Day” volunteer opportunities.
- Ask around your neighborhood! NextDoor is a great place to post your willingness to volunteer and help out your neighbors.
- Is your local faith community doing anything? Volunteer to start a phone-tree to check in on your fellow community members!
Other ways to help a senior living in your neighborhood-(senior is defined as 65 and older) while they stay at home to be safe:
- Give them a call on the phone and laugh with them
- Have a virtual party with them…can be a tea party, board game (they just need dice and can roll for themselves, you move the pieces), a dance party (move those muscles) or an online game
- Take their pet for a walk
- Pick some flowers or have flowers delivered to them to brighten their day
- Go on a walk with them – meet them outside and keep a safe 6 foot distance – sometimes it is all the encouragment they need, is to walk with a friend or loved one
- If going to the grocery store and you are healthy, ask if they need a few things
- Write them a note of encouragement and love and put it on their door
- Send them a card of love and support in the mail
- Have your kids draw/color a picture and give to a senior to brighten their day
Most important…#DontBeASpreader. Please watch this lighthearted message about why it is critical we all do our part and stay home.
 Self-isolation does not mean being alone. My mumsy and I had a virtual tea party. We drank tea, laughed and she even got to talk to our dog, Annie.
Virtual Activities you can do at Home
Staying away from loved ones and dear friends for an extended time can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for virtual activities you can enjoy together:
- Virtual Happy Hour: Make yourself a cheese and snack plate, crack open your favorite afternoon beverage and schedule a FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or Google Hangout with your friends as you all embrace social distancing. You can still raise a toast, even if it’s over the phone!
- Virtual Book Club: Do you have a book series you’ve wanted to read but never had the time? Maybe an old classic you want to revisit? Offer to host a virtual book club. Host weekly or monthly times for everyone to call in or FaceTime to talk about the latest chapters or the poor film remake of the book.
- Virtual Play Dates: Kids can still see each other by video. Build legos together, read books, draw, color or do art projects together.
- Watch movies or shows together: Bring your phone or computer over to the couch and watch a movie or show with a friend.
- Cook a meal together: Share your dinner prep time with a family member or friend. Cook the same thing or swap recipes and share ideas.
Education Links
City Links
Important Resource Links
We are all in this together. What makes Oregon a special place to live, work and play is the people. Let’s be a good neighbor, friend, family member and human being. Let’s lift each other up and support each other. I am here for you. We will get through this. This is temporary. Be well and be safe. ❤
Onward and Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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