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Hello everyone,
It’s been a pleasure to serve the last week in sunny Salem. This week, I’m excited to share the latest updates from the legislature and provide information on available telephone resources. It’s commonly known that numbers such as 411 exist as a helpful tool for directory assistance; however, 411 is far from the only number people can dial for help. We’ll be going through other numbers such as 211, 311, and 988, and the resources each number can help you navigate and discover.
St. Johns Parade
Before getting to the important resources in the rest of the newsletter, I wanted to share some photos from the St. Johns Parade. After a long hiatus, the St John’s Parade came back with a bang this Sunday! It felt awesome being amongst the people who are the heart and soul of North Portland! I was happy to be joined with Senator Lew Frederick and Representative Maxine Dexter. It was great seeing Governor Kotek back at the parade!
211
Through 211 access free and confidential information about health, community, and social services near you. Calls can be answered in over 150 languages. 211 is everyone's front door to information on more than 7,000 nonprofit, government and faith-based health and social services programs in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
There are multiple ways of obtaining information through 211:
In addition to what is listed above, dialing 211 can help you with: finding a crisis hotline; Housing and Shelter; Utility Assistance and Paying Bills; Child Care and Parenting; Food; Basic Needs; Foster Families; Health Care; COVID-19; Mental & Behavioral Health; Transportation; Legal & Public Safety; Employment; Education; Financial Wellness; Diverse Populations; Youth Services; Disaster Services.
311
311 improves access to local government within Multnomah County by providing a single point of contact – in person, online, or over the phone to find information, report issues, or request services. The 311 mission is to simplify community member access to local government programs and services.
Ways to access 311 services:
- Email 311@portlandoregon.gov
- Dial 3-1-1 within Multnomah County or (503) 823-4000
- In-person at the Portland Building’s Customer Service Desk at 1120 Southwest Fifth Avenue.
PDX 311 staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays, by phone or email.
Staff are fluent in English, Spanish, Romanian, and Tagalog and have resources to assist community members in additional languages.
988
988 also known as “the Lifeline,” has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is active across the United States. The Lifeline connects individuals with crisis counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat or texting 988.
When people call, text, or chat at 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Click here to access the Lifeline Chat or to learn more.
*For veteran crisis support, dial 988 then Press 1*
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. The hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.
Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
Community Resources List from the City of Portland
Check out this link to see a complete list of community resources. Numbers can be found for help with: alcohol/drug addiction, clothing/food, domestic violence/ assault, energy/rent/ emergency help, employment/re-entry help, LGBTQ, health/medical/dental help, HIV/AIDS care, housing/homelessness, legal support, mental health support, STD testing/ reproductive care, and East Multnomah County/ Clackamas County specific help.
Legislative Updates
Over the last week, I carried several Senate Bills on the House Floor. I want to draw your attention to one specific Senate Bill that passed this week.
 Senate Bill 558 is a simple but important bill. It would allow Oregonians to purchase hearing aids that do not require a prescription over the counter, which is already allowed in most states. Many people will be able to save time and money once SB 558 is signed into law. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Kotek and will take effect on passage.
Quick Shout Out to My Session Intern
 Justin has been one of my session interns this session. His focus is on health policy. Congratulations to Justin and all of the recent graduates!
Thank you all for your continued support. As we near the end of the Legislative Session, I will continue to deliver for my community. This Wednesday, May 17th, will be the revenue forecast and we will know more about Oregon's financial status. I am hoping that the forecast will allow for funding many of my priorities in Ways and Means.
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
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