Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
The federal government shutdown continues with no speedy resolution in sight. On November 1st, 757,000 Oregonians will lose access to food assistance through SNAP. This has never happened before. It is unacceptable that our federal government will allow families, children, and seniors to go hungry.
The loss of these benefits will immediately impact us in Washington County. While our local community organizations are stepping up to help fill the gap, now is the time for us all to show up for one another however we are able. Please consider donating food items, volunteering your time, or giving to a local food bank this month. This is the time for us to come together and support our neighbors.
In this newsletter, you'll find:
- Important information about food access during the SNAP pause
- A recap of community visits and events this week
- Recognition of Dougy Center for their work supporting grieving families
- An update on transportation and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
- Upcoming events and opportunities in Washington County
ABOVE: Community leaders working to support folks experiencing houselessness.
 
November SNAP Benefits Paused for Oregon Households
Where should I look for resources?
The state’s website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is regularly updated for anyone in need. Please use these resources and share them with others.
What is Oregon doing to support families right now?
The Governor has declared a 60-day emergency on hunger to mobilize additional resources for Oregonians. Keeping the declaration active through the months of November and December means Oregonians will have greater access to emergency food during the holiday season. The declaration will also ensure that when the shutdown ends, Oregon will be best positioned to turn SNAP benefits back on as swiftly as possible.
Governor Kotek has also directed $5 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds to Oregon’s network of food banks. This funding can support short term crisis benefits without creating new ongoing requirements, which is ideal for this emergency. Resources will go toward food purchasing, distribution, and local operations to ensure families can access emergency food boxes.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov if you or someone you know needs help accessing food resources.
Washington County Chamber Economic Development Forum
I joined the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for a discussion focused on building economic opportunity in our region. Many of our community members have been impacted by layoffs and economic uncertainty. This conversation was an important chance to look at our region's economic health and how we can enable businesses and workers to thrive. I appreciated the chance to collaborate and work towards solutions with community partners.
Our Washington County legislative delegation was well represented, with Sen. Sollman, Rep. Sosa, Rep. Rieke Smith, Rep. Grayber, and Rep. Walters all joining the event.
Rally for Immigration Justice and Due Process
This week, Team McLain joined the family and community of Victor Cruz for a press conference to call for due process and justice in our immigration system. Elected leaders, business owners, teachers, and families came together to demand accountability and support all those who have been impacted by inappropriate targeting of our immigrant community. I stand with all families whose loved ones have been taken away without due and solid process. The legislature continues to look for specific ways to fight this injustice. Our communities deserve to live, work, and go to school without fear.
Thank you to Councilor Sinclair for sharing my statement of support. I appreciate all those who shared messages at this event, including Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, County Commissioner Nafisa Fai, Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Hillsboro City Councilor Olivia Alcaire, Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace, and others.
Know Your Rights Training in Washington County
On Monday evening, Team McLain attended a "Know Your Rights" event in Washington County to better understand rights and legal protections for those facing immigration action. This event was an important opportunity for community conversation and education. One important takeaway was to call the PIRC Hotline (1-888-622-1510) if you witness ICE activity. The Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition can provide support documenting the event.
2025 Washington County Housing Forum
Industry leaders, elected officials, and pillars in the community came together this Thursday to discuss issues most pressing to the work of creating a community where everyone has an affordable home with the supports and opportunities needed to thrive. Housing providers and folks that work in the affordable housing space led a meaningful conversation about the work ahead to make housing more accessible to Oregonians. It was great to see Rep. Marsh and hear her speak at this event!
I was able to connect with a former Team McLain member, Nicole, who now works on housing issues for Washington County. The County shared that a new waitlist for Place-Based Housing will be opening next week.
The Place-Based Housing waitlist will open at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 4, and will close at 5:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025. The application portal will allow you to apply for the new zoned waitlist and select your preferred areas within Washington County. Visit the Washington County Housing Website to learn more.
Visiting the Forest Grove Foundation Housing Village
On Monday, I had the chance to connect with community leaders focused on providing shelter and housing to folks experiencing houselessness.
This housing village in Forest Grove will provide about dozen heated pods with common building to provide residents with access to a kitchen, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Residents can also access a bus station within a five minute walk and easy access to Main Street. This will be an important resource providing safety, privacy, and shelter for residents. Thank you to staff and volunteers who shared about this project during the site visit!
Washington County Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment
Last Friday, Team McLain attended the ribbon-cutting and celebration of the Washington County Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT). This recovery center will offer over 80 beds and comprehensive support services to community members impacted by addiction. Thank you to all of the community partners who worked to make this treatment center a reality. I look forward to CATT opening its doors and providing hope and healing for families in our region.
 
Dougy Center Supports Local Families Through Loss
Did you know that 1 in 13 children in the United States will lose a parent before they turn 18? The Dougy Center is an incredible resource in our community for families and children who are grieving. The Center offers no-cost, age-appropriate services to support healing for Oregon families at three locations: SE Portland, Beaverton, and Canby. Through peer grief support, Dougy Center participants can express themselves and find hope and comfort from people their own age who have had a similar experience. Dougy Center has now supported over 65,000 children and families with grief-informed support, hope, and healing after a death.
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This Tuesday, I was able to attend Dougy Center's "Focus on Hope" luncheon, featuring a keynote address from Cheryl Strayed. Strayed is the author of Wild, a memoir reflecting on her hike through the Pacific Crest Trail after the loss of her mother. This was an inspiring event that centered creative healing and hope after loss. I am so grateful for the work Dougy Center does to care for our community.
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Transportation Committee Updates
I have had the privilege of serving as the Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. Our committees are now shifting to a new structure. Each chamber will have its own policy committee moving forward, and I will serve as the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation. A separate committee on Joint Transportation Oversight will address agency review. I have been appointed as a member of this committee as well.
November Legislative Days (11/17-11/19) are just around the corner. The Joint Transportation Oversight Committee with meet on Tuesday the 18th from 5:30-8:00 pm. The House Committee on Transportation will meet Wednesday the 19th from 2:30-5:00 pm.
In our November meeting as a policy committee, we plan to address issues including: federal impacts on transportation and climate, transit systems updates, and potential committee bills and member bills for the 2026 short session.
Take a Look at I-5 Bridge Visualizations
This summer, the IBR Program held a series of workshops with advisory group members to gather feedback on proposed architectural elements that may be incorporated into future design and construction. These discussions will help shape a program-wide vision for design and aesthetics, focused on creating a bridge that is functional, safe and visually cohesive with its surroundings.
Participants were shown a variety of visualizations illustrating what a replacement bridge and related elements could look like, including shared-use paths, landscaping, and structural features. These images — now available on the IBR Program website — were used as conceptual tools to support discussion and are not final designs.
The IBR design team walked through potential architectural features including design principles, materials, wall treatments, lighting and more. The feedback received during these discussions is helping inform creation of future construction procurement documents. Public input was welcomed throughout the process via the two advisory group meetings, office hours, and by email and phone.
Stay tuned for updates on the I-5 Bridge as we approach the December meeting of the Bi-State I-5 Bridge Committee. The committee will meet on December 15th from 9:00 am to noon.
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Westside Small Business & Workforce Open House
An event where small businesses connect with mid and large businesses, local government, resource organizations, and community groups while accessing valuable educational resources.
- Discover upcoming contracting opportunities
- Explore PCC Willow Creek Opportunity Center including state of the art learning spaces
- Programming will be geared toward all learning levels
WHEN: November 5th from 10:00 - 1:00 pm
WHERE: PCC Willow Creek Center
Día de los Muertos Celebration with Huehca Omeyocan
Come together and learn more about Día de los Muertos, its importance and Indigenous origins. Highlights include a special film screening, interactive discussion, and dance & drumming showcase.
This is a free event – no tickets required.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th from 5-8 pm
WHERE: Walters Cultural Arts Center
Trick-or-Treat at the Cornelius Library
Join us for trick-or-treating at the library! We will have crafts, books, candy, a photo setup for your spooky pictures, and a costume contest for all ages. If you dare to enter the costume contest, come between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Winners will be announced at 7:00 PM, and you do not need to be present to win. Don't miss out! This program is in partnership with the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce.
WHEN: Friday, October 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Cornelius Library
Trick-or-Treat the Merchants
Trick or Treat the Merchants is October 31st. Dress up and visit historic downtown Forest Grove for safe trick or treating at the local businesses. No sign up necessary.
WHEN: Friday, October 31st from 4:00-7:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown Main St Forest Grove and surrounding shops.
My office has compiled a list of resources for our community. You can click on the images below to open a document with the relevant links. If you know of a resource that should be included here, or you need a resource and are having trouble finding the information you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of Education-related resources. This includes links to the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts, the Oregon and US Departments of Education, information on how to pay for college, student lunch programs, and much more!
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WILDFIRE-RELATED RESOURCES
Click here, or on the image to the right for important resources related to wildfire prevention and recovery. This list includes links to current fire restrictions and recreation site status maps, the Oregon Department of Forestry's fire prevention tip page, and important resources for wildfire victims.
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RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS
Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of important resources for Veterans, including links and phone numbers to the various divisions of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, local Washington County assistance, supportive and community-based groups like the American Legion, and mental health resources.
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STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Click here, or on the image to the right for links to important local and state government pages, including the Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius city government pages. You can also access the Oregon Legislature's page, and other important state agency sites, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Unemployment Department, and the Oregon Health Authority.
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Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-493, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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