News from Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen

Holiday Greetings from Jeff

As 2010 comes to a close, we look ahead to 2011. There will be continuing challenges and changes, but I'm honored to serve this community and inspired by the hard work and dedication of Multnomah County employees.

Through the work of our staff and my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, we've taken bold action to aid those without shelter, protect survivors of domestic violence and support our neighbors who are deeply affected by the difficult economy.

We will continue to strive for positive outcomes in the work we do and remain committed to our core mission of protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining our county's quality of life. I wish you and your family a festive and safe winter holiday season.

Board acts to re-house 70 homeless families

Following the success of last year's 30 Families in 30 Days program, which put 34 homeless families into permanent housing, the County Board supported an innovative way to help even more people experiencing homelessness and escaping domestic violence. The Board unanimously approved the new Homeless Families Rapid Re-Housing Initiative, led by Commissioner Kafoury, which will help 70 families get into homes and back on their feet this winter.

See a KGW video and an Oregonian news story about the program.

Children, elders make music, span generations

Commissioner Judy Shiprack helped arrange a partnership between Music Together, an early childhood music education program, and Providence ElderPlace, an assisted living facility, to create an intergenerational music program for elders and children. Beginning in January 2011, classes will include singing, chanting, movement, and instrumentation across different generations of parents, children and seniors. Read more.

County Commissioners deliver holiday tidings

The Multnomah Board of County Commissioners gathered to record a video message, sending "Season's Greetings" to the entire community.

From all of us at Multnomah County, we hope your holidays are filled with loved ones, warmth, cheer and bright prospects for the New Year ahead.

Watch the video.

Coraggio Group report seeks efficiencies

With ever-increasing demand for county services due to the difficult economy, Multnomah County faces diminishing state resources and difficult choices.

Chair Jeff Cogen has engaged a local company, the Corragio Group, to provide recommendations on ways Multnomah County can cut administrative overhead and boost efficiency in business practices.

Read a summary report and related documents here.

Animal Services helps families in need

Christina, a homeless Portland woman, was complaining her toes were cold. But her bigger concern was that her dog, Puffy, had cold toes too.

Through partnerships with the Humane Society of the United States, American Red Cross and the Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) Team, Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) continues to open doors for homeless and low-income families who have pets in need of care. Read more.

County helps job applicants through process

Earlier this year, Multnomah County adopted an online application process. This new approach is more efficient for both job seekers and staff who receive and review applications.

On the county's jobs page, we provide a host of resources for job seekers, including an instructional video about the online application process. The new approach supports the efforts of Multnomah County's Office of Diversity and Equity in recruiting.

Multnomah County is Oregon's most populous county with about 725,000 residents. Multnomah County is governed by a Board of four elected Commissioners and one Chair. Multnomah County employees provide citizens a wide range of health and human services, public safety services and other government services.

Multnomah County values the privacy of personal information and will not sell or otherwise disclose your email address, except as provided under Chapter 192 of the Oregon Revised Statues pertaining to Records; Public Reports and Meetings.

DCJ remembers two

Employees in Multnomah County's Department of Community Justice are mourning the loss of two members of its probation and parole team, Diane Wade and Erick Montgomery.

Both longtime DCJ employees, Diane and Erick were very involved with the local African American community and well-liked and respected by colleagues and clients alike.

Read the Oregonian story about Diane and Erick or visit this page.

Oregon mortgage help
Hacienda CDC will aid struggling homeowners in Multnomah County through the federal Mortgage Payment Assistance Program.

Learn more online,
visit the intake center at Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center or call 503-961-6432 for more information.

Q&A on Library funding

After voter approval of Measure 26-114, Multnomah County Director Vailey Oehlke answers questions on library funding.
Read more.

Medicare Part D help
As the December 31 deadline approaches to make changes, Multnomah County is assisting seniors and people with disabilities in choose the prescription drug and managed health plans that's best for them. Read more.

Warming centers
People who need a safe, warm place during the winter can find help at one of the local winter warming centers.