Camp Ready2Respond Gives Oregon Students Hands-on Disaster Response And Workforce Training (Photo) - 06/25/26

Video interviews and b-roll footage can be downloaded from Vimeo.

ALBANY, Ore. — More than 130 Oregon high school students from 17 counties, 28 schools and 24 cities spent the week at Camp Ready2Respond, a hands-on workforce development and disaster preparedness program designed to build skills, confidence and career pathways while strengthening Oregon’s disaster readiness.

The weeklong camp brought together students, educators, industry leaders, emergency management professionals and community partners at the Knife River Training Center in Albany. Students participated in a realistic disaster response and recovery scenario while gaining hands-on experience in construction, culinary arts, medical and safety operations, emergency communications and public information.

Students were organized into six villages: three builder villages, one culinary village, one medical and safety village and one communications village. Together, they worked on real-world response and recovery tasks that mirror the coordination needed after a disaster.

As of noon on Thursday, June 25, students were six hours ahead of schedule and had 10 emergency shelter units under construction. The shelters include four 8-by-8 units and six 8-by-12 units that will support disaster preparedness, temporary housing and community resilience efforts across Oregon.

“Camp Ready2Respond is a tremendous return on investment. For every dollar invested here, we are seeing five, six or seven dollars’ worth of impact in other areas. We are magnifying the taxpayer investment while building a group of young people who are ready to take care of themselves and take care of others,” said Jim Taylor, Production and Development Manager of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at Oregon Housing and Community Services.

Camp Ready2Respond demonstrates how public-private partnerships can prepare Oregon’s future workforce while helping communities become more resilient before, during and after disasters. Students had opportunities to build technical skills, practice teamwork, learn from professionals and explore careers connected to construction, manufacturing, emergency management, health and safety, communications and other fields.

“Many of the people ODHS serves, including older adults, people with disabilities and people living in poverty, are often the most impacted by disasters and fires. Programs like Camp Ready2Respond help Oregon respond more quickly so people can stay connected to their communities and have their functional needs met,” said Liesl Wendt, ODHS Director.

Camp Ready2Respond is supported by Team Oregon Build, the Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Emergency Management and 14 partner organizations.

Media Invited To Camp Ready2Respond Media Availability (Photo) - 06/23/26

Members of the media are invited to attend a special media availability for Camp Ready2Respond, a hands-on workforce development and disaster preparedness program that gives Oregon high school students real-world experience in disaster response, recovery and community resilience.

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Time: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Location: Knife River Training Center, 35973 Kennel Road SE, Albany, Oregon

Camp Ready2Respond brings together students, educators, industry leaders, emergency management professionals and community partners for an immersive experience focused on disaster preparedness, response, recovery and career pathways.

During the media availability, reporters will have the opportunity to:

• Tour the camp and observe disaster simulation activities

• Interview students participating in hands-on training exercises

• Speak with Camp Ready2Respond organizers and partner organizations

• Interview elected officials and state agency leaders about workforce development, disaster readiness and community resilience

• Learn how students are earning industry-recognized certifications and developing skills in construction, manufacturing, emergency management, public information, culinary arts and other career pathways

• View student-built projects that will support disaster preparedness, temporary housing and community resilience efforts across Oregon

Camp Ready2Respond shows how public-private partnerships can help prepare Oregon’s future workforce while strengthening the state’s disaster readiness and long-term community resilience.

Media availability schedule

12:30 p.m. Media arrive
12:35 to 1 p.m. Media tours of Camp Ready2Respond
1 to 1:20 p.m. Brief remarks from Camp organizers and partners
1:20 to 2 p.m. Individual media interviews with available camp leaders, students, state agency leaders and partners. Elected officials may also be available for interviews. 

RSVP: To help us plan adequate space and ensure media access is coordinated with student activities, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/hbCXgkkXiY8cJEMU8 

Logistics and parking

Look for the green signs with a yellow arrow (example attached). Please use the second entrance to the parking lot and park near the large gravel pile, as shown in the attached photo. After parking, check in at the registration tent to receive a visitor badge.

The event site includes dirt and gravel surfaces, so please dress for outdoor conditions. Closed-toe shoes are required for anyone entering the area where students are building structures. Additional personal protective equipment will be provided on site.

We look forward to welcoming media to see Oregon’s next generation of responders, builders and leaders in action.

ODHS Child Welfare Releases 2026 Q1 Report - 06/17/26

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) published a first quarter report on work under way to improve the child welfare system. ODHS began issuing quarterly reports in November 2025.

The reports provide an overview of measures and initiatives in key priority areas. These include safety and supporting families to prevent child maltreatment; improving services for children in foster care; ensuring a well-supported workforce and enhancing the program’s infrastructure to better serve Oregonians; and using data for accountability and to support continuous quality improvement.

Highlights in the first quarter report include progress made in safety through faster child abuse assessments.

Timely Child Protective Services (CPS) assessments continue to increase

When suspected child abuse cases are assessed within a 60-day window, families receive information about next steps to create safety plans or a determination about temporarily moving children to a relative or resource family for safety. Overdue assessments can cause additional family stress and increase risks to child safety.

• ODHS continued to make significant progress in completing timely assessments. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, 61% percent of assessments were completed within 60 days, up from 50.5% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. At the end of the first quarter of 2025 one year ago, just 39.5% of assessments were completed within 60 days.
   
• How it was achieved: Increased oversight at the district level has led to development of specific strategies to improve timeliness. In addition, adoption of more efficient data entry and documentation procedures has made it possible for staff to more quickly record case notes for improved accuracy.

“We continue see results from focusing on our core priorities of safety and improving services for children and families,” ODHS Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia said.

ODHS Child Welfare’s next report will be published in July 2026.

Resources

Read the ODHS Child Welfare 2025 Q4 Progress Report
See all ODHS Child Welfare progress and data reports

Webinar Series To Honor 36 Years Of Disability Civil Rights Kicks Off July 7 - 06/16/26

(Salem, OR) — The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates and experts who will share the latest information on disability supports, emergency management systems and digital accessibility.

Topics by date are:

• July 7: Exploring Cross-Disability Experiences and Support Needs 
• July 14: Building Inclusive and Accessible Emergency Management Systems
• July 21: ADA: How Far We’ve Come and What Comes Next
• July 28: Understanding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Ruling on Digital Accessibility

The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"As we reflect on the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we're also looking closely at the work ahead such as understanding diverse experiences and support needs, strengthening inclusive and accessible systems, and advancing digital accessibility," said Mark King, Chair of ODC. "We're grateful to our co-hosts for joining us in presenting this series, which helps us continue educating and advocating for equity, independence and full participation for people with disabilities."

The series will take place on Tuesdays throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 7. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event webpage on Zoom.

The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

More information about the series, including presenter biographies, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event webpage.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission:

The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Oregon Department Of Human Services Highlights Awareness And Reporting On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - 06/15/26

Abuse can happen to anyone. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is recognized each year on June 15, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is urging everyone to learn the signs of abuse and how to report it.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us that everyone can play a role in making our communities safer,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., Director of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. “By learning the signs of abuse, and speaking up when we experience, see or suspect abuse, we can make a difference.”

Every year, thousands of older adults in Oregon experience some form of abuse. Most alleged victims of abuse are women, and most reported victims are between the ages of 65 and 89. Abuse affects older adults from every community and background; more than one-third of alleged victims who report their race identify as something other than white.

LGBTQIA2S+ older adults experience higher risk.  A statewide study found that nearly a quarter of LGBTQIA2S+ older adults surveyed had experienced abuse in the past year, yet more than three‑quarters did not report it.

Recognizing the signs of abuse

Abuse can come from anyone including partners, family members, caregivers or strangers. Warning signs may include:

• Physical: Unexplained injuries or physical signs of punishment or restraint.
• Emotional: Anxiety, depression, or behavior changes.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, bedsores, weight loss or unsafe living conditions.
• Abandonment: A dependent person left alone.
• Sexual: Withdrawal, distress or physical symptoms.
• Financial: Unexplained bank transactions, late bill payments or missing assets.

How to report suspected abuse

Anyone can report suspected abuse. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

For non-emergencies:

• Visit the ODHS abuse reporting webpage for information and resources.
• Call the Oregon SAFEline at 1‑855‑503‑SAFE (7233). Callers may be asked to leave a message and will receive a return call.

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, ODHS reaffirms its commitment to protecting older adults and ensuring that every person, regardless of age, identity, or background, can live with dignity, safety, and respect.

Governor’s Commission On Senior Services Seeks New Members - 06/12/26

Salem (OR) — Do you want to make sure Oregon is an age-friendly state? Are you passionate about enhancing and protecting older Oregonians’ quality of life?

The Governor's Commission on Senior Services (GCSS) seeks applicants for multiple open positions.

The commission works to ensure that older adults have access to services that provide choice, independence and dignity. Oregon is developing a Multi-Sector Plan for Aging to better support people at every stage of life. Commission members are a part of this planning.

The Governor appoints commission members for a three-year term. Members can serve two terms.

Adults of all ages can apply, but most committee members must be 60 or older. Overall, the commission membership must include:

• Representatives of public and private agencies that focus on the needs of older adults
• Advocates for older adults
• Members of advocacy organizations that represent the interests of older adults and people with disabilities who receive services from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
• Individuals who receive ODHS services, including people who experience disabilities.

If you identify with any of these criteria and want to make a difference in the lives of older Oregonians, please apply on Workday. For help using Workday, email adam.g.hansen@odhs.oregon.gov or call 503-855-8438. For more information about the commission, email gcss.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov​​​.

Public Invited To Free, Informational Elder Abuse Awareness Day Events In Klamath And Lake Counties - 06/08/26

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is partnering with community centers and organizations in Klamath and Lake Counties to co-host two fun, informational resource fairs that are tailored for older adults. The two free events are open to everyone. They will feature speakers, activities, giveaways, information and resource booths, as well as lunch.

Along with the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), including the APD Adult Protective Services Unit, the events are being hosted by the Klamath & Lake Counties Council on Aging, the Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, The Center (formerly Lake County Senior Center) and other community partner agencies. Information provided will include tips on how to avoid the latest scams in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th.

Here is more information on how to attend:

Klamath Falls Elder Abuse Awareness Event and Resource Fair

• When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2026
• Where: Klamath Basin Senior Citizens’ Center, 2045 Arthur St., Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97603

Lakeview Elder Abuse Awareness Event and Resource Fair

• When: 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026
• Where: The Center (Formerly Lake County Senior Center), 11 N. G St., Lakeview, Oregon 97630

Other details and accessibility: Lunch will be served at both events. For general questions as well as questions about accessibility, or to request an accommodation, contact Josh Woodson at (541) 273-3044 or send an email to Joshua.N.Woodson@odhs.oregon.gov.

Eligible Families Receive Summer EBT Food Benefits Starting June 5 - 06/05/26

June 5, 2026

Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) will be issued to families who are automatically eligible beginning today, June 5, 2026. 
 

Summer EBT is a food benefits program that helps address hunger in Oregon when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school.  

Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt. Summer EBT provides $120 for each eligible child to buy food. 

This is the third year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program, which is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The program expects to serve about 360,000 children this year.   

Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on June 5, 2026, should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.   

“Access to nutritious food is essential to children’s health, well-being, and learning,” Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “Summer EBT provides important support to families during the summer months, and we encourage eligible families to take advantage of this resource.” 

Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets. With this help, families will be able to spend more than $43 million in their local grocery stores, farmers markets and other places.  

“We know summer can be especially hard for families who are already struggling to keep food on the table,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “When school is out, many children lose access to regular school meals, and no child should have to worry about being hungry. Summer EBT helps families buy healthy food and gives kids the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and enjoy their summer. Our goal is to make sure every eligible child in Oregon can access this support.” 

Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits? 

Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov.  

Families will get benefits automatically on their Oregon EBT card if they have children between the ages of 6-18 and have received one of the following at any time during the 2025-26 school year: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits 

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance 

• Medicaid, if household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level 

• Foster care services 

Families also may automatically receive benefits if they have children who: 

• Were determined by their school to have a status as migrant, houseless or runaway. 

• Took part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. 

• Attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. 

Families may need to apply if: 

• Their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. 

• Their child attends a school that was part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP). 

Important Summer EBT dates: 

• June 5, 2026 – The online application opens and applications begin processing. 

• Sept. 1, 2026 – Application deadline. 

• Sept. 25, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center closes. 

Children cannot receive 2026 Summer EBT benefits in multiple states. The program invites families to apply if they have children living in Oregon during the 2025-26 school year. Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.   

Additional resources:  

• Families can double their money by up to $20 per day at participating Oregon Farmers Markers, Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSAs) and grocery stores using Double Up Food Bucks  

• Information about Food resources in Oregon 

• Find summer meal sites  

Oregon Department Of Human Services Offices At West Sixth Street In Medford Have Closed; Staff Have Relocated - 05/29/26

Medford, Ore. – Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) offices at 24 and 28 West Sixth Street in Medford closed Friday, April 24. Staff from the Aging and People with Disabilities, Oregon Eligibility Partnership and Vocational Rehabilitation programs have moved into nearby ODHS and other community offices to serve the community.

Here is where each program has moved:

• Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) moved to 2860 State Street, Medford.

Services include: Adult Foster Home Licensing: Inspection; Diversion/Transition Coordination; Adult Protective Services; Long Term Care Services and Supports; and Homecare worker Program.

• Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) moved to:

• 2860 State Street;
• 673 Market Street. Medford;
• Rogue Family Center 3131 Avenue C, White City.

Services include: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Employment Related Day Care; Medical Programs; and

Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors. People can receive eligibility support and other services at any of the seven ODHS Southern Oregon offices. OEP staff are able to assist any person in need of eligibility services regardless of which office they visit.

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has moved to the Rogue Family Center, 3131 Avenue C, White City.

VR services are being provided in a variety of ways throughout Jackson County based on individual needs. Current VR participants should contact their counselor to determine the most appropriate meeting location. Individuals interested in applying for services should contact an ODHS office, and staff will work with them to identify a convenient meeting option.

Vocational Rehabilitation helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. Services may include career counseling, training, job search assistance, assistive technology, and other employment supports.

To find an ODHS office: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.

If people need to call for eligibility services, 800-699-9075; or visit online at https://one.oregon.gov.   

If you have questions, please contact:

Aging and People with Disabilities, Senior Services: 541-776-6222

Oregon Eligibility Partnership: 541-776-6172; Ashland – 541-482-2041; Medford Market – 541-776-6172; Rogue Family Center White City – 541-776-6160; Senior Services Medford – 541-776-6222; Grants Pass – 541-474-3101; Cave Junction – 541-592-4149

Vocational Rehabilitation: 541-776-6035

                                                                        # # #

ODHS Shares Update On SNAP Work Rule Impacts As Additional Oregonians Remain At Risk Of Losing Food Benefits - 05/29/26

Salem, Ore. —Last month the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) warned that 6,948 people were at risk of having SNAP benefits close at the end of April due to federally directed changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules. Those closures and reductions have now taken effect. The average SNAP benefit for affected cases was about $287 per month, money that would otherwise have been spent on groceries in local communities across Oregon.

Based on average benefit amounts, these closures and reductions represent nearly $2 million in SNAP benefits that will not be spent in Oregon communities this month.

An additional 6,309 people are currently at risk of having SNAP benefits close or reduce at the end of May. Because these changes could take effect soon, some people may not be able to prevent a June benefit loss before the end of the month. However, people should still contact ODHS. Even if SNAP benefits stop and a person’s EBT card does not have June benefits on it, they may still be able to regain benefits by meeting work rules, qualifying for an exemption or reporting a change in their situation.

The federal bill HR1 significantly expanded SNAP work rules, increasing the number of Oregonians subject to time limits. Adults ages 18 to 64 without a child under age 14 in their SNAP household may now need to meet work rules to continue receiving benefits unless they qualify for an exemption.

People who do not meet work rules and do not qualify for an exemption can only receive SNAP for three months within a three-year period. Each month a person does not meet work rules is called a “countable month” that counts toward the three-month limit.

For some SNAP participants, the cost of meeting work requirements can be difficult to manage. While the average SNAP benefit for affected cases was about $287 per month, the average monthly SNAP benefit for one adult statewide is about $183. That means a single adult receiving SNAP would receive the equivalent of about $2.29 per hour for the time spent completing 80 hours of required activities each month, before accounting for transportation or other costs.

“We want people to know they still have options. If you have questions about your SNAP benefits or think work rules may apply to you, your best next step is to contact us. We’re here to help,” said Nate Singer, ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Director. OEP staff help people with ABAWD status learn if they are already meeting the rules, qualify for an exemption or need support in getting a plan in place to keep their food benefits.

ODHS has been working to connect with people before benefits stop. In March, approximately 20,000 people were notified that their SNAP benefits could close if they did not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption. About 6,000 people connected with ODHS and were able to keep their benefits by qualifying for an exemption or meeting work requirements.

Some people who lost benefits may still qualify for an exemption but did not connect with ODHS before benefits closed.

If someone has lost SNAP benefits due to work rules, there are several ways they may be able to regain eligibility.

People may qualify again if they:

• Meet work requirements
• Qualify for an exemption
• Report changes in their situation that affect whether work rules apply

People who need to meet work rules can receive free employment and training support through partnerships between ODHS, the Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon.

These services can help with:

• Job search and applications
• Training and education programs
• Resume building and interview preparation
• Support services like transportation

ODHS encourages anyone who may be affected by work rules to contact the agency as soon as possible. Benefits do not restart automatically after they stop. People who lose benefits at the end of May should still contact ODHS in June. Their EBT card may not have June SNAP benefits on it, but ODHS can help them understand what happened and what steps they can take to regain benefits if they are eligible.

For more information about SNAP work rules and exemptions:

• English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
• Spanish: Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo
• ODHS ABAWD Team:
• Call: 1-833-947-1694
• Email: SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

For more information about SNAP benefits:

• Online: benefits.oregon.gov
• Call the ONE Customer Service Center: 1-800-699-9075
• In person or by phone: at any ODHS office
  • ODHS office finder in English and Spanish  

Summer EBT Is Back To Help Feed Oregon Children During Summer Break - 05/28/26

The Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits (Summer EBT) program is returning in 2026 to help families buy groceries for school-aged children during summer break when they don’t have easy access to healthy meals.

Eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 for each child on an Oregon EBT card to buy food. Unused benefits can expire 122 days after they are issued.

Families will get benefits automatically on their Oregon EBT card if they have children between the ages of 6-18 and received one of the following at any time during the 2025-26 school year:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance
• Medicaid, if household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
• Foster care services

Families also may automatically receive benefits if they have children who:

• Were determined by their school to have a status as migrant, houseless or runaway.
• Took part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Families may need to apply if:

• Their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
• Their child attends a school that was part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Important Summer EBT dates:

• June 1, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center opens. Families can call 833-673-7328 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 4, 2026 – Benefits are expected to begin issuing to families who are automatically eligible.
• June 5, 2026 – The online application opens and applications begin processing.
• Sept. 1, 2026 – Application deadline.
• Sept. 25, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center closes.

The Summer EBT program is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

Children cannot receive 2026 Summer EBT benefits in multiple states. The program invites families to apply if they have children living in Oregon during the 2025-26 school year.

Families can learn more about Summer EBT, find application information and get updates by visiting the website at sebt.oregon.gov.