Salem-News.com Homeless articles Page 8

Hunger Action Month: Empty Cupboards Spreading Through Oregon (AUDIO)

Hunger affects one in five Oregonians, and one in eight Americans nationwide.

( PORTLAND, Ore.) - The report from the front lines in Oregon is that the economy is taking a bite out of family dinners. September is Hunger Action Month, and Sharon Hills, executive director of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Recovery Network, says this year's designation comes as requests for emergency food boxes are at record highs.

"The increase has been at least 40 percent in families requesting food. Of those families, between 40 and 50 percent are children." Hunger Action Month is a time to educate the public on the difficulties faced by families on limited food budgets, according to Hills.

Grant Supports Oregon Housing Program Combating Violence Against Women

$499,978 will Support Program in Klamath County, Oregon.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Attorney General Eric Holder says $499,978 in Recovery Act funds was awarded to an Oregon organization by the Office on Violence Against Women Recovery Act Transitional Housing Program.

Man Arrested for Salem Transient Camp Murder

The location appears to be a transient camp on Mill Creek.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police detectives made an arrest in the death of a man that was found in Mill Creek in southeast Salem Thursday night. Earlier today, officers arrested 47-year old Ben Stephens for the crime of Murder.

Joseph W. Hollander, Marion County Deputy District Attorney, says Salem Police responded to a report of a body Thursday, August 6, 2009 at approximately 10:09 p.m.

Oregon Tops National Homelessness Tally (AUDIO)

The AHAR report on homelessness is compiled for Congress by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(SALEM, Ore. ONS) - The number of homeless people in Oregon has climbed for the third straight year. A new national report compiled for Congress by the Department of Housing and Urban Development says about one-half of one percent of Oregonians are homeless.

That may not sound like much, but it's a higher percentage than in any other state, compared to its total population, and it means 17,000 people statewide are living in shelters or on the street.

Senate Votes to Dramatically Expand Health Care Coverage for Oregonian’s Children & most Vulnerable

House Bill 2009 and House Bill 2116 will reform health care delivery and fund coverage for more Oregonians using $2 billion in Federal matching dollars.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Following through on a commitment to dramatically increase access to health care for children and the most vulnerable in Oregon while controlling costs for all, the Senate Democrats passed both HB 2116 and HB 2009 this afternoon.

Together, the two bills will cover 95% of Oregon’s uninsured children and extend coverage to an additional 35,000 low-income adults while instituting a reformed model of health care delivery for Oregonians.

Oregon Homeless Report Opens a Door at the State House? (AUDIO)

Homeless figures bring new urgency to a legislative proposal to issue lottery-backed bonds to help the residents of manufactured home parks buy the land they've been renting.

(PORTLAND, Ore. ONS) - A 35 percent jump in Oregon's homeless population is a startling statistic, from a state report that shows most of those without homes are families and the number of homeless school-aged children has almost doubled, to nearly 16,000.

Number of Homeless People Rises Throughout State

Homeless numbers rose from 3,294 on the street in 2008 to 8,561 in 2009. Many are American veterans.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Spiraling unemployment and inability to pay rent are behind a dramatic jump in homelessness throughout the state, according to data released this week by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

“The numbers confirm what we already knew, families and individuals can’t afford to pay for one of their most basic needs – a place to live,” said Rick Crager, OHCS deputy director.
The number of people in Oregon identified as homeless increased 37 percent from the same time last year, according to the statewide One-Night Homeless Count.

Federal Stimulus Package Increases Food Stamp Benefits

Lawmakers say the changes will also boost the local economy.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregonians will soon have increased food benefits under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which calls for a more than 13 percent increase in federal food stamp benefits.

Governor Ted Kulongoski says the increase helps in two ways. The added benefits will help people who are feeling the impact of the economy and also help local communities by putting more money into the local economy.

Rural Counties Benefit from HUD Allocation

Oregon rural counties to receive $1.5 million for homeless programs.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Federal funds recently received by the Rural Oregon Continuum of Care will help keep housing assistance and supportive services alive for homeless individuals and families in 23 Oregon counties.

Under the broader HUD Continuum of Care program, local communities and agencies must work together to provide prevention outreach, emergency shelter and supportive services for homeless individuals and families in addition to housing options.

America Must Do Better by Their Veterans!

What do you think about this?

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) - A member of your family who was sent to Afghanistan comes and cannot find a job. He tries for over a year working in fast food joints and other minimum wage jobs. He has finished college and thought he was ready to see his part of the "American dream" for which he fought!!

He says, "Granddad, I did not go to Afghanistan and fight in the great patriotic war for our American way of life to come back to find that I am not nor it seems that I ever will be more than just a struggling po forgotten ex-solder boy. Ain't that a kick in the head??"