Author: Christy De La Rosa

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  NOTICE OF MEETING FOR ANNUAL PUBLIC REVIEW:

 

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR ANNUAL PUBLIC REVIEW:

 

The Mid-Columbia Housing Authority and Columbia Gorge Housing Authority have made a revision to their Public Housing Authority Annual Plan. It is available for review on our website at www.mid-columbiahousingauthority.org. Please call 541-296-5462 or email info@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org to request a copy of the Plan.

A public hearing will be held on October 10, 2022 at 9:30AM online via the video conferencing platform Zoom. Please email info@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org or call 541-296-5462 to request to information on how to join the Zoom meeting.

If you have a disability that requires any special materials, services, or assistance, please contact us at least 48 business hours before the meeting at (Phone) 541-296-5462 (Toll Free) 1-888-356-8919 or Deaf Community Relay – (OR) 1-800-735-1232 (WA) 1-800-833-6384, (Fax) 1-541-296-8570 or info@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org so we can arrange appropriate accommodations.

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Director Evaluation

Joel Madsen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

 

Topic: My Meeting

Time: Jan 10, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81145252571

 

Meeting ID: 811 4525 2571

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Meeting ID: 811 4525 2571

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcahBTT2a9

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joel Madsen, Executive Director – Columbia Cascade Housing Corp P: 541.296.5462 Ext 116

E: joelm@columbiacascadehousingcorp.org

White Salmon Receives Funding for Regional Housing Rehabilitation Program Partnering with Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation

White Salmon, WA (September 20th, 2021) – Washington State Department of Commerce announced this week that the City of White Salmon has been selected to receive up to $400,000 in Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to continue providing a regional housing rehabilitation program with Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC). CCHC and the City of White Salmon teamed up for the successful investment proposal and will continue their partnership over the next two years to put this investment to work in Klickitat and Skamania Counties.

The minor home repair program will provide zero interest, deferred loans up to $25,000 for lower income homeowners seeking health and safety repairs to their homes using local contractors. This resource is available to homeowners throughout Klickitat and Skamania Counties earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. ‘We’re excited to attract this resource to our region and utilize our expertise in managing federal investments to improve the condition of our housing stock while helping lower income homeowners stay in their homes’ said Joel Madsen, Executive Director.

Mayor of White Salmon, Marla Keethler states ‘this is another example of our city prioritizing the community’s desire to address affordable housing. We’re pleased to be partnering with CCHC on this project and look forward to improving the housing stock in and around White Salmon.

Creating opportunities for homeowners to make improvements to their home is another piece of the housing puzzle. The program will ensure preservation of existing houses throughout our community while also bringing job opportunities to local contractors.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon, asbestos and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents. There is no cost to homeowners who must sign a Deed and Note for a 30 year, deferred payment, zero interest loan.

500 East 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR. 97058

Deaf Community Relay – (OR) 1-800-735-1232 (WA) 1-800-833-6384

Interested homeowners should contact Housing Resource Program Manager, Dave Peters, at 1- 888-356-8919 for additional information. Applications can be found at the following website at https://bit.ly/WS-Home-Repair or at our office at 500 E 2nd St. The Dalles, OR

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Klickitat County

Family Size 1 – $24,750; 2-$28,250; 3-$31,800; 4-$35,300; 5-$38,150; 6-$40,950; 7-$43,800; 8-$46,600

Skamania County

Family Size 1 – $33,850; 2-$38,700; 3-$43,550; 4-$48,350; 5-$52,250; 6-$56,100; 7-$60,000; 8-$63,850

Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit affordable housing provider whose purpose is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing that is affordable to very low-, low- and moderate-income persons. CCHC operates within Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties in Oregon as well as Klickitat and Skamania Counties in Washington.

500 East 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR. 97058

Deaf Community Relay – (OR) 1-800-735-1232 (WA) 1-800-833-6384 

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Hood River Down payment Assistance Program Guidelines

  • Current income limit is $76,800               Current Loan amount up to $15,000

 

  • Loans will be awarded to qualified applicants as funds allow, based on receipt of firm commitment letter from lender
  • Can be used for down payment and closing cost assistance
  • Income limits Income includes all income from household members over the age of 18.
  • Can be combined with $15,000 Veteran’s Down payment program, if qualified
  • Loans are restricted to homes purchased in Hood River County in Oregon
  • First time homebuyers. (No homeownership in the last 3 years)
  • Must be owner occupied

 

  • Up to $15,000 Note and Deed of Trust will be used (in 2nd position)
  • Loan is forgivable by 20% per year, starting one year after closing and will have no balance after the 5th year
  • Mobile homes OK, if land is purchased
  • Recipients must take Homebuyer class offered by Mid-Columbia Housing Center prior to purchase
  • Recipients must attend at least 1 one-on-one counseling session with CCHC staff
  • Buyers can have no more than $30,000 of liquid assets after closing

– Retirement accounts such as IRA’s and 401Ks are exempt

  • No other real property can be owned at the time of closing
  • Closing must be completed through Escrow
  • Home must have a professional Home Inspection completed

 

For additional information contact: David Peters or Mario Heredia at 541-296-3397 Habla Espanol

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Survey gauges need for public child care center

 

Survey gauges need for public child care center

 

MEDIA RELEASE – July 23, 2021

 

Contact:           Dan Spatz

Telephone:      (541) 340-9883

Email:              dspatz@cgcc.edu

 

As more people are vaccinated to reduce the risk from COVID-19, many parents in the Mid-Columbia region are returning to the workforce. But the high cost and scarcity of affordable child care is a challenge, both for the general public and students attending Columbia Gorge Community College.

“Columbia Gorge Community College has long recognized the need for affordable child care,” said Nancey Patten, director of Child Care Partners – Child Care Resource & Referral. This college-based program offers training and technical assistance to early learning professionals and referral services for CGCC students. It recruits and supports new early learning programs to meet the needs of local families.

The college also has an Early Childhood Education program to help meet the acute shortage of skilled early childhood educators.

This past spring the Ford Family Foundation awarded Columbia Gorge Community College a grant to conduct a child care center feasibility study. The study is taking place over the summer and fall. It will gather information on the regional need for affordable child care and develop a business model to determine how a child care center can be operated on a sustainable basis.

This month the college and its community partners are distributing a survey as the critical first step in completing that study. The survey is anonymous. Participants are asked to report the number of children in their families, how their child care needs are currently met, and their ability to contribute toward the cost of child care. “We know our region needs a child care center,” Patten said. “Data from this survey will be vital in order for us to determine the feasibility of operating a facility, including the level of support we will likely need to keep our rates affordable for low and moderate-income families.”

A child care center will have two goals: First, to provide affordable child care for families who are unable to place children in centers operated by Head Start (typically because family incomes do not meet federal eligibility requirements). And second, to provide real-world instructional experience for students enrolled in the college’s Early Childhood Education program.

Ten community partners joined with the college in supporting the local cost of this study, including Four Rivers Early Learning Hub, City of The Dalles, Wasco County, Northern Wasco People’s Utility District, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, North Wasco County School District, Columbia Gorge Education Service District, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and Port of The Dalles.

The survey is posted to the college website and social media. Community partners are distributing it through their social media networks. People are encouraged to complete the survey no later than Friday, August 20. Paper versions of the survey are also being distributed to libraries, schools and other locations.

Here are links to the survey in English and in Spanish. These are also being posted to the college website, www.cgcc.edu.

 

-30-

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Cooling Centers Opening Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24th, 2021

CONTACT:

Kenny LaPoint Executive Director

Email: klapoint@mccac.com Phone #: 541-848-1667

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council

Serving Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties

312 E. 4th St.

The Dalles, OR 97058

 

 

As high summer temperatures enter the region, our houseless and most vulnerable community members are at extreme risk of heat and sun exposure that threatens their health and well-being. In response, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) has partnered with the City of Hood River, St. Vincent DePaul of The Dalles, Hood River Shelter Services, the City of Hood River, Hood River County Emergency Management, Hood River Public Health, Columbia Area Transit, and LINK Public Transit to offer Cooling Centers options and transportation for our community members who are experiencing unsheltered houselessness. Below are Cooling Center locations and transportation information that can help assist in accessing Cooling Centers in the region:

 

Hood River County Cooling Center

Hood River Fire Station Community Room (located behind the Hood River Acquatic Center) 1785 Meyer Parkway, Hood River

Contact Phone #: 541-965-8533 Hours of operation:

  • Friday, June 25th, 10am-8pm
  • Saturday, June 26th, 10am-8pm
  • Sunday, June 27th,10am-8pm
  • Monday, June 28th, 10am-8pm
  • Tuesday, June 29th, 10am-8pm

 

Wasco County and Sherman County

St. Vincent DePaul of The Dalles 315 W. 3rd St., The Dalles Contact Phone #: 541-980-0855 Hours of operation:

  • Friday, June 25th, 10am-8pm
  • Saturday, June 26th, 10am-8pm
  • Sunday, June 27th,10am-8pm
  • Monday, June 28th, 10am-8pm

 

  • Tuesday, June 29th, 10am-8pm Contact Phone #: 541-980-0855

 

Transportation to and from cooling centers will be offered by Columbia Area Transit (CAT) in accordance with the CAT Bus and Trolley schedules linked below:

 

Hood River Transportation Options Weekday CAT Bus Schedule, Hood River Weekend CAT Trolley Schedule, Hood River

 

The Dalles Transportation Options

Weekday and Weekend CAT Bus Schedule, The Dalles

LINK Public Transit Schedule or call for a Dial-A-Ride 541-296-7595 M-F 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Cost is $1.50

 

Additional Information

Guests of the Cooling Centers will be required to comply with COVID-19 guidelines and face covering requirements. All guest will be required to wear a face covering when inside the Cooling Centers in addition to maintaining social distancing and utilizing hand washing and sanitation options as necessary. Additional rules may be implemented at each Cooling Center site.

 

 

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Emergency Broadband Benefit News Release

Partner Contact Information

Mid Columbia Housing Authority

541-296-5462

Info@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org

 

Today, MCHA announced it is working to help build consumer awareness about the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program.  The temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3.2B Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to a $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands.  The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
  • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment will begin (opened) on May 12, 2021. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.  Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at  www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week

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FREE FINANCIAL EDUCATION

JOIN US IN A SERIES OF FREE FINANCIAL EDUCATION!

Upcoming Dates:

March 3 at 1PM-Taxes and Ways To Use Your Return

March 10 at 10AM-Budgeting & Savings
March 17 at 1PM-Building, Repairing, and Protecting Credit
March 31 at 1PM-Banking Basics
April 7 at 1PM -Dealing With Debt & Predatory Lending

CLASSES WILL BE PROVIDED AT
THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME VIA ZOOM.

Contact Sonia Chavez to
register at (541)-370-2291 or
soniac@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org

UNETE A NOSOTROS EN UNA SERIE DE EDUCACION FINANCIERA COMPLETAMENTE GRATITUA!

Fechas Siguientes:

Marzo 2 a las 5:30PM-Impuestos y Formas de Utilizar Su Declaración Marzo 9 a las 5:30PM-Presupuesto y Ahorro
Marzo 16 a las 5:30PM-Construcción y Reparación de Crédito
Marzo 30 a las 5:30PM-Fundamentos bancarios
Abril 6 a las 5:30PM -Enfrentando La Deuda y Los Prestamos Depredadores
LAS CLASES SE IMPARTIRAN EN LA
COMODIDAD DE SU HOGAR A TRAVES DE ZOOM.

Contacte a Sonia Chavez para registrarse al (541)-370-2291 o soniac@mid-columbiahousingauthority.org