Jackson County assistance programs.

Find rental assistance

The federal government is providing stimulus funds to local programs. For example, the Upper Rogue Community Center has received thousands of dollars in Federal Stimulus Funds to provide residents rental assistance. The community center will be able to provide qualified Upper Rogue residents one time free rent assistance grants for up to $400. To receive help from this program, the family or individual must have applied but not necessarily have been accepted for unemployment benefits on or before July 2008.

If you are not qualified under this criteria, the Upper Rogue Community Center also received grants and funds from the Walker Foundation for rental, emergency, and prescription drug assistance.

Families and individuals who live in Shady Cove, White City, Eagle Point, Prospect, and Butte Falls need to know that there is help available from the center through these trying economic times. Anyone who is interested in applying for aid should call the center to make an appointment to meet with a counselor.

In addition, the thrift store on location is also the beneficiary of federal stimulus funds through the Job Council, and the store will be open longer hours.

The Upper Rogue Community Center is located at 22465 Highway 62, behind city hall, in Jackson County Oregon.

Help with bills from ACCESS, Inc.

This is the community action organization for Jackson County. They have several programs that can help low income people, people with disabilities, and children.

Housing assistance, including help with rent and paying your mortgage. Last year the ACCESS Inc. Family Services Coordinators helped almost 600 families with getting housing assistance. The support they can provide is help with paying for 1 or 2 months of either a mortgage or rent. There are program qualifications that need to be met. For example, if a household is applying for mortgage or rent assistance, the applicant needs to prove that they are the primary resident and are responsible for the payment.  The applicant also needs to provide a copy of the lease or mortgage document. Also, help is limited to but once per year. And only lower income people can receive these grants.

Another place to turn for help is The Medford Salvation Army. They help individuals and families by providing housing  funds, utility bill assistance, and help stabilizing their lives over the long term. (541) 773-6965.

Energy and heating bill programs

The assistance programs offered by ACCESS Inc. to residents include the Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization Program, energy Efficient and Consumer Competency Program (E2C2), and the Energy Education Program. Almost 5,000 families were help last year.

Overall, the energy assistance programs were created to help low and moderate income households pay for some of their utility or heating bills. Programs like weatherization can also help people reduce their energy bills by installing free upgrades and improvements to the home. Various state, federal, and utility cash grants fund the energy program.

There are several other programs offered as well, including food aid, programs for seniors, and more. Contact them at 3630 Aviation Way in Medford Oregon.

Foreclosure Assistance and Counseling

There are several local organization and non-profits to turn to for help.

They include the Rogue Federal Credit Union, which has joined forces with the Home Builders Association of Jackson County and other local businesses and non-profit organizations to offer foreclosure prevention and assistance plans for families and individuals who are in a financial crisis. All educational seminars are free to participants, and membership at RFCU is not a requirement for attendance or to access the program. Call 541-858-7328 to register.

Another option is ACCESS Inc. This organizations also offers mortgage and foreclosure help to those in financial need. The organization can be reached at 541-618-4012. Learn more about Oregon mortgage programs.

Help with debts and foreclosures

Call Medford Oregon based Consumer Credit Counseling at (541) 779-2273. They provide assistance in attaining and education on financial health for low income adults. Get access to counselors who can provide foreclosure help, and learn about debt management programs and plans.

Health, medical, and dental care

Children can get free dental assistance from Children’s Dental Clinic, phone number (541) 608-4249.

Another local health clinic is the Jackson County based Community Health Center (541) 773-3863) which provides primary health care for those low income people who are under insured and uninsured and can’t afford to pay for their entire medical or hospital bill.

Last but not least contact the La Clinica, Kids Health Connection. (541)512-3912. Get access to primary and preventive health care. The programs focus on children who are living in very low to moderate income levels in west Medford Oregon.