The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has launched a new program to reach seniors impacted the COVID-19 pandemic: the Community Care Initiative.
The Community Care Initiative (CCI) is a collaborative effort between the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas County Health, Housing & Human Services, and the Oregon Food Bank. Under CCI, based out of the Public Safety Training Center in Clackamas, a team of Sheriff's Office and County employees and volunteers will contact seniors in Clackamas County and ask if they need food, medicine, or household supplies. Volunteers will pack care boxes and make home deliveries with any needed items.
"I'm thankful for our partnerships and the ability to make a difference in our local community during this difficult time," said Undersheriff Angela Brandenburg. "I want every Clackamas County resident, especially our seniors, to know they are not alone, we care, and we are here for you."
The Public Safety Training Center in Clackamas will serve as a center for assembling care boxes for seniors and other vulnerable populations, as identified by Clackamas County Social Services. Beginning Monday, April 6, CCI team members started assembling packages of food and supplies from the Oregon Food Bank to deliver throughout the community to those with active needs.
COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone, but seniors in our community are especially vulnerable. Many are unable to go to the grocery store to buy food and medical supplies, and others are suffering from increased feelings of loneliness as they self-isolate to protect themselves from the virus.
How To Contact The Community Care Initiative:
If you're in need, contact the Community Care Initiative at CCIrequests@clackamas.us , or call the resource-team phone line Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 503-794-8008. (If you have an emergency need, call 911.)
The Community Care Initiative will begin with this senior-citizen outreach, with plans to expand to meet other emerging needs in the community -- including individuals in need of assistance referred to Clackamas County by local faith and nonprofit organizations.
Donations Accepted:
Donations to support the Community Care Initiative can be made through the non-profit Clackamas County Peace Officers' Benevolent Foundation: Go to the CCPOBF's website at https://ccpobf.org , select the "Send Gift to Community Care Initiative (COVID-19)" tab, and follow instructions.
Beware of Scam Calls:
An important note for seniors: At no point will anyone calling from the Community Care Initiative ask for your credit card information or ask you to make any payments over the phone. Anyone who wants to donate to the Initiative can visit https://ccpobf.org.