The Well-being Library


This page is a catalogue of information.
Information for:
Information about:

Single mothers with children   ⇪

  Information on federally funded programs for single mothers in need including

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Housing Programs for Single Mothers, Supplemental Assistance for Needy Persons (SNAP Benefits), and The National School Lunch Program.
Note: Federal, state and local agencies work together to help low-income single moms with ...
  • Free Medical Care.
  • Utility Bill Assistance for single moms.
  • Grow Your Own Food.
  • Unemployment Insurance.
  • Prescription Help for single mothers.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for single parents.

  Grants for Single Mothers in Oregon

Links with information on TANF, SNAP, Oregon Health Plan, WIC, employment related child care, Head Start, LIHEAP and popular grants for single mothers.

  Single Mother Guide Contact them through their website.

"This is where the state of Oregon steps in — providing a safety net to roughly 40% of poor single mother families in the Beaver State. Through different aid programs — whether food, medical care, or housing assistance, Oregon hopes to lift the financial burden off their shoulders."

  singlemothersgrants.org. Questions? Contact them through their website.

The largest directory of single mother grants that help with rent, utility bills, child care, education, medication, housing, medical bills, and mortgage, among others.   Grants published on their website are made available from a variety of sources -- state, federal, non profit organizations and educational institutions.   If you are looking for education grants, make sure that application is submitted before the deadline.

  SingleMom.com 846 Del Rey Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085  Contact through their website.

This is a link for single moms in Oregon. Dating and relationship advice, tips on how to live on a budget, how to eat and live healthy, valuable parenting advice, tips and resources on financial aid for education, scholarships, grants, loans, information on support with basic necessities, affordable housing, assistance and health care, child care, child support and legal information, and more.

  Further information for single moms:

Seniors living at home   ⇪

  Medicare.gov Home Health Compare

Helpful resource for comparing home care operators in your area.

  Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)   Part of Medicare.gov

"With PACE, the focus is on you — you have a team of health care professionals working with you and your family to make sure you get the coordinated care you need. Your team is experienced in caring for people like you. Usually they care for a small number of people, so they really get to know you."

  Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

An excellent source for information about services to address aging or disability needs, this site can help you learn about local public and privately paid options. The ADRC has trained professional staff who can help you and your family with immediate needs, or help you plan for the future. The ADRC of Oregon is a statewide resource for everyone, regardless of income level.

  Elderly Rental Assistance (ERA)

Assists very low-income seniors who are homeless or are unstably housed and at risk of becoming homeless.

  Further information for seniors at home:

Native Americans   ⇪

  Native American Rehabilitation Assn (NARA)   1776 SW Madison, Portland, OR 97205   503-224-1044

"The mission of NARA is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives and anyone in need."

  Iron Tribe Network 17763 SE 82nd Dr., Suite A, Gladstone, OR 97027   (503) 344-6710

"We focus on building community through programs and services for wellness and recovery including peer support, housing and family reunification for individuals and families overcoming pressures and barriers while in transition to leading a life that reflects their values."

  Native American Rights Fund 1506 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302-6296   303-447-8760

Priorities: preserve tribal existence, protect tribal natural resources, promote Native American human rights, hold governments accountable to Native Americans, develop Indian law and educate the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues

  Partnership with Native Americans 16415 Addison Rd, Ste 200, Addison, TX 75001   800-416-8102

"Since 1990, PWNA has worked to help improve the quality of life for Native American Elders, families and children. Through our reservation partnerships and distribution network, we benefit 250,000 Native Americans each year. We serve Native Americans through eight programs."

  The American Indian Education Fund 16415 Addison Rd, Ste 200, Addison, TX 75001   800-416-8102

Offers scholarships, literacy programs, and school supplies to help end the cycle of poverty.

  Further information for Native Americans:

Veterans   ⇪

  VA benefits for service members

If you're serving on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve with federal pay, you may be eligible for VA benefits both during service and after separation or retirement. If you're a traditional or technical member of the National Guard and Reserve, you may also be eligible for some VA benefits. Find out which benefits you may qualify for—and when to apply. You'll also learn about these benefits in your required Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefing.

  Veterans Benefits Administration  

Provides links to VA regional offices, an email address for contacting the regional office director and a listing of additional VA facilities located in each state

  Transition Projects   665 NW Hoyt Street, Portland, Oregon 97209   503-280-4700

"serves veterans and their families, who are experiencing homelessness or are in imminent danger of homelessness, with the goal of helping veterans find and keep safe, affordable, and permanent housing in the Portland metro area."

  Further information about Veterans Affairs:

Refugees and Imigrants   ⇪

  National Immigration Legal Services Directory

Search for immigration legal services providers by state, county, or detention facility. Only nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services are included in this directory.

  U.S. Department of Justice List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers

The full List is divided into separate sections that correspond to the individual immigration courts around the country. For a list of providers that appear at a specific immigration court, please click the relevant state/territory on the map or list

  immi

"Immi helps immigrants in the U.S. understand their legal options. Our online screening tool, legal information, and referrals to nonprofit legal services organizations are always free to use. Immi was created by the Immigration Advocates Network and Pro Bono Net, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing access to justice for low-income immigrants."

  UNHCR Legal Aid Information

Contact information for non-governmental organizations and free or low-cost attorneys who may be able to help with individual cases.

  AILA Immigration Lawyer Search

The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the only legal association in the United States for immigration attorneys. More than 15,000 immigration lawyers are members of AILA.

  Further information about Refugee and Immigrant issues:

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community   ⇪

  PFLAG 1828 L St. NW Ste 660, Washington, DC 20036   202-467-8180

"With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed."

  National Center for Transgender Equality 1133 19th St NW Ste 302, Washington D.C. 20036   202-642-4542

"Advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice."

  LGBT Aging Project 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215   857-313-6590

The LGBT Aging Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults have equal access to the life-prolonging benefits, protections, services and institutions that their heterosexual neighbors take for granted.

  Services & Advocacy for LGTB Elders (SAGE) 305 7th Ave, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001   212-741-2247

SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people.

  GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project 1801 Nicollet Ave. S., Ste 102, Minneapolis, MN 55403   800-903-0111

"...provides free and confidential support and services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer survivors of domestic and sexual violence."

  Further information about LGBTQIA+ issues:

Emancipated/homeless youth   ⇪

  Outside In   1132 SW 13th Avenue, Portland 503-535-3800

Provides homeless youth assistance with housing, education, employment, counseling, health care, healthy meals, recreation and art, safety off the streets.

  National Network for Youth

Links to topics like non-driver ID, state laws affecting unaccompanied youth, national support organizations, more.

  State Laws to Support Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Regarding education rights, consent for housing and shelter services, and consent for routine medical care.

  National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth

Links to scholarship funds and other resources.

  The National Center for Homeless Education

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act awareness materials and links to state and local services.

  Further information for and about Emancipated/homeless Youth:

Currently incarcerated inmates   ⇪

  The Lewisburg Prison Project   115 Farley Circle Ste. 110, Lewisburg, PA 17837   570-523-1104

"We are a prisoners' rights organization assisting inmates with the conditions of their confinement since 1973."

  National Lawyers Guild   132 Nassau Street, RM 922, New York, NY 10038

Prison Law Project - Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook is a resource for prisoners who wish to file a Section 1983 lawsuit in federal court regarding poor conditions in prison and/or abuse by prison staff. It also contains limited information about legal research and the American legal system. The Handbook is downloadable and is available for free to anyone: prisoners, lawyers, families, friends, activists and others.

  National Innocence Project   40 Worth Street Ste 701, New York, NY 10013   212-364-5340

They do not accept petitions by email or phone. Mail your petition to the above address.

  Oregon Innocence Project   PO Box 5248, Portland, Oregon 97208   503-944-2270

Pro bono (free of charge) legal assistance to inmates in Oregon prisons who assert factual innocence and where there is the possibility of proving innocence. Fill out the form at the link provided and mail to the above address.

  Legal Services for Prisoners with Children 4400 Market Street, Oakland, CA 94608  415-255-7036

A national organization with a unique approach that engages in law, policy, communications, and community organizing to advance our work.

  Further information about life in prison:

Former prison inmates   ⇪

  National and Regional Employers.  My list. I'll keep adding to it as I learn more.

The list includes felon-friendly employers and staffing agencies. Exact hiring policies vary by firm, position and/or location.

  State by State Listing of Re-Entry Programs for Prisoners.

"The Lionheart Foundation is dedicated to providing social emotional learning programs to incarcerated adults, youth at risk and teen parents in order to significantly alter their life course."

  Jobs for Felons in Oregon   PO Box 5248, Portland, Oregon 97208

This is a reliable source of information on felon-friendly employers.

  SE Works   7916 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206   503-972-3247

"Our objective is to to assist formerly incarcerated individuals gain and maintain long term employment utilizing a person first workforce development approach."

  Further information about life after prison:


Finding a good job    ⇪

  My six-step action plan for conducting a successful search *
  Indeed: How to Find the Best Jobs for You
  Glassdoor: 9 Must-Do Tips to Find a Job ASAP
  Top 5 Tips for Finding a Job You Will Love
  Top 10 Ways to Get a Better Job
  The 3 Best Ways to Find Jobs Online and Offline in 2024
  Harvard Bus Review: How to Find a (Great) Job During a Downturn
  How Can I Get A Good Job With No Experience?

National job listing resources:
  My list of agencies and employers *
I maintain this collection of links to the job application webpages of hundreds of employers and agencies.
  Robert Half: 25 Best Job Search Websites
  Indeed
  Monster.com
  LinkedIn
   ZipRecruiter
  Glassdoor

Oregon state and local resources:
  Mac's List: a Portland job list with an 8-step course in how to find a good job in the area.
  The Oregonian
  PDX Pipeline
  Craigs List Jobs
  WorkSource Oregon:  39 offices throughout the state.
  Goodwill's JobConnection: hook up with a counselor and hit a job fair

Finding affordable housing    ⇪

Nation-wide housing resources:
  Affordable housing nationally
  Oxford House vacancies for those recovering from drug/alcohol addiction.

Oregon state-wide resources:
  Affordable housing in Oregon
  Home Forward Public housing rent-subsidized apartments and affordable housing apartments.
  El Programa Hispano Catolico

333 SE 223rd Ave Ste. 100, Gresham - 503-489-6842. Eviction prevention, rapid rehousing for homeless families, utilities assistance, home finder services.

  Human Solutions

124 NE 181st Ave. Ste. 109, Gresham - 503-405-7875. Assists in finding secure and affordable housing.


Portland local resources:
  Affordable housing in the Portland area
  Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good
  Central City Concern Housing

Recovery housing for singles and families, low-barrier housing communities and specialized housing for HIV community. Section 8 and fair market residential options. Must meet income restrictions and other criteria.

  SEI Community & Family Programs

Housing Hotline: 503-972-3699. Eviction prevention. Homeless housing services. Case management services. African-American advocacy.

  Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access
  Transition Projects

650 NW Irving, Portland - 503-280-4700. Short- and long-term support to rent housing units throughout the metro area.

  Northwest Pilot Project

Secures permanent housing for seniors, 55 and older, with no minor children, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

  Washington County Housing Svcs

111 NE Lincoln St. #200-L, Hillsboro - 503-846-4794. Rental assistance and affordable rental opportunities for low-income families in Washington County. Section 8 and public housing programs.

  Housing Rights and Resources Center

2051 Kaen Road #135, Oregon City - 503-650-5750. Can assist community members in finding lower cost housing in Clackamas County.


Getting help paying bills    ⇪

  Human Solutions Energy & Water 24-hour Hotlines
  Oregon Telephone Assistance Program/Lifeline
  211info Text your zip code to 898211 or check website for updates.
  Care to Share Food: 503-591-9025. Utilities: 503-726-0407
  SEI Community & Family Programs

Energy Assistance is for: PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, and heating fuels.

  St. Andrew Emergency Services

4940 NE 8th Ave, Portland - 971-244-0339 Help with portion of rent with 72-hour eviction notice. Assistance limited to once per year.Service area: 97211. Hours: 9 a.m-1 PM Wednesday-Friday.

  Impact NW

Energy Assistance, Housing & Rent Assistance and Pathways to Food Security. Early childhood and parenting call 503-721-6777. Senior and disability call 503-721-6760.

  Society of St. Vincent de Paul

One-time, emergency help to reconnect or cancel disconnection. Multnomah & Clackamas counties depending on residence location & funds availability.

  Human Solutions

Safety Net for struggling families in Mid and East Multnomah County.

  Catholic Charities Housing Transitions

2740 SE Powell Blvd, Portland - 971-222-1880. Assists self-identified women, 25 years or older, who are non-parenting and currently experiencing homelessness with permanent housing info and employment services, intake needed.

  St. Vincent de Paul

8101 SE Cornwell St., Portland - 503-235-8431. One-time help with part of rent to avoid eviction, depending on residence location and funds availability

  Insights Teen Parent Services

Housing assistance and intensive case management for houseless young mothers aged 20 and under at entry. The Housing Assistance to Pregnant and Parenting Youth (HAPPY) program provides short term rental assistance for young parents up to age 22.

  Cascade AIDS Project

For qualified persons living with HIV: application fees, first month’s rent, security deposit (limited funds available), emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction, property debt assistance, utility assistance.

  Home Forward

Rent assistance program enables low-income residents to obtain rent assistance vouchers (Section 8) to rent from private landlords.

  Community Action

1001 SW Baseline St., Hillsboro - 503-615-0771. Assists low-income Wash. Co. residents with heating and electricity costs.

  The Salvation Army

351 SE Oak St., Hillsboro - 503-640-4311. Water bill assistance with ID for Hillsboro and Sherwood residents only.

  St. Vincent de Paul

720 Jefferson St, Oregon City - 503-235-8431. One-time help with part of rent to avoid eviction, depending on location and funds availability.

  Clackamas Energy Assistance

2051 Kaen Road #135, Oregon City - 503-650-5640. No walk-ins. Must call for appointment.

  Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access

503-655-8575. Personalized help for those experiencing a housing crisis. Can help you pay rent, including back rent, if you qualify.


Improving your credit score    ⇪

  How to repair your credit and improve your FICO® Scores
  Debt.org: How to Raise Your Credit Score
  Investopedia: How to Improve Your Credit Score
  The Federal Reserve: 5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
  5 Sneaky Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
  NerdWallet: 7 Ways to Build Credit Fast

Protecting your identity    ⇪

  Consumer Reports: How to protect yourself from Identity Theft
  NerdWallet: Identity Theft: What It Is, How to Prevent It, Warning Signs and Tips
  FTC Consumer Information: Identity Theft
  FTC Consumer Information: Identity Theft Protection Services
  11 Tips to Protect Your Data From Identity Theft

Using online legal services    ⇪

  LawHelp.org is a national resource. They offer legal information and also links to where you can find help.
  OregonLawHelp.org is their Oregon-specific site.
NOTE: if you need to leave any page on their site quickly, click the red X box at the top right of that page.
The following is a partial list of the specific legal topics featured on the OregonLawHelp site:

Managing your money    ⇪

  10 Essential Steps To Manage Your Money The Right Way
  7 Steps to Manage Your Money
  The Balance: 10 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money Better
  How to Manage Your Money: 19 Tips to do it Right
  Beginner’s guide to managing your money
  NerdWallet: How to Manage Your Money
  Create a Monthly Household Budget
  Where Can I Get a Small Loan With Bad Credit?
  NerdWallet: Bad Credit Loans: Compare Top Online Lenders Now ...
  Best Personal Loans For Bad Credit (Credit Score Under 580)
  NerdWallet: Are Debt Consolidation Companies Worth It?
  Is Debt Settlement A Good Idea?
  Invest In Your Future* (advice to my grandkids).

Saving energy (and Mother Earth)    ⇪

  Save electricity, money and the planet in 9 effortless tips
  25 Quick & Easy Energy Efficiency Tips
  Energy Saver Guide: Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home
  ENERGY STAR @ home tips
  31 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home
  8 Energy-Saving Tips for Summer that Actually Work
  Accessible to You: Tips to Save Energy While Renting
  No- and Low-Cost Tips to Save Energy at Home

Creating a budget    ⇪

  NerdWallet: Budgeting 101: How to Create a Budget
  consumer.gov: Make a Budget (fill-and-print pdf)
  Quicken: Free budget calculator
  The Balance: How to Make a Personal Budget in 6 Easy Steps
  Personal Budgeting Tips for First-Timers
  Free downloadable budget templates
  Microsoft Excel budget templates

Getting healthy and staying healthy    ⇪

  Top sites ranking for Health in the world
  Top 10 Online Medical Resources For Patients
  25 Best Health & Medical Information Sites
  A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Telemedicine
  The 15 Best Quick and Easy At-Home Workout Moves
  12 No-Equipment Exercises Top Trainers Swear By
  27 of the Best Exercises for Beginners to Try at Home
  The 10 Best Calorie-Burning Exercises—Ranked
  Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain
Directories
  Addiction Psychiatrists in Oregon
  Addiction Therapists in Oregon
  Addiction Treatment Centers in Oregon
  National Alliance on Mental Illness Oregon Affiliates
  CareOregon Mental Health & Substance Use Provider Directory
  Multnomah County HIV Services
  Multnomah County Addiction Treatment Provider Directory

Eating healthy on a budget    ⇪

 See my website for nutritional information* and links to over 600 Recipes*.
   USDA: Healthy Eating on a Budget
  10 Foods That Actually Help Me Eat Healthier on a Budget
  Cheap Meals & Food Ideas
  NIH: 10 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
  15 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
  I asked the experts how to eat healthy on a budget.
  44 Healthy Foods Under $1
  26 Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget
  Good and Cheap (PDF) Eat Well on $4/Day by Leanne Brown

Gardening in small spaces    ⇪

 See my notes on vegetable gardening in Northwest Oregon*
  Apartment Gardening for Beginners
  15 edible plants you can grow in your tiny apartment
  Your DIY Guide To Apartment Vegetable Gardening (Plus How To Grow A Salsa Garden)
  8 Vegetables You Can Grow at Home (Yes, Even in an Apartment)
  How to Grow Your Own Food Even If You Live In a Tiny Apartment
  How to grow vegetables in your apartment
  Vegetables And Fruits You Can Grow In Your Apartment

Using technology at home    ⇪

  Assistive Technology Programs
  What is a Smart Speaker: how do smart speakers work
  7 new tech devices for elder care that help seniors live happier, healthier lives
  7 Best Innovative Technologies for Seniors
  What is wearable tech? Everything you need to know explained
  How Smart Homes Work
  The Best Smart Home Devices for 2020
  Laptop Vs Tablet PC Vs Smartphone
  The best, cheapest way to get good tech support
  support.com: Step-by-Step Guides

Buying and maintaining a car    ⇪

  NerdWallet: 15 Auto Loans for Good and Bad Credit
  How Long Should a Car Loan Be?
  US News: How to Buy a Car
  Edmunds: 8 Steps to Buying a New Car
  Edmunds: How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Steps
  Edmunds: 10 Steps to Leasing a New Car
  Need a Mechanic? Here Are 5 Ways to Pick One You Can Trust
  NerdWallet: How Do I Find a Good Mechanic?
  Consumer Reports: Where to Go for Car Maintenance and Repairs

Comparative costs of living   ⇪

  Cost of Living in Portland
  Cost of Living in Oregon Cities
  Cost of Living--North American cities
The lay of the land
  Welcome to the greater Portland area: Portland Neighborhoods & Suburbs
  Best Places to Live in the Portland Area (filter by area, cost, etc.)
  Zillow Portland area rental listings
  Zillow homes Portland area for-sale listings
  Apartment listings in Portland
  The 5 Most Affordable Cities in Oregon
  Most Affordable Places in Oregon
  Cheapest Places To Live In Oregon
  HUD Homes with Rent Option - National Foreclosure Home Listings

Writing a business plan    ⇪

  How to Write a Business Plan
  How to Write a Business Plan For Investors (That They Will Love)
  Entrepreneur: How to Create a Business Plan Investors Will Love
  Prepare an Investor Ready Business Plan
  Harvard Business Review: How to Write a Winning Business Plan
  Fjorbes: Business Plan Template: A Step-by-Step Guide For Entrepreneurs
  Template with Examples: How to Write Investment Proposal

Funding your startup business    ⇪

  9 Realistic Ways To Fund Your Startup
  Entrepreneur: The 10 Most Reliable Ways to Fund a Startup
  SBA: How to Fund Your Business Startup: 5 Fast and Popular Options
  Business Startup Funding: A Beginner's Guide
  Inc.: 10 Ways to Finance Your Business
  8 Options for Small Business Startup Loans