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Emergency Assistance Program & Guidelines

The goal of the Gladstone COVID-19 Assistance Program (GCAP) is to provide assistance to City of Gladstone residents in financial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with SVdP, assistance will be provided for billed utilities, housing, and food needs based on established guidelines.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE:

1. Applicant must show emergency financial need, such as loss of income or an unexpected and unusual necessary expense(s) combined with a lack of resources to satisfy the need.
2. Applicant must have current income below the Housing & Urban Development Income limits/Very Low Income Limits (50% of Median Family Income) for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA in effect as of July 1, 2021.
3. Applicant must live in Gladstone city limits.
4. Applicant must be 18 or older.

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE USED FOR:

1. Utility payment;
2. Housing: rent/mortgage payments, or deposits to move to a new location;
3. Food assistance (in the form of SVP food boxes)

PROCESS OVERVIEW:

1. The application process can be initiated by the following steps:
   • Telephoning SVdP’s government partner application line at 971-236-2111, and leaving a voicemail with your contact details and financial need.
2. Completed applications are likely to require the following documentation:
   • Identification of the individual (government-issued driver’s license or ID card; or passport)
   • Statement of income/benefits (e.g., pay stub, SSI check, tax return, etc.)
   • Proof of emergency need (e.g., shut-off notice, eviction or late rent notice, loss of employment, etc. related to COVID-19 pandemic.)
   • Demonstration that applicant has attempted to access other resources.
3. SVdP will send payment to the service provider on behalf of the applicant as long as the program remains within its funding limits at the time that:
   • The application process has been completed, and
   • The emergency need has been confirmed.
4. The maximum amount of assistance available is $1,000.00
5. Exceptional cases that may not meet the stated guidelines or funding limitations may be made after communication between SVdP and the City of Gladstone.
6. SVdP will order payment within three (3) business days after applicant’s eligibility has been confirmed. Payment will be made only to the vendor. No payment will be sent to an individual.

OTHER POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE

The City of Gladstone offers a Low Income Utility Assistance Program. Information about this program can be found HERE

Original source can be found here.