Access Medford provides food, shelter, warmth, and other essential services to low-income Jackson County children, families, elders, and individuals with disabilities.
Access Program Areas
Nutrition Programs:
Food Share: Provides emergency and other food to Jackson County’s hungry. Food Share provides food to twenty-four food pantries, over 20 supplemental food programs, and over ten home-feeding locations through donations from the local community, the Oregon Food Bank, and the USDA.
Fresh Alliance – On or before the product pull date, Fresh Alliance recovers milk, vegetables, dairy, and frozen meat from neighborhood grocery shops.
These goods are delivered in a refrigerated truck, then sorted, rebooked, and distributed to those in need across Jackson County.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
A government commodity program for seniors over 60 who have a low income. Qualifying consumers get commodity food boxes every month. ACCESS Food Share Gardens.
There are seven enormous community gardens managed by volunteers that raise nutritious vegetables for ACCESS food pantries and charities.
Plant-a-Row – Local gardeners create additional rows of healthy vegetables to contribute to ACCESS food pantries and organizations.
Cooking Skills Education Program:
With the help of a group of trained volunteers, this program inspires and educates community residents to consume fresher, local fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
Healthy Corner Store Initiative – A partnership effort of the Jackson County Public Health Department, OSU Extension, and ACCESS to make healthy foods more available in our community food deserts through local markets.
Energy and Weatherization Programs:
Weatherization initiatives include the Federal Department of Energy (DOE), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Avista Weatherization, and Energy Conservation Helping Oregonians (ECHO).
Seniors on a fixed income, those with impairments, and homes have received a shut-off notice. LIHEAP – Provides low-income Jackson County residents with energy assistance, prioritizing-prioritizing seniors and disabled citizens.
Oregon Electricity Assistance:
Helps qualifying low-income households cover the price of residential energy for Pacific Power and Light customers exclusively.
Priority is given to houses that have been served with a shut-off notice. Low-Income Ratepayer Help Program – For Avista customers exclusively, this program assists qualifying low-income households in offsetting residential energy expenses. Priority is given to houses that have been served with a shut-off notice.
Also Read: Fundbox Review
Support Service Programs:
Oregon Electricity Assistance: Helps qualifying low-income households cover the price of residential energy for Pacific Power and Light customers exclusively.
Priority is given to houses that have been served with a shut-off notice. Low-Income Ratepayer Help Program – For Avista customers exclusively, this program assists qualifying low-income households in offsetting residential energy expenses.
Priority is given to houses that have been served with a shut-off notice.
There are ESG funding available for the following program components:
Street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, quick re-housing aid, and data gathering via the Homeless Management Information System, as well as administrative tasks, are all part of the program.
Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) – The SSVF program aids Veterans who are homeless or in danger of homelessness resolve their housing issues and relocating.
There are two main types of assistance:
- Navigator Program for Homelessness Prevention
- Rapid Re-housing
Senior & Disabled – Offers in-home assessments for seniors and people with disabilities to assist them in navigating resources for significant difficulties they confront daily, such as remaining independent in their homes.
Companions visit homebound elders who may benefit from a different connection.
Ashland Community Resource Center (ACRC) – Offers homeless and at-risk people and families assistance and skills to help them maintain their housing stability.
Case management, service referrals, bathrooms, backpack storage, postal address, internet access, phone, job search-related printing, hygiene supplies, bus passes, education opportunities, and other services are available at the center.
Who does it benefit?
Energy assistance programs are intended to help low-income households pay a portion of their energy expenditures to reduce excessive utility bills.
The program is supported by federal, state, and utility funding.
Their housing and utility assistance programs include the following:
- Assistance is available for low-income families, veterans, retirees, and those with disabilities.
- Eligible households will receive a one-time payment for their winter energy costs for all energy types, including electric, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood.
What services does it offer?
Eligible families can receive a one-time payment (usually once per program year) for their energy cost through ACCESS’ Energy Assistance Program.
This is a fuel blind program, and assistance is provided for all energy sources, including electric, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood. There is no criterion for households to be in danger of disconnection; instead, they must be financially qualified.
Qualify for Low-Income Heating Assistance
Eligible families can receive a one-time payment for their energy bill through ACCESS energy Assistance Programs (usually once each program year).
This is a fuel blind program, and assistance is provided for all energy sources, including electric, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood.
There is no necessity to be in danger of being disconnected; only be financially qualified.
This is an equal opportunity program, and candidates are prohibited from discrimination based on age, race, color, gender, religion, primary language, disability, or country of origin.
Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Families
Eligible people can apply for a free weatherization of their house. Approximately 400 homes are treated each year.
When a waiting list applicant is contacted, an energy assessment is undertaken to determine the optimum weatherizing solutions based on the present state of the property and the finances available.
Ceiling, wall, and floor insulation; energy-related minor house repairs; infiltration reduction; heating duct upgrades; and energy conservation education are examples of services that may be given.
Career Opportunities at ACCESS
They believe in making a difference. ACCESS is a pleasant place to work because we work hard and serve our community.
Their band of superheroes supports approximately 52,000 people in Jackson County by providing food, warmth, and shelter.
They extend an invitation to apply. ACCESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and employment choices are made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, handicap, veteran status, or any other protected class.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Outside agencies refer clients utilizing a reference form that includes basic client information such as need. Individuals seeking assistance should come prepared for an intake meeting by bringing identification, their social security number, and evidence of income.
Clients will also be required to sign a Release of Information for the referral agency and ACCESS to interact.
