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Smart Choices for Tough Times

Free events

Information about related programs at the library.

Libraries for Livelihoods

Get the tools and skills you need to find a job, land that job, and get back to work in a rapidly changing world.

Like many communities, ours has been hit hard by the economic downturn. The library offers a variety of resources to provide some assistance during these economic hard times.

Recently unemployed

Adjusting to Suddenly Reduced Income: This publication guides people through the processes of emotional reactions, spending patterns, rethinking goals and managing conflict for anyone experiencing financial loss.
Unemployment claims: File for Unemployment Benefits online through Oregon.gov.
Oregon Helps: This website estimates if you qualify for various types of assistance and explains where to apply for progams and has some applications to download.
Job seekers: Listings of local and national jobs, resources for resume writing and networking, and information for those planning a career change.
Computer Labs for Job Seekers: Update your resume, file for unemployment, or apply for jobs.
Small Business Incubator: A library guide to starting a Small Business
Mercy Corps: Assistance for small businesses and the self employed

Help with finances

Many assistance programs can help in times of financial crisis. See this list of resources.

Living simply

Library events: Programs and events for all ages
Around Portland: A library guide family-friendly activities around town
Around the sun: ideas for saving money in Portland: Local blog that lists free events around town
Bright Neighbor: Share and barter goods and services with your neighbors
A virtual financial support group: A blog with savings tips and tricks from Umpqua Bank
Top 100 Blogs for the Frugal Gourmet: The list includes recipe sites, vegetarian and vegan options, and much more
Cheap Meals: Culinate, a local food blog, suggest some cheap meal options
Get Rich Slowly: Another local blog that Money magazine calls "most inspiring"
Day Trips in Portland: Here are several day trips for those of us going on staycation

Pets

The Pongo Fund: Distributes pet food on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month
Cat Adoption Team's Cat Food Bank: Gives cat food for one month and up to four cats
FIDO's Dog Food Bank: Provides dog food for one month and up to four cats
Spay and Neuter Assistance: Coupons, loans, and organizations that make spaying and neutering a pet more affordable
Spay and Save: The Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland is spaying and neutering cats for low income residents on public assistance for $10. Also, they offer reduced fees for spaying and neutering cats to low income residents who meet certain income requirements.
PAW Team: Portland Animal Welfare teams offers free basic vet care for the pets of people who are homeless or on public assistance. Check the website for the next clinic and plan to arrive two hours early since pets are seen on a first come, first served basis.
Good Neighbor Vet: Provides reduced cost vaccinations, microchips, flea treatment, etc. for pets. Check the website for locations and times.
Luv My Pet: Offers reduced cost vaccinations, microchips, flea treatment, etc. for pets at Petco pet stores in the area. Check the website for locations and times of the clinics.
Dove Lewis Emergency Hospital's Velvet Emergency Assistance Fund: Offers financial assistance for emergency care to those in financial need

Help others

GIVE HELP to your local community: Volunteer and donation opportunities and links to help your neighbors from the City of Portland

Recent economic news

My Economy: News from The Oregonian
FinancialStability.gov: News from the The Financial Stability Oversight Board
Recovery.gov: Features information on how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working, tools to help you hold the government accountable, and up-to-date data on the expenditure of funds