Research > Topics > Smart Choices for Tough Times
Smart Choices for Tough Times
Free events
Information about related programs at the library.
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.
- 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
- Oregon helps
- a great starting place to see if you and your family are eligible for help from 28 different services (in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese)
- Commission on Children, Families & Community
- Information on financial education, tax benefits and much more to help those impacted by the economy
- Beehive
- The place to go for general information and local resources for money, health, jobs, school and family
- HUD/Section 8 for Oregon
- State of Oregon's site for all things related to housing; including forms, legal resources, information for renters, and those who have a place to rent
- CASH Oregon
- This site offers personal financial planning assistance
- Avoiding foreclosure
- A guide from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
- Renters in Foreclosure Toolkit
- Information on the The Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act and resources that help protect tenants living in foreclosed buildings
- Portland Housing Center
- This site offers resources for renters, those looking for housing, and assistance for first-time home buyers
- Rental Help: Oregon
- Information on local subsidized housing
- Child Health Insurance Access Program
- Free health care to children in Multnomah County
- Oregon Human Service Department "Food, Cash, Housing"
- Resources for those needing help buying food or paying bills. Food stamp information included
- 211info: information and referral
- Find resources and assistance for financial, housing, medical and other needs
- Finding Help in Tough Times
- A guide to help you find the help you need during these tough times created by Oregon State University
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
- Animal Aid Fund for Veterinary Care
- Provides small loan for unexpected medical emergencies
- 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