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Smart Choices for Tough Times

Smart Choices Videos

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