Information about the services offered by ACCESS can be found at their Outreach and Referral department. This location will provide individuals with information on assistance programs, as well as link them to other non-profits in Jackson County or offer guidance on applying for government benefits.
There are many programs, services, and financial aid resources available to low-income residents in the community that can be very beneficial. There are a variety of programs available to help with things like heating bills, foreclosure counseling, and groceries from the Food Share program. The staff at ACCESS are trained to help residents of the county navigate the complex social service system in Oregon and across the nation.
The outreach service will also put priority on helping Senior Citizens and Disabled people in the community, as they are considered the most vulnerable. The organization helps people by giving referrals and home visits. They help people apply for SSI, senior food programs, and other aid. The goal is to help people live independently in a healthy and safe environment, and ideally their current home.
Utility programs in Jackson County
The energy bill assistance programs in Oregon help low-income households pay for a portion of their summer cooling or winter heating bills. The goal is to help households save money on their utility bills and keep their power on.
The money for the utility grants come from different sources including the state of Oregon, federal government and private sources. We only have a certain amount of money to give out, and we give it to the people who need it the most and who ask for it first. This financial aid service does not discriminate based on race, age, color, religion, primary language, disability, or national origin.
If you qualify for LIHEAP in Jackson County, you can get a one-time payment from the government to help pay your heating bills for the winter. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to help low-income households with their home energy bills. LIHEAP can help with different types of home heating, including natural gas, electric, propane, home heating oil, and wood.
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free weatherization services to eligible low-income homeowners and renters in an effort to help them save money on their energy bills. This will help households save money for many years to come.
There is often a waiting list for ACCESS services, and once an applicant is contacted, a crew will need to visit their home. The staff will then do a free energy audit, and based on the results, they will decide what home improvements to make based on the existing condition and age of the home.
This means that you could potentially do things like installing CFL lightbulbs, insulation in your ceiling, walls and floors, reducing infiltration, making small home repairs related to energy, improving your heating ducts and taking energy conservation classes. For more information, please call 779-6691.
Help from ACCESS housing programs
ACCESS is an organization that helps people with housing. They are approved by HUD, which is the government agency that oversees housing. The staff from the non-profit can help both tenants and homeowners. They provide guidance, counseling and assistance to people who need help addressing their housing situation, whether it is late rent or a foreclosure notice.
The SOHRC is a place where families and individuals can go to find information on products and services that can help them. The staff at this facility covers residents of both Josephine and Jackson Counties. Some of the resources and workshops can be found below.
This type of mortgage allows seniors to use the equity in their home to convert it into cash. This is a mortgage product available to persons age 62 and older that is approved by the government. Those who qualify can cash out their equity to pay for bills and basic living expenses.
The ABC’s of Homebuying program is approved by the state of Oregon. The agency provides information on how to purchase a home.
Buyers Assistance Programs helps clients, namely first time home purchasers, to improve their credit, apply for affordable mortgages, and address other barriers. Foreclosure counseling is available from ACCESS.
Food programs
A network of pantries and other partners of ACCESS provides emergency food. Food Share is a resource that helps feed hungry families, children and individuals in Jackson County. There are a few dozen food pantries that help feed people who are struggling with poverty. One key partner, Fresh Alliance, also helps distribute dairy items, milk, meat, fruits, and similar goods to food banks and other hunger relief organizations.
This program provides monthly food packages to low-income households with children under the age of six, or seniors over the age of 60. The USDA supports people who are struggling with poverty in Jackson County, Oregon. A variety of non-perishable food items such as dry milk, cereal, juice, evaporated milk, rice, pasta, canned meat, peanut butter, dry beans, canned fruit, and vegetables may be distributed to those in need.
There are also gardens in the county that have fresh fruits and vegetables. Volunteers from charities and churches play a big role in keeping the ACCESS Food Share program going. They plant, harvest, and take care of the crops when necessary. The items are available for families who qualify in the community.
Applications for help
The agency is located at 3630 Aviation Way, Medford, Oregon 97504. You can call the number 541-774-4320 for more information on their programs.