DevNW’s response to COVID-19

Minute-by-minute we are all learning new information on the spread and containment of COVID-19 or coronavirus. The World Health Organization has now classified the virus as a pandemic. States around the country are taking various precautions including closing schools, limiting non-essential gatherings, etc. Oregon’s Governor, Kate Brown, has closed all public schools in Oregon until April 1st; gatherings of 250 people or more have been cancelled for the next month; the University of Oregon has moved all classes online. These decisions have been made out of an abundance of caution and with the continued health and safety of our local communities at heart.

It is with these same interests that DevNW has decided to:

1. Close all offices to the public for the next two weeks (drop-boxes are available at each office location and we will continue to pick-up and process payments and paperwork);
2. Postpone or move all classes and information sessions online (if you have signed-up for a class you will be provided information to join by phone and/or computer); and
3. Conduct all individual counseling sessions by phone or video conference.

We did not make these decisions lightly. We understand the very real impact that the coronavirus is having on low-income families and communities throughout the state. We remain committed to providing the very best services to ensure our clients’ financial health despite of, and in-light-of, the challenging and ever-changing landscape in which we find ourselves.

To that end, we are working with our partners to support residents who need help accessing food, childcare, medical services, etc. We are determining how best to help our small businesses weather decreased sales as a result of the crisis. We are involved in statewide conversations and advocating for emergency measures that will protect at-risk homeowners.
 
While what happens next is impossible to predict, we will be monitoring information from the state and Centers for Disease Control closely, and will adapt our response as the situation evolves. We will re-evaluate in two weeks. Updates to our response can be found on our Facebook page.

Through thoughtful and informed decision making, our support of thriving communities and families will remain strong so we can all weather this crisis together.