Independent Living Resources of Portland Oregon

10/21/2025

📣 Important SNAP Update for Our Community

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will be delayed until federal funding resumes. We know this creates stress and uncertainty—especially for those who rely on food assistance to meet daily needs.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Existing EBT balances remain usable ✅ Summer EBT and Jobs Participant Incentive (JPI) benefits are not affected ⏸️ New November SNAP benefits are paused until federal operations resume

ILR is here to support you. If you or someone you know is impacted, we can help connect you to alternative food resources, including:

🍎 Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder tool

211 Info (call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211)

Double Up Food Bucks at participating markets and stores

We encourage everyone to sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile App to receive real-time updates about your benefits.

💬 Questions or need help navigating resources? Reach out to our team—we’re here to assist with compassion, clarity, and care.

The federal government shutdown is affecting funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

10/16/2025

JUST FOR KICKS! JOIN THIS WEEKEND'S AMP MUSIC FESTIVAL: Happening at various locations in Portland from Friday, Oct 17th to the 19th-- this music festival supports local youth services and programs for houseless and homeless youth across the city.

Youth/Shelters included:
Porchlight / Streetlight: 503-224-5988 - Youth shelter for ages 15-23
Harry’s Mother: 503-233-8111 - Youth shelter for ages 9-17
Transition Projects: 503-280-4700 - Various adult shelters for males (self-identified), females (self-identified), and couples
Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES): 503-227-0810 - Emergency shelter for women only
Gresham Women’s Shelter: 971-339-2987 - Shelter for anyone identifying as a woman
Portland Rescue Mission: 503-906-7690 - Emergency shelter for men only
Portland Homeless Family Solutions: 503-915-8306 - Family shelter

10/16/2025

We are excited to spotlight the outstanding efforts of the Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF) and their Individual Grant Program, a vital resource for Oregonians that aligns perfectly with our mission to connect individuals to the resources needed for independent living.

The BFF Individual Grant Program provides financial assistance to Oregon residents with permanent physical disabilities, enabling them to obtain essential tools and modifications that enhance their quality of life.

Eligibility requirements include being a permanent Oregon resident, having a medically verified permanent physical disability, and demonstrating financial need.

The grant offers up to $1,500 per award, with individuals eligible to reapply every three years.

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly. Funding may cover assistive devices and technology, accessibility modifications, durable medical equipment, and therapeutic tools or programs. For items exceeding $1,500, BFF contributes its portion only after proof of full payment for the remaining balance.

However, the grant does not cover expenses such as rent, utilities, general healthcare costs, or items purchased prior to application submission. This program is a powerful tool for fostering independence and showcases the impactful work of our community partners. Eligible individuals are encouraged to explore the details and apply.

Thank you Blanche Fischer Foundation!

10/10/2025

Our offices will be closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 13th, 2025.

Things to celebrate:
7th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Monday, October 13, 2025
4 PM – 8 PM
Barbie’s Village, 935 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Dinner will be provided, and everyone is welcome. Bring your loved ones, your good energy, and your open heart.

Free live music, performers, dancers, presenters and Indigenous Artists!!

10/07/2025

The NDEAM job fare will be held at PSU on Tuesday, October 28th!

The fare will be from 10am to 12:30 PM, at the Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway 3rd Floor.

For more information and to register, check the link!

Choose a time slot and register now!

10/06/2025

Join us, this Thursday Oct 9th to learn about the effects of the Federal Government Shutdown and its Impact on the Independent Living Programs/Centers. ZOOM LINK is embedded: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EAnbtTJvU/

In light of the recent government shutdown, we know many of you have questions about how this may affect funding and your programs. We want to hear from you! We invite you...

09/23/2025

ILR recently attended the Oregon Independent Living Conference in Lincoln City, Oregon, along with other colleagues and IL centers. Here are some photos from the event.❤️

The Oregon Statewide Independent Living Council, which hosted the conference, works towards promoting choice, equal access, and full inclusion for people with disabilities across Oregon.

This year's conference explored themes of advocacy, funding, policy, inclusion, and disability rights through a range of sessions and activities.

💥Special guest/Keynote speaker was Kacey McCallister, a disability advocate and endurance athlete. A childhood below-knee amputation survivor, he’s a Division I athlete, All-State wrestler, Spartan Race finisher, and Boston Marathon wheelchair finisher (7th). He champions inclusion in sports for people with disabilities.

08/29/2025

Discover how ILR inspires through empowering stories!

08/07/2025

Our own IL Housing Specialist , Nikki Dolan, shared a lunch hour conversation with the community around homelessness and the available data.
Attendees shared their thoughts and completed surveys to help gather relevant concerns and offered support .

HereTogether, the coalition that developed and passed the measure, serves as an independent watchdog, a bridge between sectors and jurisdictions, and a wide-reaching communicator, utilizing the full power of our 250+ member coalition to advocate for the effective investment of the SHS measure.

HereTogether unites our community around solutions while advocating every day, at every level, for our unhoused neighbors and our communities who care about solving our region’s housing and homelessness crisis. Nikki is working with HereTogether to hold conversations around Portland.

08/01/2025

Check out our August Newsletter!
https://conta.cc/45lI5KX

Email from You don't want to miss this   Independent Living Resources   Monthly News & Updates   August 1, 2025 | Issue 7 Since 1957 Independent Living Resources has been creating opportunities, encou

07/31/2025

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, MD on ICE raids, how our community can help, and domestic violence resources

07/31/2025

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter MD at Independent Living Resources discussing housing rights for disabled individuals and Oregon as a sanctuary state.