Gresham takes swift action to support families impacted by federal shutdown

With the need for accessible food for struggling families greater than ever, the City of Gresham is partnering with Snowcap Community Services to ensure families in need have access to food and resources during this uncertain time with a donation of up to $10,000. This donation is made possible thanks to grant funding for youth violence prevention provided by the Oregon State Legislature.

SnowCap is a philanthropic organization created to provide clothing, advocacy, and other services to families in need who live east of 82nd Ave. and within Multnomah County.

"SnowCap is incredibly grateful to be part of a community where our City leaders see a critical need and step up with a robust response to support our neighbors without delay," said Kirsten Wageman, executive director for SnowCap. "We are seeing a historic, never seen before level of need for food. This funding will help ensure that youth and their families are not hungry until SNAP benefits are restored."

The food assistance provided by SnowCap will be a part of a state-wide focus on supporting 757,000 Oregonians- including 210,000 children and 130,000 seniors- who are at risk of food insecurity during a pause in SNAP benefit processing. SnowCap's work will support families in need in Gresham and other parts of East County.

"The City of Gresham has always had a great relationship with our community-based organizations, and the work that SnowCap is doing to support families and youth in Gresham deserves our full support," said Larry Morgan, assistant city manager for the City of Gresham.

Research shows food insecurity is associated with higher cases of youth violence, an issue the City of Gresham is dedicated to addressing through initiatives like East Multnomah Outreach Prevention Intervention (EMOPI).

"In a world that seems so divided, it is encouraging to see government working for the people right here in Gresham," said Wageman.