Kaiser gives $700K in grants to support homeless services during COVID-19 pandemic

Kaiser Permanente says it has given $700,000 in grants to support northwest homeless services with coronavirus prevention and response.

Kaiser says with limited capacity and shelter options, some organizations worry about how they will address a potential increase in need during the winter while also managing the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials say the funds will be used to provide motel vouchers, ensure community clinics are safe and can treat patients, prevention and testing programs, along with street outreach.

Kaiser says each of the following grantees will receive $100,000 for COVID-19 prevention and response.

• Council for the Homeless (Vancouver, WA)
• Love Overwhelming (Longview, WA)
• Clackamas County Public Health (Oregon City, OR)
• Portland Street Medicine (Portland, OR)
• Washington County Department of Housing Services (Hillsboro, OR)
• Northwest Human Services (Salem, OR)
• White Bird Clinic (Eugene, OR)

“As long as housing remains a critical issue in Oregon, we will continue to spearhead statewide housing for health initiatives to advance total health,” said Jeff Collins, President, Kaiser Permanente Northwest.