The health and well-being of our community is our top priority. As part of our preparedness efforts, the City of Forest Grove is adhering to guidance from the following health authorities:

The Governor’s office in partnership with the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board, allocated $10 Million from the federal CARES Act funding for the purchase of supplies including masks and gloves for small business. The State of Oregon is fulfilling orders at no charge until resources are depleted. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are headquartered in Oregon with principal operations in Oregon are eligible. https://supplyconnector.org/states/oregon/free-ppe/

The Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI) is very excited to announce the opening of the new COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Program!

They will begin accepting applications tomorrow, Monday, September 14, 2020, at 8 am. At that time, visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org to start your online application! Please visit their How to Apply page to review the eligibility requirements and get your documents ready.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Program, please check out their website, www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org, send an email at homeowner.help@oregon.gov, or give call at (503) 986-2025.

Click on the above link for information to help people understand their rights under the current eviction moratorium. Suspensión del desalojo debido al COVID-19: Protecciones para arrendatarios en cinco pasos

CITY UPDATES:

The City's Emergency Declaration has been extended to September 28, 2020, unless rescinded earlier. Due to revised guidelines under Phase I, City park facilities and playgrounds were able to open on September 10, and the Aquatic Center tentatively plans to open on October 5. The Library staff are also determining ways to reopen. See the current Situation Report for more details.

SMALL BUSINESS OUTDOOR EXPANSION PERMIT

To support small businesses in Forest Grove and to aid in social distancing, the City of Forest Grove is expanding their location permit to allow seating and sales in the public parking stall directly in front of their business. There are no fees for a Location Permit.

BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER

Washington County has established a Business Recovery Center at Adelante Mujeres in Forest Grove. The Center provides a wide range of services including access to financial assistance, business counseling, making connections with resources including state guidance, and PPE supplies. The BRC is open for walk-in, at Adelante Mujeres, Tues. & Thurs., 9 am-4 pm. Or, you can make an appointment for any other time during the week. For more information, call Adelante Mujeres at 503-992-0078.

Message from Mayor Truax:

With the increased mobility granted through the reopening comes additional responsibility. We still need to practice social distancing; we still need to wear face masks; and we still need to help with the implementation of contact tracing. I feel that it is active, enthusiastic participation in our community battle against COVID-19 if we continue to follow the recommendations of Governor Brown. For example, when we wear the mask, we are sending the signal, not just that we are protecting ourselves from someone else; we are also protecting others from us. So this is a win-win situation. We are in this together.

Residents of Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Gaston area may call 2-1-1 for individual and family assistance for essential needs such as: food needs, medications, shelter, and/or supplies like clothing, diapers, etc. When calling 2-1-1 be ready to provide your language preference, zip code, and what essential need you have. Food distribution centers for western Washington County can be found at www.preventprotectserve.com. Anyone interested in providing donations or food/supplies may call 2-1-1 or email help@preventprotectserve.com.

Summer Food Service Program Information

Serving breakfast & lunch -- June 15-August 28



Spring means nicer weather and fresh air and time in nature is a good thing but must be balanced with the physical distancing state-wide executive order. See the map for the City's outdoor recreation opportunities.