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Oregon Stories of Recovery
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Article Content
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| ARRA funds help CAPECO clients smile, find housing |
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 Through ARRA funding, Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) recently showed what a person can do when given safe, decent and affordable housing as well as supportive services to help break down barriers.
CAPECO coordinated services for a 49-year-old male who has been living in his car, couch surfing and camping for the last two years. He had two strokes within the last two years as well as a heart attack. He was unable to obtain work due to his medical/dental issues and his unsuitable housing. He was the first participant of CAPECO’s Project Community Connect in Umatilla County, where CSBG ARRA dollars were utilized.
He was early to arrive and waited for an hour and a half until the doors were opened. He was able to receive a vision voucher from a partnership with Wal-Mart's Vision Centers in Pendleton and Hermiston and now sports a brand-new pair of glasses. He also won a drawing for a sleeping bag, received a box of toiletries and portable foods, and was able to see a physician.
Since Project Community Connect, he has become a participant in the Moving Forward program – a rent subsidy program – and now has a one-bedroom apartment. He is currently waiting for a spot on the Medical Teams International Dental Van where he is expecting to have his broken and cracked teeth pulled and then receive a set of dentures. After getting help with his teeth, he said, "maybe I will be able to finally smile!" CAPECO is able to pay a nominal fee for the dental work due to the CSBG ARRA funds as well as pay for his dentures. CAPECO expects him to be settled into his housing and able to start looking for work once his health/dental issues are addressed.
Article provided by Community Action Partnership of Oregon. See www.caporegon.org for more information.
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