By CHERYL ROMANO/Lincoln Chronicle
WALDPORT — Sometimes the people who need help the most don’t know which social services are available — or how to access them.
That’s why, for the second year, the South Lincoln County Resource Fair is bringing social services agencies to the people.
Whether the issue is food or housing, senior or family services, disabilities or veterans’ support, people in need can start finding answers Wednesday, April 23 at the Waldport Community Center, 265 Hemlock St.
From 2-5 p.m. and from 5:30-7 p.m., some 24 agencies from around Lincoln County will be on hand to offer advice and help to those in need.
“When the houseless, the working poor, the elderly are hurting, some people say, ‘They can go to Newport or Lincoln City’ to get what they need,” says Rick Booth, the Waldport volunteer who originated the fair last year. “But they have to get there. And for those who are disabled, or not fully functioning, who will walk them into the buildings? Or help them find the right person?”
Booth’s hope is that neighbors and friends who know people in need will help them attend the fair.
“A lot of our aging population and others are not tech-savvy enough to use computers or cell phones, or they simply don’t have the devices,” he says.
As a result, he points out, they won’t see this article online or know about the fair.
The fair consists of an open house from 2-5 p.m., with information tables set up for attendees, staffed by agency representatives. Then, to accommodate work schedules, from 5:30-7 p.m. the various agencies will give presentations on their services.
Agencies scheduled to be represented include Lincoln County Child & Family Services, the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, Waldport Foodshare, the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, Salvation Army, Oregon Senior Services, transportation, and many others.
“We’re not trying to solve problems that day,” Booth explains. “It’s a chance for people to look someone in the eye and say, ‘This is what I need’.”
Last year’s fair was a first for bringing agencies together in south county and Booth estimates that it drew upwards of 125 people.
People who aren’t in need are also welcome to attend, he advises: “Maybe you can be part of the effort.”
Booth is past president of South Lincoln Resources, a chaplain for police and fire agencies, a Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue board member, a Waldport City Council member, and active in county housing groups.
For more information, call South Lincoln Resources: 541-563-3710, ext. 4 and leave a message, or send an email to info@housinglincolncountyor.gov.
