FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance: Financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred on or after 1/20/20. For guidance, eligibility requirements and services funded, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance or call 1-844-684-6333.
Emotional Support & Suicide Prevention Resources:
Disaster Distress Helpline for emotional help to cope with a disaster: 1-800-985-5990 or TTY 1-800-846-8517 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
The Friendship Line(24-hour toll-free crisis & warmline for older and disabled adults and their caregivers): 1-800-971-0016
Ashland Senior Phone Buddy: Are you an Ashland or Talent senior who would enjoy social phone calls from a community member who shares your interests? The free Ashland Senior Phone Buddy program can match you to a local volunteer caller. To enroll, contact Ashland Senior Services Division at 541-488-5342.
Community Resources:Up-to-date information on available local services (food, transportation, in-home assistance, social services, legal, financial, etc)
Help for Latinx Community for COVID-19 or Almeda Fire Recovery (Ayuda disponible en Español)
Unete, 607 W Main St, Medford, 541-840-9669, providing financial assistance and navigation help
Northwest Seasonal Workers, 203 N. Oakdale, Medford, 541-773-6811, providing financial assistance and navigation help
Be Savvy: Community Volunteer Network has just introduced Be Savvy, a website that provides Southern Oregon older adults with timely information during our COVID-19 world and beyond, including how to use and integrate technology for learning and entertainment, along with pertinent COVID-19 updates, articles of interest, fraud alerts and ways to be involved, connected and healthy. You’ll want to bookmark besavvyso.org, as it will be updated frequently. (12/2/2020)
COVID-19 Info & News:
CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults - Read more
Tips for getting DMV services (10/8/20) - Read more
A law enforcement grace period on expired licenses, permits and vehicle registration has been extended to April 30, 2021. If your license, permit and/or vehicle registration expires in this period, you have three months after the expiration date to renew without being cited - Read more
AARP Smart Driver course (online only due to pandemic) - refresh your (defensive) driving skills and save on auto insurance - sessions in Oct-Dec 2021 - more info and link to register
Help be part of a more equitable and safe transportation system! This free course helps drivers better understand the rights & responsibilities of people using our streets. You will learn information on exisiting laws and the built environment.
Call-A-Ride service has resumed (8/25/20)
Existing clients or those wanting to sign up for this ride service, call 541-857-7783
Ashland Connector service reduced, only operating Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (541-842-2055)
Valley Lift services reduced, only operating Monday-Friday 6am-9pm & only for essential trips (541-842-2050)
RVTD new service starting April 5, 2021 - UMO pass (stored value & fare capping) - read more
Other services still operating:
RVTD Translink (Medicaid medical transportation): 541-842-2060
Ready Ride (Medicaid medical transportation): 541-479-7920
Mobile Care (medical transportation): 541-664-2114
Support if your income has changed due to COVID-19:
Assistance to retroactively claim unemployment benefits if you lost your job or had your hours cut due to COVID-19 (as of 8/26/21) - more info, en español
ACCESS Energy Assistance Program is offering additional energy assistance (as of 4/26/21) - more info
AARP Foundation Property Tax Aide helps homeowners find tax credits for which they might be eligible, as a way to offset the high cost of housing (you do not have to be an AARP member to use this free service) - learn more
Double Up Food Bucks Oregon (if on SNAP, get up to $10 extra/day for purchasing fruits & veggies at participating farmers markets) - more info (as of 12/4/20 DHS extends end date of program indefinitely as long as farmers' markets willing to continue)
City of Ashland Utility Assistance (electric)
Info and application for Senior/Disabled Utility Discount and Ashland Low Income Energy Assistance Program (energy assistance during cold winter months) are available here.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program - temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households - click for more info
Ashland Fiber Network - $25/month internet service for low-income Ashland residents. If you are already receiving the senior or disabled utility discount from the City of Ashland, you qualify automatically; just call AFN (541-552-2222) to sign up for the discounted senior internet service. Otherwise, call the Senior Services Division office at 541-488-5342 to learn how to apply.
Check with your internet provider to see if they offer a senior discount
Medicare & Social Security
SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance)
Medford Social Security Office still available to help by phone: 1-866-931-7943 (M-F 9am-4pm) - click for more info
Resources for Veterans:
Veteran Resource Navigator (online tool to find federal, state and local resources for economic, health, education, housing & food, and other needs) - website or call 800-692-9666
Online classes & other social or learning resources (most are free!):
Natural Burial Ground Tours at the Forest Conservation Burial Ground (658 Shale City Road, Ashland) - Free on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10am - click for more info and to register
Ashland Senior Services presenter Victoria Leo is offering free online classes on mindfulness/meditation, creativity, and anthropology/history! - click to sign up
Free monthly online movement therapy sessions for seniors (60+) "Human Movement 101: Functional Pandiculation" by Christopher Allen Neumann of CAN Therapeutics Massage Clinic (Ashland, OR) - click for more info and sign up
Get Set Up online classes for seniors ($180 annual membership fee) - click for more info
Programs connecting seniors remotely for social contact, by phone, video chat, or snail mail - click for more info
Talk the Gap (online program connecting seniors with youth to share stories, advice, and help finding information) - click for website
Ashland Senior Services instructor Char Hersh is offering outdoor Tai Chi classes, planning on starting 4/19/21. Classes will be on the grounds of Ashland Christian Fellowship at 50 W Hersey Street. Classes offered are Intermediate Tai Chi on Mondays at 2pm & Beginning Tai Chi on Thursdays at 2pm (will switch to morning when weather warms). Participants will wear masks and socially distance. $2 donation per class. To get more information, contact Char directly at 541-552-0698.
Guided practices (movement, tapping, sounding, breathing) & audio resources for body-based well-being, by former Senior Services Yoga instructor Charlotte Nuessle - scroll down on page for links
Jackson County Library Services At Home Services: free program that delivers library materials to patrons who cannot come to the library due to age, illness or disability - learn more and sign up
