St. Vincent de Paul, Portland Council
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News Release
Local agency to streamline emergency assistance - 07/18/18

Despite a vibrant economy and low unemployment rate, many households in the greater Portland area find themselves on the verge of either losing their homes, their utility services, or both. Though the reasons differ greatly across the socioeconomic divide, some will find help while others won’t be as lucky.

These are people who have lost a job, had a sudden medical emergency, experienced a family crisis, or more. A wide range of charities and government agencies offer help, but application processes are complex and time-consuming.

Most agencies aren’t likely to change their processing routines any time soon. But one long-running and well-respected organization in the Portland area is updating its screening process to shorten applicant wait times for those seeking emergency financial assistance.

“We want to operate more like a business, and be more customer-focused,” said Craig Loughridge, emergency services program manager for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Portland.

The society’s main Portland office will begin gradually shifting to taking appointments starting Aug. 1. Applicants now must apply in person at the agency’s office in southeast Portland, and are seen only on a first-come, first-served basis.

The current process has led to some applicants having to wait as much as five hours or longer to get an application reviewed, Loughridge said. Some applicants can wait that long only to have their application rejected.

“We understand how this can be extremely maddening,” Loughridge said. “Our clients have enough stress already. We shouldn’t be making it worse.”

The society hired Loughridge late last year to work with the agency’s partners and staff to find ways to streamline operational procedures and improve customer service.

Loughridge holds a master’s degree in management, and worked more than 20 years in customer service and marketing before coming to St. Vincent de Paul.

People at risk of eviction or of losing vital utilities like electricity, water or gas can get more information by calling the society’s emergency services hotline at 503-235-8431, or by going to www.svdppdx.org.

Attached Media Files: appointments_final.pdf
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