Services
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Main Programs
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) & Health Resources (HRSN)
SACOO helps community members navigate Oregon Health Plan enrollment, access health resources, and connect with social determinants of health (SDOH) support. In 2025, we processed 310 new OHP applications, supported 467 inquiries, managed 398 OHP changes and renewals, and provided OHP benefits information to 1,900 individuals. We also connected 1,670 individuals to SDOH resources and completed 10 HRSN referrals.
Housing Assistance & Services
Throughout 2025, our housing programs focused on providing critical assistance, improving housing stability, and increasing access to long-term housing opportunities for vulnerable households. We referred 179 households (895 individuals) for rental assistance and 198 households (990 individuals) for utility assistance, with referrals focused on eviction prevention and maintaining housing stability.
Youth Crime Prevention
SACOO's youth outreach program provides education, achievement support, mentorship, and case management to young people in our community, keeping them engaged and on a positive path.
Tobacco Prevention
Our tobacco prevention program engages youth and community members through education campaigns, outreach events, and awareness activities designed to reduce tobacco use across Oregon's Somali community.
Additional Programs
Healthy Heart
SACOO's Healthy Heart program engaged 20 participants (July-November 2025) in a community wellness initiative. The program included regular blood pressure monitoring, at-home BP monitor training, monthly interactive workshops on nutrition and healthy habits, group walks, and weekly fresh produce distribution.
Diabetes & Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops
A six-week evidence-based workshop series designed to help adults โ including elders โ better manage chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Each cohort serves 10 participants weekly, building practical skills and confidence. A culturally adapted Somali version is also offered. Since February 2025, we have served 120 participants.
Academic Support & Tutoring
SACOO partners with Urban League and DDOA to provide tutoring services to students in grades 2-12. Tutoring sessions are held twice weekly at multiple sites. With dedicated tutors and wraparound support including FAFSA assistance, job applications, and family support, all seniors in our 2025 cohort successfully graduated.
TriMet / Transportation Assistance
SACOO supports community members in accessing public transportation through the HOP Fastpass program. In 2025, we helped 100 individuals register for Hop Cards and distributed 90 Adult Passes, 35 Honored Citizen passes, 32 Transit Assistance passes, and 20 Youth Passes.
Unemployment Assistance
SACOO provided unemployment navigation services approximately 350 times in 2025, assisting clients with filing initial unemployment claims, Oregon Paid Leave applications, waivers, questionnaires, and follow-up requests.
Afghan Refugee & Family Support
In 2025, SACOO served 237 individuals through emergency assistance programs, distributed $30,000 in gift cards and $30,000 in food boxes, and provided housing assistance totaling $103,038 to 136 individuals.
Providence Clinic (In-Office Health Clinic)
SACOO partners with Providence Medical Group to host a health clinic twice a month, providing direct healthcare services to community members of all ages. In 2025, approximately 96 clients were served.
AC / Climate Resilience Program
In partnership with the City of Portland, SACOO installed 984 air conditioning units in households between April and November 2025 to support families during extreme heat events.