Current Events
Run to the Rogue
CTSI Culture and Planning Department staff have compiled a digital journey complete with historical text, images, cultural knowledge, and maps. Though we are unable to gather together this year, we can still reflect back on our people's story of survival and perseverance.
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Having Trouble Viewing the Member Area?
On the top left side of the webpage, enter your Roll Number and Last Four Digits of Your Social Security Number into the Member Login. Click the arrow or hit the Enter/Return key to login. After doing that, it will now say "You are logged in". Under that will be a link saying "Member Area". Click that link to view the Members Only content.
Census
Last day to self-respond to the census is September 30th! You can respond even if you did not receive a Census ID.
Online - www.my2020census.gov
Phone– 1-844-330-2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Scroll down the page to find more resources and information available to Tribal and non-Tribal members.
Lincoln County Public Information Weekly Update
Read Update Released on 9-24-2020
Lincoln County Now Distributing Masks for Businesses
Lincoln County has masks available if you need face coverings for your workforce, their family members and the clients, customers you serve.
For more information and to fill out an application, visit the link below.
Face Coverings Distribution to Public Flyer
New Oregon Employment Department (OED) Informational Website Launched
The new website can be viewed here: https://unemployment.oregon.gov/
COVID Cases Press Release | 6/12/2020
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians has experienced two positive test results for COVID-19 through Siletz Community Health Clinic (SCHC). These individuals are between the age of 20 - 30, and are isolating per CDC Guidance. An Investigator from Lincoln County Health Department will conduct the initial investigation into source of contact. Staff at SCHC have been trained in contact tracing, and will assist the Investigator in identifying and notifying other individuals who may have been in contact with these individuals to provide them with instructions on next steps.
It is important to understand that this virus is in the community. It is vitally important to stay home as much as possible, physically distance, wear a face covering to protect others when unable to physically distance, and wash hands and sanitize surfaces frequently.
More information can be found at: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/hhs/page/2019-novel-coronavirus; - OR - through the Call Center at (541) 265-0621, email: lincolncocallcenter@co.lincoln.or.us.
Open weekdays from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You will be asked to leave a call back number and we will return your call within 15 minutes. This is to allow volunteers to work remotely. Your call back may come from a “private number”.
Resource Flyers
Contact Tracing: What to Expect
What to Expect on a Contact Tracing Call
If you have close contact with someone with a confirmed case, someone who may have it, if you develop symptoms, or if you get a negative result after quarantining.
Notices for Siletz Community Members
This is a friendly reminder that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all outdoor recreational areas in Siletz are closed.
This includes playgrounds, basketball courts, parks and other community spaces.
Please continue to practice social distancing for your safety and the safety of our community. Thank you.
Regarding In-Person Cancellations
Elders Firewood Distribution
Due to the extremely dry weather and hazardous fire conditions, the Elders Firewood Distribution event originally planned for Saturday, September 19th is being postponed to Saturday October 17th.
CTSI-Community Message
3/17/2020
We are not aware of any cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 in the Siletz Community. However, the safety of our Community, Students, and Staff are a top priority for us. Therefore, we are moving forward with providing services in a manner that will keep you and staff safe. Beginning March 17th, until further notice, services will be provided via telephone, email and mail; Offices will be closed to walk-in clients. Payments can be made by telephone with a credit/debit card; by mail via a check or money order. There is a drop box at the rear of the Tribal Administration building to drop off payments, applications, etc. The Clinic will be closing to non-essential appointments, and will work to fulfill your needs – such as Pharmacy – in different ways. Clinic staff will reach out to you to reschedule non-critical appointments.
Our staff is working very hard to continue providing critical services to our community members. As this situation develops, we will continue to update this message.
To access these services, please call:
Siletz Community Health Clinic: (541) 444-1030Siletz Tribal Housing: (541) 444-8322. Payments can be mailed or put in the Drop Box477-SSP: (541)-444-8247USDA Food Program: (541)-444-8393Human Resources: (541)-444-8274Indian Child Welfare (ICW): (541)-444-8272Natural Resources: (541) 444-8232Enrollment: (541)-444-8258Elders: (541)-444-8220
Eugene Area Office - Phone- (541)-484-4234
Portland Area Office -Phone-(503)-238-1512
Salem Area Office -Phone-(503)-390-9494
For accurate, up to date information about COVID-19 please dial 211
View the #StayHome PSA made by the Siletz Community.
Read About Social Distancing Here
Siletz Community Health Clinic Services During COVID-19
Phone # 541-444-1030
Please call the clinic for current available services as things change rapidly and we may offer more or fewer services depending on COVID-19’s impact to the community. Current services being offered are listed below along with some answers to questions we’ve been asked.
Available Services
Medical/Lab – visits are available by phone or video. Some patients are brought in when their health care requires it. Please call your medical team to discuss any concerns.
COVID-19 - if you think you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, please call the clinic and we will discuss self-isolation guidelines and determine if you meet criteria for testing. The clinic does provide Covid-19 testing.
Optometry - visits are available to patients with an eye emergency or hardware emergency. Please call the optometry department to discuss any concerns.
Medication Assistance Therapy (MAT) – visits are available by phone or video.
Behavioral Health (A&D counseling/mental health counseling) – visits are available by phone or video.
Pharmacy – continues to provide services. You may pick up your medication at the clinic for curb-side pick-up or your medication can be mailed to you. Delivery services are also available in the Siletz community.
Tribal member specific:
Dental – visits are available to patients with a dental emergency only. Please call the dental department to discuss any concerns.
Community Health – continues to support members in navigating resources during the pandemic. For additional information, follow Community Health @ ‘Siletz Health Clinic’ on Facebook.
Purchased/Referred Care – is providing PRC #s and processing claims. Staff is working altered/reduced hours, so please call back if you do not receive a call back as staff may be out.
Questions we’ve been asked:
1. Will the clinic call me to reschedule my March appointment that was cancelled?
a. If you’ve not received a call from the clinic to-date, please contact the clinic to schedule a phone or video appointment.
2. May I schedule a routine physical now?
a. Probably not, but call if there are special circumstances. For example, if you need a physical for your job, every effort will be made to assist you.
3. I have an optometry appointment scheduled in 3-weeks, will my appointment be cancelled?
a. Possibly. The clinic is cancelling appointments within a 2-week period in hopes that appointments will not have to be cancelled, but for now it’s likely to be cancelled.
4. I’m a tribal member and need A&D services (or MAT) now. Do I have to wait until the pandemic is over?
a. No, call the clinic to schedule. You may access any service being offered.
We thank you all for doing your part in overcoming the pandemic and doing your best to keep us all healthy and safe. We’re all in this together.
SILETZ COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC HAS TESTING FOR COVID-19 AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED PATIENTS
HOW CAN I BE TESTED?
Call the clinic at 541-444-1030 and ask to speak to a nurse. The nurse will discuss your symptoms with you and, if indicated, will set up a time for you to come to the clinic for testing.
CAN I GET A COVID-19 TEST IF I HAVE NO SYMPTOMS BUT JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I DO NOT HAVE IT?
No, you cannot. At this time, the tests we have are only for use on people who have symptoms of COVID-19.
WHAT IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS, BUT AM NOT OVER 50 AND DON’T HAVE CHRONIC CONDITIONS THAT WOULD MAKE ME MORE AT RISK OF GETTING COVID-19, CAN I BE TESTED?
YES! You can now be tested for COVID-19 regardless of age or past health history. If you have any symptoms that are on the UPDATED COVID-19 symptom list, and an order from your healthcare provider, you can be tested.
WHAT ARE THE UPDATED COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore Throat
- NEW loss of taste or smell
Resources for Families during COVID-19 Pandemic
Tribal & Community Members
Below are links to access government assistance programs and information on resources during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
COVID-19 Resource List - https://www.benefits.gov/help/faq/Coronavirus-resourcesSocial Security Benefits - https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/Oregon DHS Resources - https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/COVID-19/Pages/Home.aspxFederal USDA Assistance - https://www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirusBenefit Finder - https://www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder211 Resources - http://www.211.org/services/covid19#Resources
We will continue to monitor and share information that is beneficial to our tribal and community members as it becomes available.
State Resources
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide greater assistance to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1.
State Resource Hub
Visit the Safe and Strong website to find a variety of resources in Oregon.
Rent Help
The Legislature has allocated over $40 million to help individuals who are struggling to pay rent due to the financial impact of COVID-19. Funds are distributed by local community action partners (CAP). You can learn more about eligibility by calling 211 or visiting www.caporegon.org/find-services/ to find the nearest CAP.
Utilities Help
Your local CAP may also be able to help. Please see: www.caporegon.org/find-services/. Many utility companies are waiving late fees, suspending disconnections, and making payment plans available. Please see https://www.oregon.gov/puc/Documents/OregonEnergyAssistance.pdf for information about what your specific gas, electricity, internet, or telephone company may offer.
Mortgage Help
The Oregon Legislature has released $30 million in mortgage assistance. If you need or anticipate needing mortgage assistance, please sign up for Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) updates at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/about-us/Pages/news-updates.aspx. You can also contact OHCS at (503) 986-2000. You may also be eligible for foreclosure protection through September 30th under legislation passed by the Oregon Legislature.
Additional Assistance
Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org for additional information about COVID-19 test sites, eviction and foreclosure prevention information, how to access free food services, and more.
Tribal Resources
Notice to Tribal Members about COVID-19 Relief Programs
COVID-19 Relief Programs funded by the CARES Act have a deadline of December 1st to apply. Funds from the US Treasury CARES Act are set to expire December 31st, 2020, and we will need time to process these applications and final payments.
Programs funded from sources other than the CARES Act will still be available to Tribal members-please contact the department they are ran through to determine availability and eligibility.
Childcare Assistance Program received CARES funding to help with COVID-19
The Childcare Assistance Program received CARES funding and with this funding we amended our CCDF plan to expand eligibility for tribal families to provide more assistance during this time while we are all dealing with the fallout from COVID-19.
While we are in a declared emergency, and for 3 months after the declared emergency, co-payments will be waived, and the Income Limit to qualify for assistance is increased from 85% to 100% of the State’s Grant Median Income. The maximum monthly income limits are now:
Household (H/H) Size Maximum Income Limit Per Month
1 $3,410
2 $4,459
3 $5,508
4 $6,557
5 $7,606
6 $8,655
7 $8,852
8 $9,049
To qualify, families must be living within the eleven county service area and parents must be working, looking for work, attending college, or participating in a job training program. Children must be under the age of 13 years, an enrolled member or eligible to enroll in the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI), or the descendent or dependent of an enrolled CTSI tribal member.
To find out more about our program, please call DeAnn Brown, at 1-800-922-1399 or 541-444-2450 and ask for the Childcare Assistance Program.
COVID-19 Childcare Assistance Application
For those in the 11-county service area that are above income for the Childcare Assistance Program, or for those living outside the service area, CTSI has CARES funding to assist tribal member households with expenses directly related to COVID-19. CTSI wants to support tribal member households who are affected by COVID-19 with their childcare expenses. These funds must be spent by December 31, 2020. Siletz Tribal member households can qualify for a one-time payment of up to $500 per child per month (as long as funds are available). Funds will be paid directly to Childcare Providers.
Please read the Application and Cover Letter below for more details and qualifications.
COVID-19 Childcare Assistance Application & Cover Letter
COVID-19 Housing Relief Assistance
Policy has been expanded as of 7/29 to include up to three months of payments with a maximum of $5,000. Please read the policies for more information.
Limited rent and mortgage relief is available to Siletz households negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance is a one-time payment to Siletz household’s landlord or Mortgage Company and is available anywhere in the United States. It is available to low-income and non-low-income households.
Contacts
Jeanette Aradoz – 541-444-8316Cecelia DeAnda – 541-444-8315
Brett Lane – 541-444-8317Isaac DeAnda – 541-444-8314K.C. Short – 541-444-8310
To view the policies and to download an application, visit these links.
Households residing on Tribal land that benefited from the rent and homebuyer waiver will not be eligible for this assistance.
Program is first come, first served and assistance is available only until funds are exhausted.
Property Taxes
To be eligible for property tax assistance, clients must meet HUD low income criteria and be impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Property taxes are not eligible to be paid from US Treasury – CARES Act funding. For assistance with property taxes, please contact:
Cecelia DeAnda at 541-444-8315.
COVID-19 Food Assistance
The purpose is to provide Siletz Tribal households experiencing negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic with food assistance. Funding for the COVID-19 Food Assistance Program is based on a first come, first served basis. Services are available throughout the United States of America. This program will open June 1, 2020 and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
Please read the COVID-19 Food Assistance Policy for further information on Eligibility, Uses, and the Procedure.
COVID-19 Food Assistance Application
Contacts
Danelle Smith – 541-444-9603
Kurtis Barker – 541-444-8247
Water/Sewer Relief Program
The water/sewer relief program is for Siletz Tribal households who are experiencing a negative impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open to applications starting July 1st and will stay open until all funding has been exhausted. This program is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water/Sewer Relief Application
Contacts
Jenifer Jackson – 541-484-4234
Cathy Ray – 541-484-4234
COVID-19 Energy Assistance
Energy assistance is available for Siletz Tribal households who are experiencing a negative impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is through through the Housing Department- there are no income restrictions.
Contacts
Casey Godwin - 541-444-8311K.C. Short - 541-444-8310Val Hibdon - 541-444-8322
COVID-19 Assistance Application (Check "Energy Assistance" under "Type of Assistance")
Other
PGE COVID-19 Bill Assistance
PGE is offering support to their customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes:
- Allowing requests for more time to pay;
- Options to change billing due dates;
- Payment plan options;
- Energy assistance to qualified individuals.
Contact PGE
To see if you qualify for assistance, visit portlandgeneral.com/assistance.
Get up-to-date information about PGE's coronavirus response, visit portlandgeneral.com/coronavirus.
For tips on how to conserve energy, visit portlandgeneral.com/tips.
School Announcements
Updates to Come
For Small Business Owners and the Self-Employed
The federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to aid families and small business during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Watch this video to learn more about how the CARES Act can help you as a small business owner or if you're self-employed.
Staying Active During Quarantine
FitnessOnDemand is available for Tribal member use, so you can stay active while social distancing. View this flyer to learn more about the program and who to contact to access this service.
The FCC's Lifeline Program
Individuals who have recently become eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid are also eligible for the FCC’s Lifeline program. Visit this link for more information.
Legal Aid Benefits Hotline Available for Tribal Members
Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center, civil legal service provides for low income Oregonians operate a Public Benefits Hotline, where low-income Oregonians can talk to lawyers and paralegals for advice on public benefits including Unemployment Benefits.
Hours of operation are limited Monday - Thursday. More information about legal aid can be found at Oregon Law Help.
OREGON PUBLIC BENEFITS HOTLINE: 1(800) 520-5292
Unemployment
For those trying to contact the Oregon Employment department, email is the best way as phone call wait times are averaging over 100 minutes. Anyone with claim status questions should reach out to OED_COVID19_info@oregon.gov.
If you were denied a claim because you said you were not looking for work at this time, the department has made a fix for that. Continue to file weekly claims. If you were denied because you were self-employed or a 1099 contract worker, please visit the PUC links below.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUC) Information (Oregon)
For Tribal Members Having Trouble Contacting OED
If you are having trouble getting through to OED regarding their unemployment insurance claims, please contact both David (David.K.GERSTENFELD@oregon.gov) and Teresa Rainey (Teresa.L.RAINEY@oregon.gov) at the department. They will get you routed to the right place to get those claims resolved. If possible, when you contact David and Teresa please include the following information, which will help OED trouble-shoot the issue:
- Your full name
- Customer ID (CID) number if you have it (the format is XX.XXX-XXX-XXX)
- If you do not have or know your CID, then your address and last four digits of your social security number
- Good telephone contact number
- A brief description of what the issue seems to be is useful
Lincoln County Testing Sites and Prescription Delivery Information
Emergency Hotel Program
"CHANCE has secured some funding from CSC for motel sheltering for medically fragile homeless individuals during this pandemic. Providers working with the client should be making the referrals to CHANCE 541-791-3411 (follow prompts for location Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Lincoln City and Newport) or hotelvoucher@chancerecovery.org. Homeless clients should NOT call CHANCE directly. If they do, CHANCE will advise them to get a referral from a health care provider or homeless advocate. CSC will not take referrals from anyone for these motels—CHANCE is the point of contact."
Please read the Emergency Hotel Program for more information and eligibility requirements.
Mental Health Services
If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, anxiety or depression and need to speak with someone or learn what you can do to combat these feelings, use one of the resources below:
Other Resources
Links
COVID-19 Spread Tracker for Oregon
Oregon Heath Authority Coronavirus Page
Flyers
Shopping Safety for Essentials
Lincoln County Testing and Prescription Delivery
People at Risk for Coronavirus
Other Current Events
Local Notices
Oregon Wildfires
CTSI Phone Number for those in need of assistance: 541-444-9613
477-SSP Services
The 477-SSP has services available for those that have been impacted by the Oregon fires.
If resided in the CTSI Service Area and under a level 2 or 3 evacuation, and below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for services. Eligibility is based on household and not individual Tribal members.
Click to View More Details, Contact Information, and Resource Lists
How to apply
Contact - Danelle Smith (541) 444-9603, Danelles@ctsi.nsn.us
Contact -Anna Renville (503) 810-8209, Annar@ctsi.nsn.usAnna will be on-call to process applications and assist in locating resources.
Contact - Angelica Espino (971) 388-0454, Angelicae@ctsi.nsn.usAngelica will be on-call to process applications and assist in locating resources.
Contact -Jenifer Jackson (541) 484-4234 or (541) 780-6149, Jeniferj@ctsi.nsn.usJenifer will be on-call to process applications and assist in locating resources.
Important information for folks who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: if you have lost your food due to the wildfires, you can have up to $200 of your SNAP benefits reloaded onto your card. Folks in this situation should contact the local ODHS office and fill out a short form stating what food they lost and how they were impacted by the fires. You don’t need to go to “your” ODHS office, you can just go to the one closest to you if you have been evacuated. Oregon Department of Human Services local offices are also helping to coordinate basic needs for all evacuees, such as food boxes, whether you receive SNAP benefits or not.
For Lincoln County residents, call (541) 757-4201.
If you are a FDPIR (commodities) client and you have lost your home and food, please contact the Tribe's Food Distribution Program.
Other Resources
• Lincoln County Fire Damage and Recovery Resources
• FEMA (Federal) Assistance for Individuals Affected by Wildfires
• Oregon Association of Realtors (OAR) has a Wildfire Relief Fund available to qualifying Oregon residents who have lost their home to the Oregon Wildfire Disaster. Deadline is November 15, 2020. For more information and an application, visit this link.
• If your small business has been impacted by these fires, you can apply for federal disaster loans through the Small Business Administration. Email the following address for assistance: FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
• USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Western Wildfires
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing some tax filing relief for Oregonians impacted by these fires. Find out if you qualify for assistance here.
• View the Oregon Wildfire Resources page
• Oregon Office of Emergency Management page
• American Red Cross of the Cascades - Resources
• Red Cross Phone Number: 800-733-2767
Listen to the menu options and choose what best fits your needs.
First Menu Option: For Natural Disaster Relief, press 4
Second Menu Option: For Oregon Wildfires, press 1
Third Menu Option: For Oregon Wildfires, press 3
Fourth Menu Option: To find a shelter, press 1
To Speak to an Operator, press 2
• After the Fire: Safely Managing Ash and Debris
• Tips on Protecting Yourself When Returning After the Fire
• Well Tips during a Fire Emergency
• Wildfire Insurance Resources
• Filing a Homeowner Claim After a Fire
Updates
• Read the Lincoln County Echo Mountain Fire Complex Recovery Update | 9/28
• Keep up to date on the Lincoln County website, including the Interactive Map.
• View Echo Mountain Complex Update- 9/19
• View Updates on the Oregon Department of Forestry Facebook page and the Lincoln County Oregon Emergency Facebook page
Property Status Checks | Media Release - 9.13.20 - Lincoln County, OR (6 PM)
Lincoln County Sheriff Curtis Landers announced that deputies will begin offering status checks on properties in the area that remains closed to the Echo Mountain Complex Fire. General access to the affected areas continues to be limited due to hazardous and unpredictable conditions.
Residents can phone the county’s call center, 541-265-0621, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week. Callers will be asked to provide the following information:
• Name
• Address (any helpful information in locating the residence (many street signs and address markers are destroyed).
• Phone number
• Anyone missing from the location, including name, age, phone number
• Any animals at location
Requests can also be made by filling out this form online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOqMTuyaT5CqPM73MW0pwyJhuIz83wC7-tMpM8M05JINoBKQ/viewform
Deputies will make checks as time permits, and there may be long delays in callbacks. Deputies will only be able to provide basic information about a structure or damage and are not capable of determining if a structure is safe to enter or is habitable. Deputies will call the number provided and relay the status to the resident. If there is no answer, the deputies will leave a message. If the phone has no voicemail box or the deputy is otherwise unable to leave a message, no further attempts will be made.
Sheriff Landers said: “We understand the anxiety of not knowing the condition of your property and want to get you answers as soon as we safely can.”
Complete Burn Ban For Lincoln County
9/3/2020
Read the Notice from the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Here.
Ready, Set, Go | Oregon Evacuation Levels
Apply Now for Siletz Tribal Head Start
Apply now for your child to attend our Head Start program. We have classrooms in Siletz, Lincoln City, Salem and Portland.
We give a preference for enrollment to children who are Native American, but you do not have to be Native American in order to attend our Head Start program.
Our program offers round-trip transportation, 2 meals each class day, structured learning activities to support children’s school readiness skills, health screenings, family events, parent training, and services to support family success.
To apply, call us at 1-800-922-1399 or 541-444-2450 and ask for Head Start.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
Notices and Events
CTSI Summer Read Team
The summer read team has been extended! Jump into summer learning and sign up today!
• Free Books for Students and Families
• Weekly Virtual Meet Ups with Other Students and CTSI Staff
• Groups for all ages, Pre-K to 12th Grade
• Prepare for Oregon Battle of the Books
Every Wednesday at 4:00 PM through October (subject to change).
Email: JacobR@ctsi.nsn.usCall: 1-541-270-1909
Upcoming Calendar Events
Virtual Drum/Singing Class
4:00 PM
STCCF Advisory Board Meeting
10:00 AM
Health Comm. Mtg.
1:15 PM
Elk Tag Drawing
5:00 PM
Virtual Drum/Singing Class
4:00 PM