Food Backpacks for Kids
As we slowly move towards summer we are reminded of the struggles some families have keeping their children fed when school is out, but many children struggle throughout the school year too. Food Backpacks for Kids is a program that provides students prepackaged meals that they can take home for the weekend. Hunger and food insecurity has been shown to be a cause of behavioral and academic problems in schools. One local business wants to bring the awareness to the public by initiating a fundraising campaign. Cassie Bechtold owns a coffee kiosk in Florence at 1774 Highway 101 and on Tuesday will be donating $1 from every coffee sold to Food Backpack for Kids. Food Backpack for Kids is an arm of Cross Road Assembly.
Trauma Intervention Program Seeks Volunteers
Lane County’s Trauma Intervention Program is looking to expand its volunteer base. The TIP program works with law enforcement, fire, medical, and hospital personnel to respond to scenes of sudden or unexpected death, industrial accidents, sexual assaults and other traumatic situation. TIP is looking for individuals from varying backgrounds who are interested in being part of the support teams. You must be able to pass a background check. Classes are forming now and interested individuals can find more information at tiplanecounty.org.
Affordable Housing Increase
More affordable housing options will soon be available. Construction on Oak Manor just north of 35th street on Oak Street is nearing completion and this Friday the Florence City Council will be taking a tour of the development. The city has posted a notice of a possibility of a quorum at the site. Oak Manor will offer 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments for low income residents. Qualified applicants that make less than 31,380 dollars a year will pay 30% of their Average Monthly Income. The city council will be onsite at 2 pm tomorrow.
