Food Assistance Cancelled for November
The Oregon Department of Human Services is notifying about 757,000 Oregonians who receive food assistance through the SNAP program that they will not receive new benefits after October 31 due to the ongoing federal shutdown. Governor Tina Kotek called the situation “cruel and unacceptable,” saying President Trump should prioritize feeding families over deploying troops in U.S. cities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funds SNAP, has halted operations, preventing states from issuing November benefits. Roughly one in six Oregonians rely on SNAP, including 210,000 children and 130,000 seniors. ODHS says it’s working with the Governor’s Office to provide updates and urges residents to prepare by exploring local food resources like Florence Food Share.
Cuts to Permanent Housing
Leaked documents from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development show the Trump administration plans major cuts to permanent housing programs, redirecting funds toward temporary assistance with work or service requirements. HUD estimates more than 170,000 people could lose housing support nationwide. Laura Golino de Lovato, executive director of the Northwest Pilot Project in Multnomah County, says Oregon’s most vulnerable—seniors, families, survivors of domestic violence, and youth—will be hit hardest. She warns the shift will lead to more people staying in shelters longer and more facing eviction. While she says the outlook is grim, Golino de Lovato believes Oregon’s spirit of compassion and regional support could help the state weather the change.
New Zoo License Plate
A new Oregon Zoo license plate featuring an endangered Asian elephant design will be available at Oregon DMV offices starting November 3. Sponsored by the Oregon Zoo Foundation, the plate was created by Oregon artist Jeremy Nichols as a tribute to Portland’s “Rose City” nickname and the zoo’s conservation mission. The plate costs an extra $40, with about $35 from each sale supporting wildlife conservation, species recovery, and education programs. The design was approved by ODOT, the Oregon Zoo Foundation, and Oregon State Police, and joins the DMV’s lineup of specialty plates including Crater Lake, Smokey Bear, and the Trail Blazers.
