Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often can I come to SnowCap? Once each month.
SnowCap Community Charities allows monthly visits (up to twelve in a year) as of April 1, 2015. We were able to expand our program due to generous donations of food and an increase of volunteer help. If circumstances change, if food or volunteer labor do not remain at sustainable levels, we may need to reduce the number of allowable visits once again in the future. However, the monthly visit allowance has been maintainable thus far, and we do not foresee any problems with its continuation. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (503) 674 -8785.
Can I get help with diapers and formula? Yes.
We have formula available for babies 12 months and younger. Diapers are currently available to a family twice per calendar year in the baby's first two years of life.
What do I need to bring to get assistance? Only proof of address (POA)
You need to bring proof of address (mail addressed to you within the last 30 days.)
Can you help with rent, moving expenses and gas vouchers? No.
We do not have the budget for these expenses. Please call 211 at (503) 222-5555 for possible suggestions.
Can you help with prescriptions? Sometimes.
We have a very limited budget for prescriptions. Call our office for more information at (503) 674-8785.
Can you help me with utilities? Not at present.
Limited funding is available during some months of the year, and this page will be updated when it becomes available again.
I am looking for work, can you help with professional clothes (or any adult clothes)? Sometimes.
We do have adult clothing in our clothes closet. Stock will vary day to day, but please do come in and have a look!
SnowCap Community Charities allows monthly visits (up to twelve in a year) as of April 1, 2015. We were able to expand our program due to generous donations of food and an increase of volunteer help. If circumstances change, if food or volunteer labor do not remain at sustainable levels, we may need to reduce the number of allowable visits once again in the future. However, the monthly visit allowance has been maintainable thus far, and we do not foresee any problems with its continuation. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (503) 674 -8785.
Can I get help with diapers and formula? Yes.
We have formula available for babies 12 months and younger. Diapers are currently available to a family twice per calendar year in the baby's first two years of life.
What do I need to bring to get assistance? Only proof of address (POA)
You need to bring proof of address (mail addressed to you within the last 30 days.)
Can you help with rent, moving expenses and gas vouchers? No.
We do not have the budget for these expenses. Please call 211 at (503) 222-5555 for possible suggestions.
Can you help with prescriptions? Sometimes.
We have a very limited budget for prescriptions. Call our office for more information at (503) 674-8785.
Can you help me with utilities? Not at present.
Limited funding is available during some months of the year, and this page will be updated when it becomes available again.
I am looking for work, can you help with professional clothes (or any adult clothes)? Sometimes.
We do have adult clothing in our clothes closet. Stock will vary day to day, but please do come in and have a look!
What Is The History Of SnowCap?
In the mid 1960's, the basic life needs of many in East Multnomah County were not being met by any agency or organization. About 25 area churches stepped in to help fill the void felt by so many residents. SnowCap -- Suburban Neighborhoods Operation Witness Community Action Program -- was born on January 16, 1967.
The purpose of SnowCap was to discover the real needs in the area, communicate them, and assist residents, churches, and community leaders to meet those needs individually and cooperatively. The organization adopted a philosophy that "SnowCap will cross lines of race, religion, national origin, and economic status, hoping to coordinate and act as a barometer, correcting conditions which call for improvement."
The area covered by SnowCap was bounded by East 82nd Street, the Columbia River, and the Clackamas County line -- including Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village.
Originally three centers were set up. Rev. Wendall Jacobsen, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran was overall coordinator. SnowCap -- the church-community action program of the Greater Portland Council of Churches -- was born.
The three centers merged in 1968 and headquartered at Savage Memorial Presbyterian. SnowCap was run entirely by volunteers until 1969 when Sister Gemma Kennedy was voted in as full-time director. She was released indefinitely from her teaching assignment with the Franciscan Order, and served until 1979 when Jenny Steward became Director.
In 1977, SnowCap opened a Gresham office located at Trinity Lutheran which provided only food and informational/referral services.
By 1980 there were 39 actively participating churches. SnowCap gave away $86,400 worth of food and fed 12,350 people. Doug Rogers became Director in 1981.
By 1983 SnowCap was serving 36,000 people. Requests for help increased 155% over 1981, the last "normal" year on record.
In 1987 SnowCap celebrated its 20th anniversary, had 145 volunteers, one-full-time worker and 7 part-time workers.
In 1991 Judy Alley became Director. SnowCap's budget of approximately $200,000 included two full-time staff members and three workers on token stipends. 200 volunteers worked for SnowCap. Over 58,000 people were fed and half of those were children.
On SnowCap's 25th anniversary in 1992, more than one-half million people had been served by SnowCap.
By the 40th Anniversary, 1.4 million people had been served. SnowCap had a staff of 7 and a budget of $500,000. New programs included English language instruction, community gardens, and home-delivered food boxes for seniors.
The purpose of SnowCap was to discover the real needs in the area, communicate them, and assist residents, churches, and community leaders to meet those needs individually and cooperatively. The organization adopted a philosophy that "SnowCap will cross lines of race, religion, national origin, and economic status, hoping to coordinate and act as a barometer, correcting conditions which call for improvement."
The area covered by SnowCap was bounded by East 82nd Street, the Columbia River, and the Clackamas County line -- including Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village.
Originally three centers were set up. Rev. Wendall Jacobsen, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran was overall coordinator. SnowCap -- the church-community action program of the Greater Portland Council of Churches -- was born.
The three centers merged in 1968 and headquartered at Savage Memorial Presbyterian. SnowCap was run entirely by volunteers until 1969 when Sister Gemma Kennedy was voted in as full-time director. She was released indefinitely from her teaching assignment with the Franciscan Order, and served until 1979 when Jenny Steward became Director.
In 1977, SnowCap opened a Gresham office located at Trinity Lutheran which provided only food and informational/referral services.
By 1980 there were 39 actively participating churches. SnowCap gave away $86,400 worth of food and fed 12,350 people. Doug Rogers became Director in 1981.
By 1983 SnowCap was serving 36,000 people. Requests for help increased 155% over 1981, the last "normal" year on record.
In 1987 SnowCap celebrated its 20th anniversary, had 145 volunteers, one-full-time worker and 7 part-time workers.
In 1991 Judy Alley became Director. SnowCap's budget of approximately $200,000 included two full-time staff members and three workers on token stipends. 200 volunteers worked for SnowCap. Over 58,000 people were fed and half of those were children.
On SnowCap's 25th anniversary in 1992, more than one-half million people had been served by SnowCap.
By the 40th Anniversary, 1.4 million people had been served. SnowCap had a staff of 7 and a budget of $500,000. New programs included English language instruction, community gardens, and home-delivered food boxes for seniors.
