Author: Rachel Haakenson

You Met the Moment

When uncertainty around SNAP benefits began affecting families across Central Oregon, you responded. Between November and January, donors gave $1,352,560 to support NeighborImpact and its Food Program—ensuring that when need increased, our community was ready. Because of your generosity, no pantry in our network of 56 partners had to close its doors due to a lack of food. Together, the network brought in 482,490 additional pounds of food compared to the previous quarter, with NeighborImpact’sRead More >

NeighorImpact Provides More Than 1 Million Services

Central Oregon, January 26, 2026— Central Oregonians came to NeighborImpact for services more than a million times last year, according to new data published by NeighborImpact analyzing annual impact. The organization recorded 1,011,391 individual services provided to Central Oregonians assisted during the 24-25 program year—more than double the 460,802 services provided 5 years ago. Individual services are counted each time a person receives a service from NeighborImpact, and individuals who access more than one program are counted forRead More >

NeighborImpact Expands Free Home  Weatherization Services to the Columbia River Gorge

NeighborImpact is bringing its free home weatherization program to residents of the Gorge region, helping households save money on energy bills and make their homes safer, warmer and more comfortable year-round. The Weatherization Program provides no-cost home improvements for income-qualified homeowners and renters. Services can include adding insulation, sealing air leaks and ducts, and repairing or replacing inefficient heating systems and appliances. The program’s trained staff perform a full home energy audit to identify which upgradesRead More >

NeighborImpact Head Start Grant Renewal Brings Stability for Central Oregon Families Amid Child Care Uncertainty

Central Oregon, January 7, 2026—As child care providers across the country await clarity amid delayed and frozen federal funding, NeighborImpact has received confirmation of a renewed federal grant that will enable its Head Start program to continue serving families in Central Oregon for the next five years. While NeighborImpact continues to assess how ongoing child care funding uncertainty may affect other programs, this renewal provides continued, reliable early learning and care for families enrolled inRead More >

NeighborImpact Board of Directors Elects 2026 Officers

Central Oregon—NeighborImpact’s Board of Directors has elected its officers and Executive Committee members for 2026. NeighborImpact’s board is composed of representatives from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, drawing membership from elected officials, community members and residents representing low-income perspectives. Together, the board provides governance and oversight for the organization, which serves more than 55,000 Central Oregonians each year. The board elected the following officers: President: Chad Carpenter —Read More >

SNAP Benefits Restored: Oregon Acts Swiftly to Avert Crisis

Central Oregon—NeighborImpact applauds the State of Oregon for its bold and decisive action to ensure full November SNAP benefits for Oregon families. Acting overnight on the authority of a federal court order, Oregon submitted and secured full federal funding, redeploying benefits to recipients’ cards by Friday morning. Thousands of Central Oregon families awoke today to find their grocery budgets restored. “This is a tremendous relief for the 750,000 Oregonians who depend on SNAP to eat,”Read More >

NeighborImpact Mobilizes to Ease Hunger Amid Federal SNAP Funding Pause

Central Oregon—Following the federal government’s announcement that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed in November, NeighborImpact is preparing for a potential surge in hunger across Central Oregon. As the regional food bank serving Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the organization is taking immediate steps to ensure that families, seniors, and individuals do not go without food in the weeks ahead. “Since 1980, the governmentRead More >

Affordable Homeownership Fair Offers Pathways to  Homeownership During Welcoming Week

Central Oregon—Central Oregon residents interested in affordable homeownership opportunities are invited to the Affordable Homeownership Fair on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 5:30–6:45 p.m. at the Larkspur Community Center, Event Room (1600 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend). The event is free and open to the public. Hosted by NeighborImpact HomeSource, the fair brings together local affordable housing developers to share information about upcoming projects, eligibility criteria, and next steps to becoming a homeowner. Short presentationsRead More >

FREE Infant and Toddler Child Care Available Through NeighborImpact’s Baby Promise

Central Oregon—NeighborImpact’s Child Care Resources is currently accepting applications for Baby Promise, a no-cost child care program for families with children ages six weeks to three years old. Baby Promise offers full-year, full-time child care through a network of licensed providers across Central Oregon. Baby Promise is more than free child care, it’s a comprehensive support program for families. In addition to covering the full cost of care and assisting the family with the child care searchRead More >

NeighborImpact Hosts Listening Sessions to Shape Strategic Plan

The NeighborImpact Board of Directors is excited to announce a series of listening sessions taking place throughout August to gather valuable input for the organization’s upcoming two-year strategic plan. These sessions are open to all community members and stakeholders who want to share their perspectives, ideas, and suggestions about how NeighborImpact can best serve low- and moderate-income residents across Central Oregon. NeighborImpact encourages in-person participation but also offers a virtual option via Zoom for thoseRead More >