How "Suite 2010" it will Be

By Jane Ames

Partnerships are powerful. On Wednesday, August 25th, Sam brought forward, and City Council unanimously supported, a grant to bring CASH Oregon, LINC (Low Income Assistance Program for city utilities) and Clean River Rewards (the new stormwater discount program rolling out this winter) together in an accessible year-round single location on the third floor of Lloyd Center Mall in Suite 2010.

The mutual goal is to increase financial independence and self-sufficiency among low-income residents.

LINC (Low Income Utility Assistance Program) is a City Revenue Bureau program implemented in 2000 to provide qualified ratepayers with financial assistance for essential water and sewer services. LINC joins this partnership to increase outreach and serve more qualified ratepayers.

Clean River Rewards is the new stormwater discount program that will be providing information and discounts for Portland customers who disconnect downspouts and use other strategies to reduce the stormwater runoff heading into our sewer system and rivers.

Each year tax credits from an estimated 12,000 individuals and working families in Multnomah County go unclaimed because of unfiled tax returns, or residents unaware they qualify for tax credits. CASH Oregon was initiated to provide information, tax assistance, and financial literacy services in order to return an estimated total of $13 million annually to low-income individuals and families who have earned and can certainly use the money. And those residents bring that money back to our local economy, so it is a win all the way around.

CASH Oregon, (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) is a program sponsored by Social Venture Partners to help low-income families and individuals fill out their tax returns, apply for their Earned Income Tax Credits, and learn how to invest those returns to take care of short-term needs and fulfill long-term goals. Other key partners include AARP and the IRS who all work together providing tax assistance throughout the tax season.

During the 2005 tax season, CASH Oregon with its partners, increased its free tax preparation services by 15% in the Tri-County area; recovered $5 million in earned income tax credits; increased the ranks of volunteer tax preparers by 60%, and established a successful one-stop service center at Lloyd Center.

The Lloyd Center site was open on Saturdays and Sundays, and served nearly 800 families and individuals resulting in nearly $600,000 in federal tax refunds and more than $275,000 in tax credits.

With the City as a partner, the site can be open between 5 and 7 days a week during tax season, and weekdays year-round for low-income residents to receive financial investment education, sign up for utility assistance, as well as the discounts they may receive from the Clean River Rewards program. CASH Oregon estimates 3,400 families or individuals will be assisted this year with the new partners and longer hours.

The Lloyd Center site is excellent: it's accessible and centrally located, and is a welcoming environment for individuals or families who have to wait for a tax preparation appointment. There is plenty to do and see while you await your turn. It is often called a Super-Site, and adding on services and days to one easy-to-access location makes it even better.

Lloyd Center Mall management has been very generous in working with CASH Oregon to make this site available and affordable for this effective program. Now the City of Portland is increasing the partnership's capacity to serve low-income Portland residents working towards financial independence.