'Operation Gresham Connected' checks on city's most vulnerable residents

GRESHAM, Ore. – Gresham is reaching out to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents who are sheltering in place during the coronavirus outbreak, offering help through “Operation Gresham Connected.”

The operation involves a team of 40 city staff members whose normal work hours have been disrupted by the coronavirus. Now they make calls and check in with people, helping them connect with resources or acting as couriers to deliver medication and food.

Over the course of a week, they offered help to 2,500 of the city’s longtime utility account holders. Here are some examples of the help they offered:

• Coordinated delivery of supplies and medication to an elderly colon cancer survivor.
• Delivered hand sanitizer and toilet paper to a couple with heart conditions, one of whom relies on an oxygen tank. The staff person left their phone number and email if the couple needs anything else.
• Connected with a resident who is blind, deaf and has diabetes and lives on his own. After talking with the resident and his caretaker, staff delivered toilet paper and food to him.
• Arranged for an 80-year-old Holocaust survivor to have her furnace repaired and get her electricity working.

“During this time of isolation, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and keep our community strong,” said Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis. “Our incredible team of public servants is ready and willing to go beyond to help our elderly and our immunecompromised residents get through this challenging time.”

If you know of someone who could be helped by “Operation Gresham Connected” (neighborhood groups, churches or other organizations with directories) get ahold of them at GreshamConnected@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2111.

More info:

The City’s Emergency Operations Center remains activated while City Hall is closed to the public. City leadership continues to conduct core business and ensure that essential services are operational for the safety of the public. Regular updates to the community will be available on www.GreshamOregon.gov/COVID19 as well as the City’s social media channels.