You need cash this week

Start here, because these are built for you and often move faster than government aid.

• Trans Safety Emergency Fund provides direct emergency cash to trans and gender-diverse people in crisis. Apply online.
• Point of Pride offers financial help and free gender-affirming care support, including HRT access and surgery funds, for trans people who cannot afford it.

WERQ TOGETHER's own Trans Relocation Fund and Aid Network (TRFAN) may also be able to help, or point you somewhere that can. If you are already working with a WERQ peer, ask them directly.

If you are experiencing or fleeing domestic or sexual violence, stalking, or trafficking, two programs exist just for you and are badly underused.

• Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) provides up to about $3,200 over 90 days for moving costs, first month's rent, deposits, locks, and other safety expenses. Apply through your local ODHS office, and a DV advocate can help.
• Oregon Crime Victims' Compensation helps with medical and counseling bills, lost wages, and sometimes relocation. Call 503-378-5348.

The You're not safe at home path walks through both in detail, with the advocates who can do the paperwork with you.

If it is one bill about to sink you, target that bill. Energy and utility assistance runs county by county.

• Multnomah County: the Energy Assistance Network helps with past-due power and heating bills.
• Washington County: Community Action handles energy and rent assistance, 503-648-6646.
• Clackamas County: Social Services covers utility and energy support.

Behind on rent specifically? The Are you facing an eviction or struggling to pay rent path has the full rent-assistance list, including 211, STRA, and St. Vincent de Paul.

A few ongoing programs can put cash and services in your hands, and some have emergency or expedited paths.

• ONE Oregon is the single portal to apply for TANF cash assistance, SNAP food benefits, and OHP health coverage. TANF has an emergency category for families in crisis.
• Oregon Department of Human Services can screen you for every benefit you qualify for. Call 211 to be routed to your local office.
• Federal Lifeline gives low-income households a monthly discount on phone or internet service, so you can stay reachable for jobs and appointments.

Not sure what you qualify for? Dial 2-1-1 and ask them to screen you. It is free and they know every program.

If disability is part of your situation, or the funds above do not fit, a few more doors are open.

• Northwest Access Fund offers low-interest loans and matched savings for disability-related needs, including assistive technology and independence.
• Blanche Fischer Foundation gives small grants to Oregonians with physical disabilities for specific needs.
• Community fundraising: a well-shared mutual aid post or crowdfunding campaign can move fast. WERQ and local trans mutual aid networks often boost these, so ask a peer to help you share it.

If you are applying for long-term disability income, the Apply for disability (SSI/SSDI) and General Assistance in Oregon path covers that process.