Meet our January Change for Good Recipient

"Moving people from crisis to stability," Opportunities for Housing Resources and Assistance or OHRA is a non profit organization whose mission is to help low-income people build better lives. This is done by offering both hope and access to various social services, 

"We encourage those in need on the path to self-sufficiency." 

The OHRA approach can seem a bit different. Skilled resource navigators work with anyone in need -- whether housed or unhoused without enrollment in any program. They help guests navigate the maze of social services, get help from partner agencies, and achieve their goals with dignity. Whether someone walks in the door of the Resource Center, is a guest at our year-round Shelter, or uses the Shower Trailer, a resource navigator will be there.  

OHRA has three main programs: 

1. Shelter - This includes nearly 60 rooms at the OHRA Center on the South end of Ashland, offering a safe place to sleep and get help on the path to self-sufficiency. This OHRA Center is a low-barrier, non-congregate, fully-staffed shelter that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Further, OHRA also manages a second location which hosts 10 family rooms as well as the Ashland City Winter and Extreme Weather Shelter in the city. 

2. Resource Navigation - At the Resource Center, skilled navigators help individuals and families avoid eviction, find a job, apply for benefits, physical and mental health access, and more!

3. Laundry and Shower Trailer - Filling an essential need for those living without shelter, OHRA ensures everyone has the right to be clean and healthy. 

 

For more information visit www.ohrahelps.org or view the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfC1_29nIUk 

 

 

 

More Co-op News

January’s Change for Good Partner – Community Works

At Ashland Food Co-op, we’re thrilled to kick off the new year by supporting Community Works, our January Change for Good partner. This incredible organization is dedicated to empowering individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence through crisis support, safe housing, and community outreach. Community Works provides services that are free, confidential, and open to all genders, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.

Here’s how Community Works is making a difference and how you can get involved:

Ashland Food Co-op's December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center

This December, Ashland Food Co-op is proud to partner with Rogue Action Center (RAC) as part of their Change for Good initiative. RAC is dedicated to cultivating organizing power and leadership to create a more just and thriving Southern Oregon. Their mission focuses on building community power for Housing Justice, Racial Justice, and Queer & Trans Liberation. They achieve this through a combination of base building, youth-centered leadership development, coalition building, and advocacy campaigns aimed at transforming societal rules.

Our November Change for Good Partner: SOESD Indian Education Fund

Each month, the Ashland Food Co-op partners with a local nonprofit through our Change for Good program. This November, we are proud to feature the important work of the Southern Oregon Indian Education Department (SOESD) Indian Education Fund.

The Change for Good program allows our shoppers to round up their total at the register, with the extra change going to support a different local nonprofit each month. The funds collected make a meaningful difference for these organizations and the communities they serve.

Save on Field Day Items and Support Native Foodways

This November, get ready for gatherings with friends and family with big savings on all Field Day products at your co-op. Save on more than 270 Field Day items — from maple syrup to wild-caught tuna to paper towels — from Oct. 30 through Dec. 3. Field Day is our value brand that offers high-quality, delicious food and household products at more affordable prices every day through Co+op Basics, making this savings event even more spectacular. Our lowest prices will be even lower! 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Native Heritage

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It's observed on the second Monday in October, coinciding with the federal holiday of Columbus Day in the United States.

Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage

September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, diverse cultures, and rich histories of Americans with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

September Change for Good Partner: Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

At Ashland Food Co-op, our commitment to community and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. This September, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our Change for Good partner, Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (Friends of CSNM). This dedicated organization works tirelessly to protect, restore, and conserve the natural beauty of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument through service, advocacy, and education.

Stewardship in Action: Restoring Riparian Areas

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, first celebrated in 1990, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal opportunities in all areas of public life. Disability Pride Month promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.

July Change for Good Partner: Peace House

Meet our July Change for Good partner - Peace House! This incredible organization has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to building a culture of peace through compassionate actions that support human rights and justice for all.

About Peace House

Peace House has a broad and impactful mission. Their work spans several critical areas, including:

Co-op, Community and Coffee

We are thrilled to announce that the Ashland Food Co-op has purchased the Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) from longtime owner, Dustin Way.

A Closer Look at Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festivities and delicious Mexican cuisine (and who doesn’t love both of those things?). At the Ashland Food Co-op, it's important for us to approach this celebration mindfully and with a cultural understanding.