October 24, 2025 3:05 a.m.  

This year the HIV Alliance was awarded a $12,000 grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation.

A release from the nonprofit said the grant supports basic needs assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness and people living on low incomes across several Oregon counties, with the goal of improving access to HIV care and prevention services.

As winter approaches, HIV Alliance is now utilizing the Cow Creek grant to purchase critical cold weather survival items, such as emergency shelter supplies, clothing, hygiene products, first aid and wound care kits, hand warmers and more. These items will be offered to at-risk unhoused community members in Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine and Lane counties.

The release said houselessness and basic needs insecurity are among the strongest social determinants of health, directly affecting health outcomes while creating significant barriers to vital programs. Unhoused individuals in Oregon are disproportionately impacted by HIV, hepatitis C, substance use, drug overdose, and other potentially life-threatening conditions. The organization said providing survival supplies, especially during winter months, is a highly effective strategy to address urgent needs while improving engagement with healthcare and social services, which may lead to longer-term improvements.

HIV Alliance Executive Director Renee Yandel said, “The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation continues to be a valued partner for our agency”. Yandel said, “We want to express our gratitude for their many years of support towards our work as well as the work of so many important nonprofit organizations in Oregon. Their support is highly impactful for achieving our shared missions to improve the health of our local communities.”