Using funding from the State Emergency Housing Account provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services, Oregon Coast Community Action staff in Coos and Curry counties are helping salmon fishermen and workers in salmon fishery-related businesses to deal with housing-related crises caused by the closure of the commercial salmon season.

Fishermen facing eviction or utility shut-off notices can now receive some help in meeting those and other housing-related expenses, according to Robert More, director of ORCCA's Housing & Emergency Services programs, in a press release. He estimated that there is funding sufficient to meet the emergency needs of approximately 20 households.

In Coos County, salmon fishermen can make an appointment by calling Jill Branscom-Foss, ORCCA housing specialist, at 888-7018; Michelle Winfield, Port outreach specialist, at 756-7232 or 260-1998; or Robert More, ORCCA director of housing and emergency services, at 888-7022.

In Curry County, fishermen can call Cindy Davis, ORCCA office manager at the Hanscam Center in Harbor, at (541) 469-3155; Leesa Cobb, Port outreach specialist in Port Orford, at (541) 332-0627 or (541) 332-5250; or Lynn Dairy, Port outreach specialist in Brookings, at (541) 469-5900 or (541) 251-0440.

At the time of their appointments, fishermen must present documentation proving their relationship to the commercial salmon industry.