Umatilla County awards $40,000 to Helix nonprofit for Old School Building renovations

The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 15 to award $40,000 to the Helix Advancement Partnership Network (HAPN) to support renovations at Helix’s Old School Building, a community-led historic preservation and museum project.

Cindy Wood, treasurer of the Helix Advancement Partnership Network, told commissioners the nonprofit has raised multiple grants and donations to renovate the building and is currently working on adding an ADA-accessible bathroom, storage and improvements to a council-chambers space that will also expand the museum.

"We have $114,000 in our account right now," Wood said, describing the project funding to date. She said the HAPN had received a Roundhouse grant for $30,000, a Wild Horse grant for $20,000 and $25,000 from the City of Helix.

Community members who spoke in support included Judy Brocker, Jack Bascom (a former Helix mayor) and Terry Case. Speakers described the building’s history—built in 1913, they said—and the intended uses for the renovated spaces, including exhibits, community events and accessible facilities.

Commissioner Sarah (name not fully specified in the transcript) moved to approve a $40,000 contribution to HAPN; another commissioner seconded the motion. Robert Paul, county chief financial officer, said the county would identify an available funding source but noted the source had not yet been finalized: "I don't know where it's coming from yet, but that's where that can be done," he said.

The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Commissioners thanked HAPN members and invited them to share the finished project with the county when complete.