Clatsop County COAD meeting: 211 hours reduced, drought stress, Seaside camp move and local service updates

Organizers and service providers at a Clatsop County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) meeting reported several service changes and local concerns, including a reduction in 2-1-1 operating hours, developing drought conditions affecting rural wells, and plans to move a Seaside encampment that may displace people to neighboring communities.

At the start of the meeting, Speaker 1, a meeting coordinator, said the 2-1-1 crisis line is no longer operating 24/7 and now answers calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., attributing the change to reduced funding. "As of now, 2-1-1 ... we're now Monday through Friday, 8AM to 6PM. Super lame," Speaker 1 said. The speaker added that specialty teams (for example, childcare) retain their previous hours and that 2-1-1 could activate 24/7 in response to a specific emergency or disaster.

The meeting also included a report on water insecurity and a contingency for air ambulance service. Speaker 5, who identified their remarks as coming "from the state," warned that the region is…