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 entering the dry season and that drought conditions are already producing water‑flow reductions on the coast. "If you are in a water insecure home or live on rural property where water comes from the well on your property ... we're starting to see reduced flow," Speaker 5 said, urging early requests for assistance. Speaker 5 also said they are working with "Jed's office at the county" to identify an alternate work location for Life Flight while the airport undergoes scheduled repairs so air ambulance coverage can continue through peak summer season.

Housing and encampment issues were raised as a separate concern. Speaker 4 reported that a camp in Seaside is scheduled to be moved in July or August and said Seaside is enforcing its camping ordinance strictly. The speaker and others expressed uncertainty about where displaced residents might go and said neighboring communities, including Warrenton and potentially Astoria, could see an influx of people seeking space outside Seaside city limits. "We may see more of an influx coming up north," Speaker 4 said.

Multiple community program updates followed. Speaker 3 described growth in a local deflection program: 16 active participants (the largest number the program has handled at once), with five currently in inpatient treatment. The speaker said the program has added two intake pathways and anticipates adding a third, and reported that the district attorney's office is following through on criminal charges for participants who do not comply with program requirements. Speaker 3 referenced Measure 110 in describing a shift from earlier, lighter penalties to more enforceable consequences for noncompliance.

Speaker 2 reported operational issues at Casa Mariposa, a local facility, including poor internet connectivity and staff turnover, and said the site is running a summer program serving 63 children. Several speakers announced upcoming trainings and grant‑related opportunities: a COAD meeting in Warrenton (Shelter/Fire Training Room, 3–5 p.m.), a public health equity grant opportunity from the Oregon Department of Human Services for community‑based organizations, mental health first aid training in Arch Cape on Friday, July 18, and two state briefings (in August and September) for CBOs and public‑health partners about federal updates.

Other community items included a planned "know your rights" program for farm workers and small farm owners being organized by master gardeners, and a local staff member announcing collaboration with Paul Lindbergh on grant writing to increase county resources. Speakers encouraged attendees to share flyers and sign up via email for more information.

The meeting facilitators asked participants to forward resource contacts (for example, places to refer people in Wells) to the coordinator for inclusion in reports and newsletters. Several speakers emphasized the value of COAD networking for matching resources to organizations during emergencies.

The session ran several minutes over time and concluded with organizers reminding attendees to check the meeting newsletter and to contact coordinators for the posted resources and registration links.