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COVID-19 Pandemic

  • State of Oregon COVID-19 resources page

    Current statewide rules

    • Face coverings are required for age 5 and up.
    • Restaurants and bars must close at 10:00 pm statewide, regardless of phase.
    • Face coverings are required when exercising indoors, and outdoors when you can’t physically distance.
    • Capacity limit for restaurants, gyms, venues (e.g. concert halls, movie theaters) is reduced to 100 people indoors, including staff.
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    City response

    • Phase I Opening
    • City Services
    • What the City is Doing
    Phase I Opening

    Multnomah County and Gresham are in Phase 1 

    Our gradual reopening does not mean the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Restrictions remain in place, per state guidelines.

    In Gresham

    • Local cultural, civic and faith gatherings are allowed for up to 25 people provided physical distancing can be in place.
    • Local social gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited; gatherings with fewer than 10 people must use physical distancing.
    • Restaurants, shopping centers, gyms and personal care businesses are open with limitations; capacity limit for restaurants, gyms, venues (e.g., concert halls, movie theaters) is reduced to 100 people indoors, including staff.
    • Physical distancing continues. 
    • Parks and trails are open. Playgrounds, picnic shelters and non-contact sports courts and fields are open. Gresham parks amenities status. Gresham parks amenities status
    • Large gatherings are prohibited through September (festivals, concerts, picnic shelter reservations, block parties, etc.). 
    • City services continue, but City buildings remain closed to the public.
    • City staff continue to work from home when possible.
    • The City is developing a reopening plan and anticipates some level of public access in a future phase.

    Questions about face coverings, testing, public health, etc.? 

     Visit multco.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19 or call 211.

    Business owners

    COVID-19 guidance for businesses and employers

    City Services

    Pay a utility bill 

    We offer several ways to pay your water/sewer/wastewater bill:

    • Pay online or by text.
    • Drop off payments at the drop-box outside of City Hall at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway.
    • Mail payments to City of Gresham Utilities, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR  97030.
    • Call 1-844-813-4738 to pay by phone (a fee applies).

    The City has implemented a 60-day freeze on water shut-offs.

    Have a utility billing question? Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Utility-Billing or call 503-618-2373.

    Pay a bill online

    Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Pay-Your-Bill-Online.

    Passports

    • We are not able to process new passport applications at this time. If you need to renew an expired passport, visit GreshamOregon.gov/Passports for instructions.
    • Contact us at 503-618-2619 or Passports@GreshamOregon.gov for additional information.

    Title liens and collections

    Contact Charlene at 503-618-2380 or PayoffRequests@GreshamOregon.gov.

    Accounts payable

    Contact us at AccountsPayable@GreshamOregon.gov or call Donna at 503-618-2368 or Cindy at 503-618-2364.

    Accounts receivable

    Contact us at AccountsReceivable@GreshamOregon.gov or call Donna at 503-618-2368.

    Business and rental housing licenses

    Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Licenses or call 503-618-2370.

    Permit services

    Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Permit-Services or call 503-618-2845.

    Planner on duty

    Information about development processes, zoning and more is available at POD@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2780.

    Rental housing inspections

    Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Rental-Housing-Inspections or call 503-618-2248.

    Small Business Center assistance

    Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Small-Business-Center or call 503-618-2872.

    Code compliance

    Visit GreshamOregon.gov/Code-Compliance or call 503-618-2463.

    Parks

    • Gresham parks are open, but visitors must maintain social distancing of six feet.  
    What the City is Doing
    • The City declared a state of emergency March 12 to ensure access to regional, state and federal resources when they might be needed. 
    • Gresham City Hall at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway is closed to walk-in customers until further notice. Services are being provided online and by phone.
    • Many events have been canceled or postponed. See our events calendar for more information.
    • Essential services such as Police and Fire will continue to serve the public. 
    • The City's Emergency Operations Center is coordinating resources and responses to COVID-19. Updates to the community will be available on GreshamOregon.gov and the City’s social media channels as this situation continues to evolve.

    Food delivery fee cap

    To help struggling Gresham restaurants, who are increasingly reliant on takeout and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City enacted a temporary 15% cap on fees charged to restaurants by third-party food delivery platforms. Delivery platforms may not reduce the compensation or gratuities of drivers as a result of the fee cap.

    Report a violation

    If your business is charged a fee more than 15% of the purchase price of any order by any food delivery service after July 21, report the violation to Jessica.Harper@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2869.

    Provide this information:

    1. Business name
    2. Food delivery service name
    3. Date and amount of violation
    4. Documentation (receipt or screenshot) of the violation

    Read the press release.

    Residential renter protection

    City Council took emergency action March 19 to ban residential landlords from evicting renters during the state of emergency for any reason connected to the emergency, or for no reason at all via so-called “no-cause” evictions. The provisions apply for the duration of the declared emergency. Landlords violating the order risk losing their City of Gresham rental license, which allows them to conduct business in Gresham.

    Contact: 503-618-2248 or RentalInspection@GreshamOregon.gov for eviction assistance. Need other help? Rental resources for tenants

    Commercial tenant protection

    City Council took emergency action March 19 to bar commercial property owners from terminating commercial leases for any purpose connected to the declared state of emergency. Those violating the moratorium will be denied a license to conduct business at their location for one year following the conclusion of the state of emergency.

    Contact: 503-618-2463 or CodeCompliance@GreshamOregon.gov

    Small business emergency grants

    A special Economic Recovery Team of staff worked swiftly to process two rounds of emergency grants in March and April.

    • The first round assisted Gresham restaurants and awarded 57 businesses a total of $380,000.
    • The second round helped 237 independent contractors and small businesses with $496,000 in funding.
    • A total 294 businesses received relief checks totaling $876,000. 

    As more grant resources become available for businesses, information will be provided here. For assistance, call 503-618-2872.

    Small business technical assistance

    City staff are tracking the state, federal and private resources to help small businesses during this difficult time. Contact our Small Business Technical Assistance Team for information about these resources, or assistance preparing the required forms at BusinessCovidSupport@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2115.

    Operation Gresham Connected

    City staff are calling longtime Gresham utility account holders and other vulnerable residents to ensure people are safe and have the information they need. Staff will refer residents to services, and even do their best to help courier critical pickups and deliveries. Community-based organizations, churches or neighborhood groups with directories of vulnerable residents can reach out to Operation Gresham Connected, and staff will give them a call to check in.

    Contact Operation Gresham Connected

    Helping Hands utilities donation

    Residents may help neighbors experiencing hardship with their utility bills by donating to the City's Helping Hands program. It's free to donate and 100% goes to helping others. Make a donation.

  • Community resources

    Visit the Multnomah County Community Resources page for housing, job support, domestic violence help, access to health care, educational information, etc.

  • Public Health

    Oregon coronavirus COVID-19 cases

    For information about what to do if you’re sick, how to care for a member of your family, as well as guidance for churches, schools and businesses, visit Multnomah County's website or call 2-1-1.

    Multnomah County Coronavirus FAQs: Read frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 topics, such as general health, traveler health, provider health, and animal health.  

    Submit a question about the novel coronavirus:Still have a question about this virus? Ask health experts through this online form. 

    Face mask donations and volunteering

    Visit Multnomah County personal protective equipment donation to learn how to donate or volunteer to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

    Schools

    Gresham Barlow School District

    Reynolds School District  

    Centennial School District

    Support our 2020 graduates!

    Rally around our 2020 graduates and celebrate their amazing accomplishments. Let’s show them the community love as they drive to and from their graduation ceremonies this week.  

    Printable signs

    Food Access

    Community food resources

    SnowCap Community Charities

    Food pantry serving individuals and families in Gresham and East Multnomah County. 

    Who qualifies: Multnomah County residents living east of 82nd. No income restrictions.

    You will need to: If you are housed, provide proof of address dated within the last 30 days, such as a utility bill (electronic version on phone is fine). No other documents needed.

    To get help:

    1. Come to SnowCap. Minimum to no contact is needed. One person at a time per family, please. Location and hours at snowcap.org/services.
    2. Get a food box delivered to your home. Operation Gresham Connected is helping with deliveries; leave a message at 503-618-2111, request online at snowcap.org or email info@snowcap.org.
      Questions: 503-674-8785 or info@snowcap.org
    Birch Community Services

    Food, clothing and household items as well as financial self-sufficiency classes and one-on-one counseling for enrolled participants.

    Who qualifies: Working families who are not receiving SNAP or TANF, but struggling to make ends meet.
    You will need to: Apply online, meet with the financial counselor. A monthly service fee and volunteer hours are required.

    To get help: Apply online at birchcommunityservices.org or call 503-251-5431.

    Meals on Wheels

    Daily home-based meal deliveries.

    Who qualifies: Seniors.

    You will need to: Contribute $7.39 towards the cost of each meal and be home for the meal delivery.  

    To get help: Visit mowp.org to sign up or call 503-736-6325.

    Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

    Food, nutrition resources and more to support parents and their young children.

    Who qualifies: You could qualify for food assistance if you've lost income, and if you're pregnant, a new mom, or if you have a baby or young children under 5 years old. Open to dads, guardians and foster parents who can apply on behalf of their children.

    You will need to: Apply via phone. You will need ID, proof of income and proof you are an Oregon resident.

    To get help: Call 503-988-3503 or email wic.outreach@multco.us.

    Free breakfast and lunch distribution sites for kids

    Who qualifies: Kids 18 and under.

    You will need to: Visit the site to pick up or call to arrange delivery.

    To get help:

    SNAP (food stamps)

    Benefits you can use to purchase food at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

    Who qualifies: Those at 185% or less of federal poverty level. Example: A family of four making $3,970 or less a month.

    You will need: Proof of income for the last 30 days or a financial aid letter if you are a student.

    To get help: Learn more and sign up online at multco.us/food-assistance/snap-food-stamps-multnomah-county, call 503-320-6658 or email SNAP@multco.us.

    211

    Other food pantries are open in Gresham but might require that you apply through the Oregon Food Bank or enroll in a program. 211 can help you navigate through the resources that work best for you and your family. 

    To get help: Call 2-1-1, email help@211info.org or text your zip code to 898211. Information is also online at 211info.org/food.

    Takeout and delivery guide

    The inclusion of the food and drink establishments is provided only as general information for the purposes detailed above and may be incomplete or outdated; the City of Gresham cannot and does not endorse or favor any business listed in this guide.

    Gresham takeout and delivery guide

    Renter Assistance

    Struggling to pay your rent? Facing eviction? Help is available!

    Renter rights

    Rent increases are still allowed during the state of emergency, but state law caps the increase to 9.9% in 2020.

    This rent increase cap does not apply to properties with a certificate of occupancy less than 15 years old, or properties providing reduced rent to the tenant as part of any federal, state or local program or subsidy.

    • Legal advice: Renters can contact Legal Aid of Oregon for free advice if they feel a rent increase is unlawful or if they have complaints about discrimination or other legal issues. Contact: 503-224-4086 
    • General information on renters’ rights: The Community Alliance of Tenants does not offer legal advice but can provide renters with information on what’s allowed. Renters Rights Hotline: 503-288-0130

    Rent assistance

    • 211: Connects individuals and families with services, including rent assistance, housing and shelter. Dial 211 or visit 211info.org.
    Community Events

    Many City and community events have been canceled or postponed. Some meetings will take place online via virtual meeting tools.

    See our events calendar for more information.

    A message for event planners

    Gov. Kate Brown has announced that no large gatherings, including sporting events, festivals and fairs, may take place through September.

    Event permits will be restricted through September if they are not in compliance with the state and county public health directives. This includes:

    • Street closures for events
    • Festivals or live-audience sporting events
    • Reservations of the City’s block party trailer, parks and sport fields

    Our priority is the safety of everyone in our community. While we recognize the importance of bringing the community together to celebrate events like the annual car show, sporting events and the beloved Teddy Bear Parade, the health and safety of our residents must come first. 

    If you need assistance determining whether or not your event may take place, contact Cherie Ludwig at Cherie.Ludwig@GreshamOregon.gov.

    Internet Access

    Several internet service providers have lifted their data caps, expanded their low-income programs and are offering new or improve tele-education services. 

    Comcast Internet Essentials:Any new Internet Essentials customers will receive the first two months service free of charge and Comcast will assist them with the acquisition of a notebook computer. 

    AT&T:AT&T is offering Cisco Webex Meetings for 90 days to businesses, universities and schools.

    T-Mobile:T-Mobile is working with its partners to provide its Lifeline customers with extra free data up to 5 GB per month over the next two months. T-Mobile is also increasing the free data allowance for students and schools in the EmpowerED digital learning programs, ensuring that they’ve got at least 20 GB of data per month for the next 60 days.