Our mission is to support families in need by providing essential food supplies and basic needs assistance, fostering a stronger and more resilient community.
We envision Junction City as a resilient community that never goes hungry.
Junction City Local Aid began as a local community chest in 1945. In 2000, we became a community based 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization. We currently operate with the efforts of many volunteers, three part-time staff. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Local Aid is a United Way agency, a partner food bank of FOOD for Lane County, and a member of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce.
JCLA provides basic needs assistance and economic relief to people living in the Junction City School District and the Junction City area of rural Lane County. This includes food, utility and energy assistance, prescription/medical assistance, transportation assistance, clothing, and serves as a referral source for area resources.
We moved into our location at 210 6th Street in April of 2013 after raising the funds to purchase the 11,000 square foot building from Bob and Terry Lee. Due to the generosity of the previous owners, we were able to move in and have enough space to grow!
We have invited service partners to share our building and help provide much-needed services to community members. Our current service partners include Laurel Hill Center and Looking Glass Community Services.
Our Services
Junction City Local Aid provides basic needs assistance to low-income neighbors living in the Junction City School District area.
Monthly Emergency Food & weekly access to food and staples
- We receive approximately 12,000 pounds of food from FOOD for Lane County each month
- We receive local donations via food drives, individuals, church and service groups, and others
- Food purchased with donated funds
Energy Assistance for Past-Due Utility Bills –
- We work with local area utility companies: EPUD, Pacific Power, Blachly-Lane, and the City of Junction City
- Propane Vouchers for people living in trailers, motor-homes, barns, cars, or in other circumstances where they are heating or cooking with propane
- We currently provide 1 months service amount, up to $100 per household per spending period in energy assistance, as funds allow. Please bring a current months past due bill with you to access the program.
Assistance with Medical Needs, Prescription Drugs, & Supplies
- We provide vouchers for prescription and non-prescription medicine usable at a local merchant.
- In cooperation with Junction City School District, we provide vouchers for families referred by the school nurse for non-prescription medicines for coughs and colds
- Provide lice treatment kits
- We currently provide up to $100 per household per calendar year in prescription and medical assistance, as funds allow.
Information and referrals to other services and sources of assistance in our community.
Transportation Assistance
- Bus tokens (Lane Transit District), to enable clients to get to doctor appointments, job interviews, and other important events in their lives.
Free Clothing Department
- Used clothing and shoes donated by community members and organizations.
Our Team
Executive Director: David Montes
Board of Directors
| Eric Dye, President IT Engineer, CrowdStrike |
Cody Full, Treasurer General Manager, Citizen’s Bank |
| Elizabeth Byrd, Secretary Quality Improvement, PacificSource |
Wally Bowen Retired, radio broadcaster |
| Tanja Rutherford Owner, Good Life Stables |
Justin Rutherford Owner, Good Life Electric |
| Ranee Werder Pastor & Business Manager, Willamette Christian Center |
Judy Spearin (Board member emeritus) |
Junction City Local Aid Embraces Diversity
Junction City Local Aid values the diversity of all individuals. Differences in age, race, ethnicity, religion, appearance, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, thinking style, education, and any number of other factors provide experiences, viewpoints, and ideas that strengthen and enrich our organization and our community.
We strive to create an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable, and to employ the talents of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to accomplish the vision and mission of Junction City Local Aid.
Junction City Local Aid is an equal opportunity provider.