Community Assistance Program
Community Assistance Program for Partners
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) is a referral-based program linking individuals to a wide array of services addressing health-related social needs, such as:
- Hotels and short-term rental support
- Utility assistance
- Meal and food delivery
- Taxi, wheelchair, and gurney transportation
- Air conditioners and climate devices
- Recovery and addiction services
- Medication assistance
This program is funded by by referring partners, such as hospitals and insurance plans. Our team simplifies contracting and billing processes while streamlining support for vulnerable populations.
CAP Partner Benefits
Program Impact
18,000+
Number of clients served each year.
$15 million
Amount conveyed annually in social services.
$1.1 million
Amount the program was tapped to rapidly distribute in COVID-19 relief funds on behalf of Multnomah County in 2021.
18%
Amount by which a 2021 Portland-based study showed that housing assistance decreased emergency room use.
Program Adaptability
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) provides crucial support by administering funds and managing payments for essential social needs. We focus on non-medical factors like stable housing, nutritious food, and reliable transportation, which are vital for overall well-being.
By acting as a bridge to these resources, CAP helps individuals and families overcome barriers to care, leading to better health outcomes and a more resilient community.
Currently, CAP serves Medicaid beneficiaries referred to us by our contracted partners, however our program flexibility allows that focus to expand with additional investment.
We have a proven track record of effectively managing resources, delivering tangible results, and quickly standing up complex programs.
How It Works
Current Iterations
Safe Hospital Discharge
The program supports social workers and assists individuals in successfully transitioning from hospital stays back home and maintaining stability. Last year, more than 20,000 patients received support.
Health-Related Social Flex Funds (HRSF)
We manage funds on behalf of our hospital and Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) partners to provide direct support for needs like transit fares, meal delivery, and short-term housing. Last year, Project Access Now conveyed more than $16 million to the community via this program.
Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Benefit
We facilitate payments and verify eligibility for a portion of Oregon Health Plan’s HRSN benefit (the 1115 waiver). In the first six months of this year, Project Access Now conveyed $3.4 million in rent and utility support.
Partner With Us
Program Expansion Ideas
- Expand the referral pool to assist more individuals with unmet social needs. PANOW staff can help with Medicaid enrollment and guide them with accessing resources.
- Develop a rapid support fund for those not (or not yet) eligible for public assistance programs (employer funded, for example).
- Proactively reach out to individuals with chronic disease to screen for social needs and offer support before crisis occurs.
We facilitate services for partners, including:
- Hotels and short-term rental support
- Meal and food delivery
- Taxi, wheelchair, and gurney transportation
- Air conditioners and utility support
- Recovery and addiction services
- Medication assistance
