Money and work are two of the top sources of stress for almost 75 percent of Americans, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2007 Stress in America survey. With rising consumer debt, falling housing prices, rising costs of living, and declining retail sales, many people are worried about how they will get through this recession.

Oregon State University Extension Service has compiled information to help you find the help you need during these tough times.

Finding where to go for help

Oregon Helps
Learn whether your family might qualify for help from dozens of assistance programs.

Finding help with finances

Financial Security: Managing Money in Tough Times
OSU Extension has teamed up with other land-grant universities to offer information from economists around the nation. Topics include:  How to Avoid a Mortgage Crisis; Debt Management; Keeping a Roof Overhead; etc.

Finding help finding a job

Filing for unemployment
Learn what you need to file for unemployment and file for Unemployment Insurance online.

Seeking a new job
Locate the employment office nearest you; browse Oregon job listings; get income tax help; contact your veterans' representative.

Writing a resume
Compiled by OSU Ecampus, this list of online services will help you write effective resumes (listed sites are responsible for the content contained on their webpages).

Finding help with housing

Community Action Partnership of Oregon
Find local help with housing, heating, and utility bill assistance.

Oregon Housing and Community Services
Links to emergency food and housing, rental assistance, and utility bill assistance.

Federal Trade Commission
Mortgage payments sending you reeling? Here’s what to do.

Finding help feeding your family

Food for Oregon
A database of community food resources in Oregon, including community gardens, nutrition education, faith-based efforts, community kitchens, farmers' markets, etc.

Stretching Your Food Dollar
Manage your food dollars so they last through the month.

Healthy Recipes
Low-cost recipes that use ingredients from the Food Bank

The Food Stamp Program
Learn whether your family might qualify for food stamps and apply online.

Nutrition for Women, Infants and Children
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.

Free and reduced lunch in Oregon schools
Oregon schools offer healthy meals every school day. Find out if your children qualify for free or reduced price meals.

Finding help for children and families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  
TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families with children while they strive to become self-sufficient.

Finding help for the elderly

AARP
Information on health, money and other topics.

Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities
O4AD provides services to more than 90 percent of Oregon's older Oregonians and people with disabilities.

Finding help with college funding

OregonMentor
Student services and financial aid representing the colleges and universities of Oregon.

Finding help staying physically and mentally healthy

Oregon Safenet
Confidential helpline provides statewide information and referral services for community health, social, and mental health services.

2-1-1 information and referral
Crisis help line for Portland area residents seeking health and human services.

Oregon Health Plan
Several state programs provide health care coverage and mental health services to low-income Oregonians.