ASSIST: How We Can Help

Video: ASSIST Helping the Disabled and the Homeless

Watch and listen as both clients and advocates of the disabled and homeless talk about ASSIST.

ASSIST from Christian Krantz on Vimeo.

ASSIST in Multnomah County News

In the June 2023 bulletin from May's Multnomah County budget meeting, the county heard from one of ASSIST's clients. The county bulletin wrote:

Mellani Calvin, executive director of the Assertive Supplemental Security Income Service Team, also known as ASSIST, said her organization fills an important service gap for people with disabilities. The group helps houseless individuals and people living in poverty apply for and secure Social Security benefits. The organization’s work has expanded from Washington County to Multnomah County.

“We’re in an all-hands-on-deck mode in our effort to assist people experiencing homelessness,” said Calvin.

“....There’s a great need for our help. We are subject matter experts in the application process and we want to see expansion in the services the County funds already.

“...I am 60 years old and disabled,” said Leah, a client of ASSIST. “My application took 12 months. There’s no way I could have gotten through the mountain of paperwork without ASSIST.”

Read the entire write-up on the Multnomah County website. Scroll to "Disability Benefits Team."

Watch the video about ASSIST featuring Mellani Calvin and Kyle Carter on how ASSIST strives to get the SSD/SSI application process right the first time.

OregonON - A.S.S.I.S.T Final from PCMA on Vimeo.

The team at ASSIST takes the SSD/SSI disablity application process to a whole new level

Our well-trained staff will give you the hand-up you need to navigate the process of filing, appealing if necessary, and straight through to receiving your benefits.

• We thoroughly collect the evidence.
• We become SSA’s eyes and ears so they understand how severe your condition is.
• We provide good descriptions to make it easier for SSA to process your claim sooner.

In actuality it is usually the lack of support and preparation that result in denials.

Mellani Calvin, left, with Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury (right)

Deborah Kafoury says:
“Community hero Mellani Calvin and ASSIST staff, help individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty get access to income which allows them to pay for their homes and healthcare.