FAQs (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Is UpRiver Village a senior living community?

No, UpRiver Village is not a place or location. It is a support network designed to help keep our neighbors, 55+ or disabled, living comfortably in their own homes and engaged in their communities as long as possible. 

Is UpRiver Village a non-profit organization?

UpRiver Village is a program of Villages NW, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. 

How is UpRiver Village be funded? 

UpRiver Village is funded mostly by membership fees. Additional funding comes from grants, individual donations, and fundraising events. 

How do members pay for services provided by UpRiver Village? 

Payment is in the form of membership fees. UpRiver Village has two options for membership - individual or couple. Please see the Membership page of our website at www.uprivervillage.org for fee details.

What does UpRiver Village membership cost?

A Individual membership is $276/year or can be paid monthly. A limited number of subsidized memberships are available for those who meet income criteria. Services cost less than $4/hour, compared to $40-$70/hour charged by for-profit businesses that provide similar services.

How were UpRiver Village membership fees determined?

The UpRiver Village Steering Council looked at the average membership fees of the ten existing Villages NW Villages and also at the most common membership fees and set our membership fees in between these two numbers.

Are membership fees tax-deductible? 

No, because members receive services valued at equal to or greater than their membership fees. However, donations are tax-deductible. 

What if I'm not able to afford UpRiver Village's membership fee?

UpRiver Village offers a limited number of subsidized memberships to members whose income is at or below 250% of the current poverty level. Membership discounts of 50% and 80% are available. 

Why am I be asked to pay for services if UpRiver Village is a non-profit organization and all services are provided by volunteers?

There are costs to running any organization. Specifically, UpRiver Village must pay for liability insurance, printing and postage, website hosting, IT services, etc. 

Can anyone become a member of UpRiver Village?

No. Members must be 55 years of age or older or be disabled. Members must live within the city limits of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village or vote in these cities' elections. Prospective members will be interviewed to assure UpRiver Village will be able to meet their needs and expectations. 

How will the services that UpRiver Village will provide be different from other services already available to seniors in the community?

• UpRiver Village services will be delivered by background-checked, trained volunteers who are neighbors and become friends.
• UpRiver Village volunteers will provide an array of services.
• UpRiver Village volunteers may be available to provide scheduled services 24/7/365 although we will not be able to guarantee that we can fill every member request. 
• UpRiver Village membership fees are very affordable especially when compared to fees charged by for-profit businesses.

Are there any limitations to the services UpRiver Village volunteers provide? 
Yes. UpRiver Village volunteers will not be able to provide:

• Direct physical care that is normally delivered by a home health or nursing agency
• Financial advice
• Recurring routine services (for example, WEEKLY house cleaning or lawn mowing)

What kind of volunteers is UpRiver Village looking for now? 

UpRiver Village is currently looking for Member Support Volunteers. Join our crew of volunteers and be ready to help with:

• Driving
• Home Maintenance and Minor Repairs
• Technology Support
• Occasional Housecleaning
• Light Yard Work
• Social Visits and Calls
• Shopping and Running Errands
• Meal Preparation and Meal Train organization
• Post-Op Recovery Support
• Pet Care

Organizational Support is now needed for:

• Outreach Team Leader and Assistants
• Events Team Leader and Assistants
• Member Management Assistants

What will be the benefits of membership?

Members benefit in several different ways:

• Social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs. Member interests determine the types of programs and activities of a Village.
• Services from Village volunteers. Member needs and Village volunteer skills determine the services offered, such as, but not limited to:
  • Transportation to appointments and social activities
  • Occasional light housework and yard work
  • Errands and grocery shopping
  • Technology assistance

Why should I pay a membership fee if most of your activities are and will be open to the public?

Although most UpRiver Village social activities are and will be open to the public, there will be several each year that are members-only exclusive events. These are events in private homes and exclusive member-only events like our recent Winter Celebration, Launch Party, annual member meeting, annual summer picnic, etc.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the Village model, drawing upon people in our community to support each other. Volunteers will provide the services, resources, and community activities that allow a Village to offer the peace of mind that makes a positive difference in the lives of its members. 

There are many benefits to volunteering:

• Staying active - mentally, physically, and socially
• Putting your skills and expertise to good use
• Broadening your horizons by interacting with new people
• Gaining a natural sense of accomplishment through helping others
• Achieving a new or strengthened sense of purpose
• Bringing more fun and fulfillment to your life
• Paying it forward, knowing that someday each of us may also need support

Are members required to volunteer?
No, members receiving services are not required to also volunteer their time. However, members may want to serve on the Council or volunteer in any number of ways. 

Are volunteers required to pay to become a volunteer?
No. Volunteers are not required to pay to volunteer. Your contributions are simply your time and energy. UpRiver Village will pay for the one‑time cost of the Background Check fee. However, if you’d like to support UpRiver Village by covering your own Background Check, we truly appreciate it!

Why should I sign up for the UpRiver Village newsletter?
UpRiver Village is collecting names of people who would like to:

• Volunteer now for one of the positions we're currently recruiting 
• Stay updated on and attend our current social activities
• Become a member and receive services after we launch
• Volunteer to serve seniors in the future
• Stay informed of our progress

PLEASE JOIN US!