ORS 456.005 Definitions for ORS chapters 456 and 458

(1)

“Culturally responsive organization” means an entity that, as determined by the Housing and Community Services Department:

(a)

Comprehensively addresses power relationships throughout the organization by methods that include addressing conflicts and dynamics of inclusion and exclusion;

(b)

Has relationships with and is responsive to communities that the organization serves, including communities of color;

(c)

Hires, promotes, trains and supports staff who are culturally and linguistically diverse in ways that reflect the communities that the organization serves, including communities of color;

(d)

Provides culturally responsive service; and

(e)

With respect to paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection, has adopted governance structures, policies and cultural norms to hold its leadership and staff accountable and to continue improvements.

(2)

“Culturally responsive service” means service that:

(a)

Is adapted to maximize the respect of and relevance to the beliefs, practices, culture and linguistic needs of the diverse client populations and communities being served, including clients and communities of color.

(b)

Has the capacity to respond to the issues of diverse communities.

(c)

Assures competent language access and incorporates diverse cultural approaches, strengths, perspectives, experiences, frames of reference, values, norms and performance styles of clients and communities to make services and programs more welcoming, accessible, appropriate and effective for all eligible and intended recipients.

(3)

“Culturally specific organization” means an entity that provides services to a cultural community, and may be further defined by rule by the department.

(4)

“Federal government” includes the United States of America and any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.

(5)

“Housing authority” or “authority” means any public corporation created under ORS 456.055 to 456.235.

(6)

“Housing Authorities Law” means ORS 456.055 to 456.235.

HOUSING AUTHORITIES LAW