The Oregon Department of Human Services Podcast

Free Food Markets: Meeting the Need in Washington County

In this inaugural episode of the Oregon Department of Human Services Podcast, we sit down with staff from Washington County to celebrate the three-year anniversary of their free food market—a community-driven resource making a real difference in the lives of Oregonians. Hear how this monthly event came to life, how it’s helping fight food insecurity, and how you or someone you know can access it using public transportation. This episode is part story, part guide—and a powerful example of how ODHS staff are helping meet people where they are. If you are in need of food, please visit the Food Resources page [https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx] of our website.

Budget Forecast for the 2025-27 Biennium | ODHS Podcast

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) leadership team discusses the challenges of balancing exceptional work with limited resources in this episode of the ODHS Podcast. Deputy Communications Director, Matthew Kinshella sits down with Liesl Wendt, ODHS Deputy Director and Rob Kodiriy, ODHS Chief Financial Officer to discuss how the agency is overcoming these challenges and maintaining our mission to serve Oregonians.   Our guests share insights into navigating budget constraints while ensuring that ODHS staff have the resources, tools, and support to meet the real-world challenges they encounter every day in their roles. They also explore the importance of innovation, collaboration, and prioritizing resources to make the greatest impact possible.   This episode is a great opportunity to hear directly from our leadership team and gain a deeper understanding of the strategic decisions shaping the future of ODHS.