Free Screening of Documentary “American Winter”

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Washington County Offers Free Screening of Documentary “American Winter” as Part of Community Development Planning Process

The documentary film "American Winter," which spotlights the day-to-day struggles faced by a growing number of families in our region, will be presented by the Washington County Office of Community Development and the City of Beaverton on Thursday, February 20 at the Venetian Theatre and Bistro. The screening, which is part of a community development planning process, will be held at 6:00 p.m. A panel of experts and a Q & A session will follow at 8:00 p.m. The Venetian Theatre is located at 253 E. Main Street in downtown Hillsboro. The screening is free to members of the public, however seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Every five years, Washington County is required by federal regulations to produce a "Consolidated Plan" which is used to prioritize funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for affordable housing and community development projects. The creation of the plan is a collaborative process involving community partners, local governments and county agencies, as well as input from beneficiaries and the general public. As a result of the planning process, the community benefits from affordable housing developments, public facilities such as parks and senior centers, public infrastructure such as street and sidewalk improvements and an array of public services.

The Office of Community Development has just begun this process for the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan. In addition to a community-wide survey which will launch on January 24, the screening of "American Winter" will be held to highlight this effort. Those who attend will also be encouraged to participate in the survey. The movie was filmed in Portland and features several families, including some Washington County residents, who share their personal struggles in the wake of the Great Recession. One of the participants who shared her story in the film will also be on hand for the panel discussion.

More information on how to participate is available on the website for the 2015-2020 Washington County Consolidated Plan at www.co.washington.or.us/CommunityDevelopment/Planning/2015-2020-consolidated-plan.cfm

AMERICAN WINTER flyer

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