Online Database Help

Agencies and Programs
An agency is defined as the operating entity of one or more programs. For example "Community Action" is an agency. Community Action provides many services. In our database these services are called programs. The "Ready to Rent" classes are one of the programs operated by Community Action.

FIND makes it possible to locate programs (services) using a simple Keyword Search, or by searching for specific text within the program name or details. Let's explore each of these options:

1. From the alphabet list that looks something like the one below, we will select the letter that matches the first letter of the keyword for which we are searching. Let's follow our example from above and look for Community Action's "Ready to Rent" classes. Sometimes we may need to check the list of keywords first to determine an appropriate keyword. In this case it's "HOUSING-Education", so we will select the letter "H."

2. Next we will see a new window listing all the keywords corresponding to the selected letter. Select a keyword from the list or pick a new letter for a different set of keywords. In this case we are searching for a "HOUSING-Education" which is rather far down the list. Then we click on our selection.

3. Now the window will display all the services to which that keyword has been assigned. If there are several programs providing the same service, we need to select the program closest to our location that matches our need. In this case we can see "Ready to Rent-Community Action....Hillsboro" which is just what we were trying to find. We can just click on this listing to view all the details about the service, or we can select another keyword letter to continue searching.

Perhaps the most popular search method available here is the "Search by Program Name".  This method searches for text contained in the program name or anywhere in the program record.  This is done typing in the program name or text you would like to search for in the box to the left of the "Search FIND" button. 

Using the "Ready to Rent" example from above, let's type in the words "ready to rent". Now we have another decision to make… Do we want to search for that exact three word phrase, any single word in that phrase, or any of the services that contains all those words not necessarily in that order? Remember, the more specific the search, the fewer the resources found. If nothing is found that matches your request, try using a shorter phrase, or more commonly used term. For example, instead of searching for "free Pampers", try searching for "diapers". Or instead of searching for "counseling support groups", try searching for "counseling".

Next we click on the "Search FIND" button.

A list of the pages within the FIND database which match your search request will be displayed.  Click on one to connect to the record.

To search for another program, scroll to the top or bottom of the page and enter new text in the box and repeat the process.

Please note:
Are you still having trouble locating the help you need? Would you like to speak with a trained I&R Specialist who can help you assess your situation and recommend resources? Telephone assistance is available through our regional 2-1-1 call center at 503.222.5555 where a friendly, knowledgeable 211info staff person will be happy to help you.

Would you like a brief training to be held at your site? Just give us a call at 503.693.3224, or drop us an email and we'll contact you to schedule a visit.

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