Helping Lane County seniors stay comfortable and independent in their own homes.
Some jobs are too small to call a contractor, but too difficult or risky to tackle alone. Emerald Valley Helpers offers free, friendly assistance with those everyday challenges for eligible Lane County seniors.
From a stubborn TV remote to a light bulb that's out of reach, we're here to help with those little household tasks that can make a big difference in everyday life. Here are a few examples of how we can help.
Replace hard-to-reach light bulbs so hallways, stairways, and rooms stay well lit. Poor lighting can increase the risk of falls, while climbing a chair or ladder to fix it can be dangerous too. We can also help with simple nightlights, batteries in existing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, and other small tasks when safe to do so.
Help getting boxed or bagged donation items out of the house and on their way to a local donation center.
Blow leaves or debris off sidewalks, pick up golf balls, plant annuals to brighten your home, and help with other small outdoor tasks that are difficult to keep up with.
Programming a remote control, setting up a TV, connecting basic devices, and helping with other everyday electronics that can be frustrating to configure.
Get lightweight holiday boxes and decorations down or put them away, and help hang Christmas lights when the task can be completed safely.
If your need isn't listed, send a request. We'll let you know whether it fits the program or if another resource may be better.
Hard-to-reach household tasks
Donation pickup
Air-filter help
TV & remote setupEmerald Valley Helpers is beginning its community outreach with a focus on four local senior communities:
Eugene
Pleasant Hill
Cottage Grove
Springfield
Our FREE services are available to eligible adults age 65 and older living independently in their own homes throughout Lane County, subject to scheduling and availability.
As Emerald Valley Helpers grows, we look forward to reaching even more of our neighbors.
Tell us what you need and the best way to reach you.
We make sure the request fits the type of help we can safely provide.
We'll follow up to learn more and discuss timing and availability.
If the request is a good fit, we’ll arrange a visit based on available scheduling. Please request assistance early when possible.
Use this form for yourself or someone you know. We’ll review the request and follow up to discuss what may be possible.
The fastest way to request help is to call or text us directly — no forms, no computer needed.
📞 Call 541-556-3396We also hope to bring neighbors together through occasional projects that encourage connection and participation.
Emerald Valley Helpers may coordinate neighborhood garage-sale days in participating communities. We can help organize the date, promote the community sale, coordinate signs, and assist participating seniors with reasonable setup and donation pickup afterward.
Our role is to organize and lend a helping hand. Each participant remains responsible for pricing and selling their own items and handling their own money.
Your generosity helps turn small acts of kindness into safer homes for local seniors.
Emerald Valley Helpers welcomes charitable donations to help provide free assistance to eligible seniors throughout Lane County. Contributions help cover practical safety supplies, including LED light bulbs, nightlights, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries, as well as reasonable transportation, mileage reimbursement, and personnel expenses directly related to delivering our services.
Every gift helps us respond to everyday needs that might otherwise go unaddressed. Together, we can help our older neighbors feel safer and more comfortable in the homes they love.
Interested in supporting our work? Please email hello@emeraldvalleyhelpers.com to ask about making a donation.
Emerald Valley Helpers is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We are developing a fund to address additional household safety needs beyond our regular visits. Details, eligibility, and available support will be announced when the program is ready.
The goal is to help address needs that go beyond our regular free assistance, making it easier for seniors to remain safe and independent in their own homes. The fund is still in development, and details about available assistance and eligibility will be shared when it launches.
Have a question about Emerald Valley Helpers? Find answers below, or reach out and we'll be happy to talk with you.
Emerald Valley Helpers was founded with a simple belief: even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
For many older adults, everyday household tasks can become difficult or risky. Something as simple as replacing a lightbulb, changing a smoke detector battery, or reaching an item overhead can present challenges that are easy for others to overlook.
Our mission is to help seniors age 65 and older throughout Lane County, Oregon, remain comfortable and independent in their own homes by providing free assistance with these small but important tasks.
We believe seniors shouldn't have to risk injury simply because they need a helping hand.
Emerald Valley Helpers is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded by Charlene Placko.
Our early operations have been supported through personal contributions from our founder. As we grow, we are working to establish lasting support through charitable donations, grants, and community partnerships.
We are committed to serving our community with kindness, compassion, respect, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
Emerald Valley Helpers is an Oregon nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
We focus on small household tasks that can be challenging for older adults, offering free, practical assistance based on available resources and scheduling.
Contributions help us purchase supplies and cover program expenses so we can continue assisting seniors throughout Lane County.
Interested in supporting the mission? Contact us to learn about charitable donations and community partnerships.