this is your first call for EVERYTHING
phone: dial 211 (or 866-698-6155 from cell)
text: send your zip code to 898-211
website: https://www.211info.org
email: help@211info.org
what they do:
connect you to food, shelter, housing, healthcare, utilities
have a SNAP access advocate on staff who can help with applications
confidential, anonymous, free
language interpreters available
can tell you what's currently open and has funding
when to call: before you do anything else, especially if you're overwhelmed. they'll walk you through options.
OREGON FOOD BANK FOOD FINDER
website: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org
search tool finds pantries, markets, hot meals near you
call 211 to get help using it
NORTHEAST EMERGENCY FOOD PROGRAM (ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON)
location: basement of former church in NE portland (check website for exact address)
hours: check current schedule - gets 3,500+ visitors weekly
what you get: dried beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat, canned goods
cost: free
requirements: none
transit: check specific location
WILLIAM TEMPLE HOUSE
address: 2023 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209
pantry hours: tuesday-thursday, 11am-2pm
phone: 503-715-0222 ext. 1298
email: esunderman@williamtemple.org
transit: check trimet.org for routes to NW 21st & Hoyt
what you get:
free groceries (supplies vary daily - donations + oregon food bank partnership)
will accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions when possible
can request specific items if shopping for others
how it works:
lottery option: arrive by 10:50am for lottery drawing at 10:50am, numbers called at 11:15am, shop when your number is called
shopping list option: faster - go to front desk, make a list, staff shops for you
must arrive before 1:30pm to access pantry
some items have limits so there's enough for everyone
other services available:
navigator services for connecting to resources
SNAP application assistance
utility assistance by appointment (through impact NW partnership) - must be eligible multnomah county residents
physical access requires stairs - can request assistance at front desk for alternative access
SUNSHINE DIVISION
what you get: free food and clothing for low-income families
requirements: portland residents
call for current location and hours
URBAN GLEANERS
website: search "urban gleaners free markets" for map of locations
what you get: fresh food at free markets throughout the metro area
multiple distribution sites
ASIAN FOOD PANTRY - COMMUNITY FOR POSITIVE AGING
location: "The Center" - downtown portland (call for exact address)
schedule: 2nd thursday of each month, noon-2:30pm
phone/text: 407-923-6927 to coordinate
email: check their website at https://www.communityfpa.org/asian-food-pantry
what you get:
culturally specific healthy foods for low-income asian elders
items like: persimmons, asian pears, bok choy, soy sauce, green onions, rice, ginger
fresh produce, prepared foods, pantry staples
serves chinese, korean, vietnamese, japanese, laotian communities + others
who can use it:
primarily for asian seniors/elders
monthly pantry serves 240+ households
waitlist exists - call to get on it
if you want to donate/weekend dropoff: text 407-923-6927 to arrange direct drop-off to apartment buildings in downtown portland
FEED'EM FREEDOM FOUNDATION
location: east portland
what you get:
fresh vegetables
breads and sauces and other pantry items
serves 500 people weekly
who it serves: focuses on Black communities but serves anyone in need
website/contact: https://feedemfreedom.org/
EL PROGRAMA HISPANO - CATHOLIC CHARITIES
phone: 503-542-2855
what you get:
emergency financial assistance
self-sufficiency activities
mental health counseling
domestic violence case management
youth services
who it serves: low-income latino residents of metro portland
LATINO NETWORK
what they offer: community support services throughout middle school, high school, college
programs include: college/career services, community economic development, critical services, food pantry and clothing closet, housing, youth and education
search online for current contact info and locations
NARA NW (NATIVE AMERICAN REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION)
address: 12750 SE Stark St, Building E, Portland, OR
phone: 971-347-3009 (dental clinic)
main services phone: check website for department-specific numbers
transit: bus lines on SE stark - check trimet.org
what you get:
adult, child, and family mental health treatment
adult and youth addictions treatment (outpatient and inpatient)
integrated health and dental clinics
community and culture programs
youth programs
veterans services
elder services
culturally appropriate services for american indians, alaska natives, and anyone in need
ROHINGYA YOUTH ASSOCIATION - YADANAR HALAL MARKET
what they do: monthly free food distribution in partnership with oregon food bank
who it serves: asian, middle eastern, and african communities
benefit: one-stop shop - get free distribution + supplement with groceries from market
search online for yadanar halal market address and hours
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (IRCO)
contact: info@irco.org
pacific islander and asian family center rental assistance: 503-234-2048
pacific islander and asian family center energy assistance: 503-235-4932
africa house rental assistance: 503-802-0082
africa house energy line: 503-234-1959
what you get:
energy assistance
housing resources (currently may be limited to multnomah residents who are homeless or in temporary housing)
services available in many languages
serves immigrant, refugee, and mainstream populations
BIENESTAR DE LA FAMILIA (FAMILY WELLBEING)
multnomah county location: 2901 E Burnside, Portland, OR 97214
clackamas county location: 112 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
what they offer: culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate services for latino/a/x community and other diverse groups
mental health services and LGBTQIA2S+ health services at multiple locations
transit: bus 20 stops at burnside locations
MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE (formerly loaves and fishes centers)
main website: https://www.mealsonwheelspeople.org
what they do: deliver 5,000 meals daily to seniors across 30+ neighborhood dining centers
dining centers - for adults 60+:
hours vary by location - visit website for directory with up-to-date locations including culturally-specific meal sites
what you get: hot nutritious lunch, socialization, activities (bingo, cribbage, etc.), health screenings (foot care, blood pressure)
cost: donation suggested but not required
no paperwork required
home-delivered meals (meals on wheels):
for older adults who have difficulty leaving home
nearly 900,000 meals delivered annually
call for assessment and enrollment
delivery: monday-friday between 10:30am-12:30pm, with weekend frozen meals delivered fridays
to sign up: visit mealsonwheelspeople.org for contact info or call 211
MEALS 4 KIDS
delivery area: portland city limits
who qualifies: families with children ages 0-18
what you get: culturally-appropriate nutritious dinners delivered to your door
cost: free
how to sign up: search "meals 4 kids portland" or call 211
FEED THE MASS
location: downtown portland
what they produce: 6,000 meals per week
meal types: ready-to-eat meals (frozen) distributed to 5+ organizations
website https://www.feedthemass.org/
Milk Crate Kitchen
One 4-person meal prepped once every two weeks, no cost, no questions. Sign up Weds morning for a meal on Saturday.
PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS NUTRITION SERVICES
website: https://www.pps.net/nutrition
phone: 503-916-3402 (meal benefits office)
language line: 503-916-3427
what you get - ALL STUDENTS, FREE:
breakfast: entrée, milk, choice of fruit - every school day
lunch: choice of entrée, milk, unlimited fruits and vegetables - every school day
no application needed - all students automatically enrolled for 2024-25 school year (likely continuing)
how it works:
student goes to cafeteria, provides 6-digit student ID
gets one breakfast and/or one lunch per day at no cost
works at all PPS schools
note: Ă la carte milk ($0.50) not covered
why this matters: even if SNAP ends, your kids can eat at school
SUMMER MEAL PROGRAMS:
many locations offer free meals and snacks for kids ages 1-18 during summer
no paperwork, just drop in
often include activities
check 211info.org or call 211 in summer for locations
AFTER SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS:
many schools, affordable housing communities, youth organizations offer free meals/snacks after school
often include activities or homework help
call school or 211 for info
OPERATING AS USUAL DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
MULTNOMAH COUNTY WIC
phone: 503-988-3503
text: MCWICCHAT to 20121 (answered during work hours)
hours: often have same-day or next-day appointments
website: https://multco.us/programs/wic
WASHINGTON COUNTY WIC
locations: hillsboro, beaverton, tigard - all close to public transportation
CLACKAMAS COUNTY WIC
locations:
wichita center: 6031 SE king road - tues-fri 9am-12:30pm & 1pm-4pm
public service building: 2051 kaen road - mon-thurs 9am-4pm
sandy health center: 39740 pleasant st - friday 9am-4pm
who qualifies:
pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 1 year if breastfeeding, 6 months if not)
infants and children under age 5
dads, grandparents, foster parents, guardians can apply for children
if you have OHP, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically qualify income-wise
what you need to bring:
proof of income (last 30 days) OR proof of OHP/SNAP/TANF
proof of identity (birth certificate, immunization record, OHP medical ID card)
proof of address (doesn't have to be a lease - just where you sleep at night)
what you get:
monthly benefits on EBT card for specific nutritious foods: milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, peanut butter, beans, fruits, vegetables, juice, infant cereal, infant formula (if not exclusively breastfeeding)
nutrition education - individual counseling and group classes
breastfeeding support and breast pumps (if eligible)
health screenings - weight, height, hemoglobin/iron check
referrals to other health and social services
farm direct checks: $28 per enrolled participant to spend june 1-nov 30 at farmers markets, farm stands, u-pick farms for locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs
OREGON ENERGY FUND
phone: 971-386-2124
email: info@oregonenergyfund.org
website: https://www.oregonenergyfund.org
what to do: enter your zip code on website to find partner agencies near you who distribute funds
what they help with: electricity and natural gas bills
eligibility: income-based (guidelines slightly higher than LIHEAP/OEAP)
one-time grants distributed through 30+ community nonprofits
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL - MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
main line: 503-235-8431
website: https://www.svdppdx.org/utilities
specific location phones:
sandy only: 503-668-3386
aloha & cooper mountain: 503-649-5841
central beaverton: 503-643-1702
hillsboro, cornelius & north plains: 503-693-7528
tigard: 971-772-1233
tualatin: 503-235-8431
west portland (bethany & rock creek): 503-985-6046
west portland (cedar mill & west haven): 503-644-5264
what they help with:
electricity
water
natural gas
heating oil or propane (rare circumstances, for fixed heat source in conventional home)
do NOT pay: cable tv, internet, phone
how it works:
call your local conference
appointments made by phone only
they focus on services people need most to maximize impact
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
varies by location - call 211 to find nearest location
what they help with: utilities and rent assistance, clothing, bus passes, diapers, birth certificate/ID assistance, personal care items, SNAP enrollment
OUR JUST FUTURE (formerly human solutions)
phone: 503-405-7877
what they help with: heating/power utility assistance
who they serve: portland and east multnomah county residents
note: multiple locations around county
SELF ENHANCEMENT INC. (SEI)
phone: 503-713-5590
what they help with: energy assistance
COMMUNITY ACTION (washington county)
phone: 503-615-0771
offices: beaverton/hillsboro
who they serve: washington county residents
what they help with: utility assistance, weatherization, other services
MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION
phone: 503-585-6232
area served: salem area/marion & polk counties
PGE (PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC) PROGRAMS
customer service: 503-228-6322
website: https://portlandgeneral.com/help
income-qualified bill discount (IQBD):
ongoing monthly discount on your PGE bill
not affected by SNAP changes
eligibility: income at or below 60% of state median income
can stack with other assistance programs
time payment arrangement:
pay off bill over extended period instead of all at once
call to set up
payment extension:
request 24/7 by logging into account or calling automated system
change due date:
change the day your bill is due each month if needed
PACIFIC POWER
phone: 888-221-7070
website: check pacific power oregon for programs
low-income discount (LID) program:
monthly bill discounts for income-qualified customers
eligibility: income at or below 60% of oregon state median income
discount level based on income
NW NATURAL
phone: 800-422-4012
income-qualified bill discount program:
15-40% discount on monthly bills
eligibility: household income less than 60% of oregon state median income
apply online or by phone
IMPACT NW
offered through william temple house - see william temple house entry above for contact
utility assistance by appointment for eligible multnomah county residents
211 INFO UTILITY ASSISTANCE PAGE
updated regularly with which programs are currently open in tri-county area (clackamas, multnomah, washington)
shows real-time availability since utility assistance changes quickly
ALWAYS CALL 211 FIRST - they'll tell you what's currently funded and available
SHORT-TERM RENT ASSISTANCE (STRA) - HOME FORWARD
phone: 503-802-8333
hours: mon-thurs 8am-4pm
website: search "home forward stra"
what you get:
up to 24 months of rental assistance
emergency hotel/motel vouchers for temporary shelter
eviction prevention assistance
housing placement assistance
deposits and application fees
move-in costs
referrals to community support services
who qualifies:
multnomah county residents
experiencing or at risk of homelessness
must meet income guidelines
EVICTION PREVENTION RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM (EPRR)
phone: 833-746-8167
email: oreprr@pplfirst.com
website: search for oregon eprr
applications: check if currently open (mentioned june 16, 2025 opening - verify current status)
what they help with:
past due rent
future rent (up to 1 month)
rental fees (pet fees, housing-related legal fees, application fees)
security deposits
utilities
repairs and damage remediation (up to $2,500)
partial payments to reduce housing debt
MULTNOMAH STABILITY INITIATIVE (MSI)
phone: call 211
website: listed under multnomah county programs
what you get:
emergency services
energy assistance
rent assistance
case management
skill-building
early childhood programs
information & referral
who they serve: homeless and low-income households working toward self-sufficiency
COALITION OF AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN PASTORS/IMAMS
who they serve: african & african american oregon residents
what they help with: emergency rent assistance
call 211 for current contact info
PATH HOME HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM
who they serve: households with children at risk of losing housing
call 211 for contact info
OREGON EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OERAP)
website: https://oerap.oregon.gov
status: currently CLOSED due to exhausted funds
what to do if you need help: call 211 or visit 211info.org for alternative resources
TANF (TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES)
phone: 800-699-9075 (oregon department of human services)
website: one.oregon.gov (apply for TANF, SNAP, childcare, medical all in one place)
who qualifies:
low-income families with children
parent or caregiver for child 18 or younger OR pregnant OR 18 or younger and head of household
little to no income and assets
what you get:
monthly cash payments (amount depends on income and household size)
distributed on oregon trail card (EBT)
can be used for rent and other necessities
OREGON LAW CENTER
phone: 888-585-9638
email: evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org
website: https://oregonlawhelp.org
what they do: free legal assistance for low-income tenants facing eviction
can help prevent eviction if you're eligible
PCC CLEAR CLINIC EVICTION LEGAL DEFENSE PROGRAM
phone: 971-722-5981
also helps with: expunging evictions (fridays 12pm-4pm)
THE COMMONS LAW CENTER
phone/text: 503-850-0811
RESOLUTIONS NORTHWEST (MEDIATION)
phone: 503-595-4890
email: info@resolutionsnorthwest.org
what they do: third-party mediation to avoid court
COMMUNITY ALLIANCE OF TENANTS
renters rights hotline: 503-288-0130
open: mondays, wednesdays, fridays
what they do: rights organization, advocacy, education
MULTNOMAH COUNTY WIC - see full WIC section above
AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CONNECTION (ADRC)
phone: 503-988-3646
toll-free: 1-855-ORE-ADRC
email: adrc@multco.us
what they do: 24-hour information and assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers
SENIOR FARM DIRECT NUTRITION PROGRAM
phone: 1-866-299-3562
website: oregon department of human services SFDNP
what you get: additional funds for locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs at farmers markets, farm stands, u-pick farms
when: checks used june 1 - november 30
HEALTH RELATED SOCIAL NEEDS (HRSN) - OHP MEMBERS
what it is: oregon medicaid waiver program offering nutrition services, housing supports, climate devices
who qualifies: OHP members with specific health, living, and financial conditions experiencing eligible life transition and clinical health need
important: NOT for emergencies - applications take several weeks to months
how to apply: contact your coordinated care organization (CCO):
health share of oregon: check their website
trillium: check their website for HRSN info
allow: 15-20 business days for initial callback
what HRSN can cover:
nutrition services
housing benefits (designed for stabilization BEFORE eviction notice, not emergencies)
climate devices
other supports based on clinical need
RIDE TO CARE
phone: check with your OHP plan
what it is: free non-emergency medical transportation for eligible oregon health plan members
PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE MEDS ON WHEELS
phone: 971-228-7687
who it serves: homebound seniors and people with disabilities
what they do: prescription pick-up and delivery
STUDENT HEALTH CENTERS
phone: 503-988-5558
who they serve: all kids and teens in multnomah county, even if not enrolled in school
what they do: can help you apply for insurance
MULTNOMAH COUNTY PRIMARY CARE CLINICS
phone: 503-988-5558 to become a patient
OREGON LIFELINE PROGRAM
website: search "oregon lifeline program puc"
what it does: reduces monthly cost of phone or broadband service
who qualifies: low-income oregon households
administered by: oregon public utility commission
T-MOBILE PROJECT 10 MILLION
website: https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million
what you get: free 100GB of data for 5 years + free mobile hotspot
who qualifies: families with student enrolled in national school lunch program
COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE
website: https://www.communitywarehouse.org
what you get: donated furniture and household items (beds, chairs, tables, shelving, kitchen supplies, linens, bedding, towels)
who can use it: neighbors seeking comfort and dignity of furnished home while overcoming adversity
call or visit website for current process and locations
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHOLIC CHURCH
address: 2310 SE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97233
phone: 503-209-0933 (bill benson)
hours: noon-2pm every 2nd and 4th saturday
what you get: free furniture and household goods for use in your own home
items: kitchen supplies, linens, bedding, towels, beds, chairs, tables, shelving
SNAP (SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)
status: suspended as of november 1, 2025 due to government shutdown
what to know: WIC, school meals, and other programs continue
where to check for updates: oregon department of human services website (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs)
help with SNAP questions/applications when it resumes: call 211 and ask for SNAP access advocate
ONE OREGON ONLINE APPLICATION
website: https://one.oregon.gov
available in: english and spanish
what you can apply for: SNAP (when available), TANF, childcare (ERDC), medical (OHP) - all in one application
JEWISH FREE LOAN OF GREATER PORTLAND
website: https://www.jewishportland.org (search for free loan)
what they offer: rental-assistance loans
terms: interest-free, 3 years to pay off
who can use it: check eligibility requirements
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
volunteers of america - home free emergency line:
phone: 503-771-5503 or 888-771-5503
email: emergencyservices@voaor.org
domestic violence resource center - sojourner's house (washington county):
phone: 866-469-8600
what they offer: 12 months rental assistance, case management, housing advocacy, flexible client service funds, safety planning, counseling, rent well classes, workforce development
CASCADE AIDS PROJECT - EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE
who they serve: income-qualified persons living with HIV
what they help with: apartment application fees, first month's rent, security deposits, rent in emergencies to prevent eviction, mortgage payments, property debt, utilities
hours: mon-fri 8am-5pm
check website for contact info
ROSE HAVEN
what they do: day services for women and children experiencing poverty
services: meals, showers, laundry, respite, clothing
search online for current address and hours
HOME SHARE OREGON
phone: 503-515-2397
email: info@homeshareoregon.org
what they do: help find place to live alongside someone willing to share their home
SALVATION ARMY
website: search "salvation army portland oregon"
services: food pantries, emergency shelters, utility assistance (some locations have reserve funding)
gresham corps community center offers multiple services
search for location nearest you
TRIMET
website: https://trimet.org
trip planner: use website or call 503-238-7433
reduced fare: available for low-income riders - check trimet.org/lowincome
honored citizen fare: seniors 65+, people with disabilities, medicare cardholders
how to use trimet trip planner:
go to trimet.org
enter starting address and destination address
it'll show you which buses/max lines to take, where to transfer, how long it takes
for any address in this guide: plug it into trimet trip planner to find your route
NO SHAME:
these resources exist because we live in a fucked up system
using them doesn't make you a failure
you've been paying into these systems with your taxes and labor
NO DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED AT FOOD PANTRIES:
most places just want to help
some ask for address/household size for reporting
if you don't have an address, tell them where you're staying
START EARLY:
don't wait until you're in crisis
pantries, utility assistance, rental programs have limited funds
first-come, first-served is common
CALL 211 WHEN OVERWHELMED:
they'll walk you through options
help you figure out what you qualify for
connect you to resources
it's literally their job
STACK RESOURCES:
you can use multiple programs at once
being in one program often makes you eligible for others
WIC + school meals + food pantry + utility assistance = all okay to do together
FOOD PANTRIES ARE GOING TO BE SLAMMED:
expect long waits
go early if they use lottery/first-come-first-served
be patient with volunteers and staff
take breaks if you're epileptic - don't push yourself into seizure activity
FOR YOUR SAFETY:
take breaks from computer/phone screens
bring water, snacks, medication to long waits
ask someone to help make calls if you're overwhelmed
sit down when waiting in lines
UTILITY COMPANIES:
call BEFORE you get shut off
most have payment plans even without assistance programs
tell them about medical needs (epilepsy = medical need for power)
EVICTION:
get legal help immediately if you get notice
don't ignore court papers
free legal aid is available
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC ORGS:
they exist because they understand your community
often have better connections to appropriate resources
usually have language access
don't hesitate to use them
food: 211 or oregon food bank food finder
utility bill: 211, then your utility company directly
rent help: 211
eviction notice: oregon law center 888-585-9638
pregnant/kids under 5: WIC 503-988-3503
senior meals: meals on wheels people website
school meals: automatic at all PPS schools
legal help: oregon law center 888-585-9638
general overwhelm: 211
everything else: 211