Community Resources

Climate & Disaster Services

211 Disaster Services – Tool to find shelter and other resources during extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Air Conditioner and Air Filter Deployment Program – If you receive supports from the ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) or Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), ODHS will contact you if: you qualify for an AC unit or air filtration device, and one is available.

Burn Bans – Daily updates for wood burning restrictions due to poor air quality days.

CareOregon – Are you a CareOregon member with a long-term medical condition? You might be eligible for a free air conditioner or air purifier through a special CareOregon program.

Care for When It's Cold – Resource page for Multnomah County during extreme cold weather.

Help for When It's Hot – Resource page for Multnomah County during extreme hot weather.

Home Weatherization – Multnomah County Weatherization Program can save you money on your energy bill and improve your indoor air quality. Free services are available for people with limited incomes. Cost-effective measures may include: Ceiling, wall and floor insulation; furnace inspection; heating duct improvements; air sealing; ventilation; and energy education.

Office of Emergency Management – Daily updates on Multnomah County emergency operations and resources for disaster plans and responses.

Office of Sustainability – The Office of Sustainability works to create a just, equitable, livable, resilient, and low carbon community by centering the priorities of frontline communities and advancing sustainability efforts within the County, region, and state.

PropertyFit – A program (also known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or CPACE) in Multnomah County that offers commercial building owners long-term financing for up to 100% of the cost of capital improvements that reduce energy consumption or generate energy.

 

LGBTQIA2S+

Black & Beyond the Binary Collective – Networking and social services for LGBTQ+ African Americans.

Bridge 13 – Provides educational workshops on the concerns/needs and joy/celebrations of LGBTQIA2S+ communities, with particular focus on how to better serve, support, and affirm LGBTQIA2S+ youth and individuals.

Hand Up Project – Emergency food pantry catered to the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

Marsha’s Folx Program – Advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence.

Name and/or Gender Identity Change – Forms for filing for a name and/or gender identity change in Multnomah County.

Outside In – Medical care, housing, and community resources for LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-24.

The Living Room – Peer support, events, and more for LGBTQ+ youth.

Rose Haven – Day shelter and community center for women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing trauma, poverty, and physical/mental health challenges.

SMYRC – Events, counseling, school support, and more for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-23.

Q Center – Senior and peer support services and resource referrals for LGBTQ+ community members.

Students

Wood Village Opportunity Scholarship – This program offers Wood Village high school seniors or GED graduates a $1,250 scholarship, plus a stipend for necessary materials and supplies. Applications are open May 1st - June 30th each year.

East County Bridges – Provides individualized and culturally-appropriate resources and educational opportunities to ensure all East County students have the supports they need to complete high school or GED program to set and achieve long-term goals

FAFSA – Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.

Multnomah County Student Health Centers – Student Health Centers are like having a doctor’s office at school. They offer comprehensive primary and mental health care services to all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18. There are no out-of-pocket costs.

MHCC Scholarships – One online application to apply for more than 150 scholarships. Apply August 1 through October 13 for the Secondary Application period.

ORSA – Oregon residents who have undocumented status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, and/or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) should submit the ORSAA to apply for financial aid.

Oregon Student Aid – Current or future Oregon students can apply here for grants and scholarships, get help completing financial aid applications, and learn about preparing for college, training, and careers.

Outdoor Pathway Scholarship – The Outdoor Diversity Alliance (ODA) and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's (ORR) Together Outdoors (TO) initiative to provide students with $5000 in scholarship funding over two years, mentorship, and assistance with job placement in the outdoor industry or environmental field. The application period is currently open, and the deadline is March 28, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded in May of 2024. Apply now.

Student Loan Forgiveness – Information on current and available student loan forgiveness programs.

Utilities, Rent, & Affordable Housing

211 Utility Assistance – Online database to find utility assistance programs in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Affordable Connectivity ProgramProgram ends May 2024. A federal program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices, decreasing your bill by up to $30 per month, or up to $75 per month off your bill if you reside on qualifying Tribal lands.

Bienestar de la Familia – Connects you with services to help with your PGE, PPL, NW Natural Gas or oil bill. Podemos conectarlo con los servicios para ayudar con su factura de PGE, PPL, NW Natural o con su factura de combustible.

COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) – A Bienstar de la Familia program that provides rent assistance to prevent households from experiencing evictions and homelessness due to the financial and health impacts of COVID-19. El Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia para el Alquiler (Emergency Rent Assistance Program, ERAP) por COVID-19 ofrece asistencia para pagar el alquiler para evitar que las familias sufran desalojos o falta de hogar debido a los impactos financieros y en la salud del COVID-19.

Comcast – Offering Internet Essentials service to qualified low-income households for $9.95 per month. The company also opened its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them; visit the Xfinity Wifi page for a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots.

Farmworker Housing Assistance – ODHC is providing rent and utility assistance to underserved communities, including the Hispanic/Latinx community and Agricultural workers living in Oregon.

Find Affordable Housing – A resource list for finding affordable housing in Oregon.

Home Forward – Works with local community agencies to provide a range of services like emergency hotel vouchers, rent payment, help with eviction prevention, and help with housing placement — to people who are homeless or at risk of eviction.

Lifeline Program – A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.

Mortgage Relief Program – OHSI is helping Oregon homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. Learn more about and apply for the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund Oregon Homeowner Help website.

Multnomah County Affordable/Subsidized Housing – A resource list for finding affordable/subsidized housing in Multnomah County. Use the County's Housing Search Tools for tips and advice on preparing a housing application.

Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) – CAT is Oregon’s only statewide, grassroots, tenant-controlled, tenant-rights organization that educates, organizes, and develops the leadership of low-income tenants to demand safe, stable, and affordable rental homes.

PGE – Portland General Electric offers financial assistance, including an Income-Qualified Bill Discount of up to 25% off your energy use for qualified applicants.

Weatherization – Multnomah County Weatherization Program can save you money on your energy bill and improve your indoor air quality. Our free services are available for people with limited incomes. Cost-effective measures may include: Ceiling, wall and floor insulation; Furnace inspection; Heating duct improvements; Air sealing; Ventilation; Energy education.

Ziply – Households eligible for two government programs may qualify for telephone or internet service cost assistance.

Small Businesses

Independent Restaurant Alliance of Oregon – Information and links to resources, including grants, for restaurant owners.

Mercy Corps NW – Business training, mentorship, loans, and grants.

Mt. Hood Community College Small Business Development Center – Business workshops, training, and access to resources.

Multnomah County COVID-19 Guidance – Includes by business type.

Oregon Workshare Program – Small businesses that have had to reduce the amount of hours employees work by 20 to 40% may be eligible to participate in the Workshare program. This program enables employees to receive unemployment benefits while they are still working under reduced hours.

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation – Information and links to resources that will help restaurants and workers deal most effectively with the COVID-19 emergency.

SBA PPP Relief – Eligible borrowers may qualify for Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness.

SBA Express Bridge Loan – Enables small businesses that currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly

Small Business Navigator – Resources for business owners and employees (financial assistance, workforce assistance, state debt relief, and other business assistance).

Work Share Oregon – Program allows employers to leverage unemployment insurance (UI) to subsidize a portion of lost wages for employees whose work time is reduced.

Seniors

Adult Protective Services – Offers help to protect seniors (older people), and people with disabilities from abuse and neglect. Call (503) 988-4450 for the main office or (503) 988-3646 after hours.

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon – Connects to local information and services for seniors and people with disabilities. 1-855-673-2372

Coronavirus Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers

COVID-19 for Older Adults – Learn more about the latest tips and advice from the NCOA

Financial Scams for Older Adults – Learn about the top 5 financial scams targeting older adults

Home Improvement Assistance for Seniors

Multnomah County Department of Aging Disability & Veterans Services – Offers 24/7 information and assistance to seniors (older people), people with disabilities, and caregivers. Call (503) 988-3646 or email adrc@multco.us.

National Council on Aging – Get the information and tools you need to manage your money, maintain your health, and improve your life.

Seniors and Debt – Learn how you can manage your debt and tap into resources to save money on the basic costs of living from the NCOA

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance — Offers assistance through the Medicare process to seniors (Español/Spanish)  (Русский/Russian) Available in other languages.

Public Health

CDC COVID-19 Page

CDC COVID-19: Helping Children Cope

COVID-19 Resource Center for Nonprofits

Cultivate Initiatives – Focuses on meeting basic needs, providing preventative care, and educating our community on healthy living. Provides health screenings, COVID-19 screenings, wound care, and other nursing services along with the Mobile Shower and Hygiene Response.

Find a Covid Vaccine Near You

Healthcare Marketplace — Health insurance marketplace through the federal government. Resources for Healthcare Marketplace in multiple languages. (Healthcare Marketplace Español/Spanish)

Multnomah County COVID-19 Page

Multnomah County Student Health Centers – Student Health Centers are like having a doctor’s office at school. They offer comprehensive primary and mental health care services to all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18. There are no out-of-pocket costs.

Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Page

Oregon Health Care — Offers details on Oregon healthcare plans for OHP Medicaid, tribal members, veterans, seniors, and others. Provides healthcare hotlines in multiple languages. Current Open Enrollment for 2023: November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Enroll by December 15, 2022, for coverage that starts January 1, 2023.

WHO COVID-19 Page

ArrayRX – Oregon’s prescription drug discount card. With the card, you may save up to 80% on generic drugs and up to 20% off brand-name drugs. The discount card is free and available to any resident in the state of Oregon.

Jobs & Career Training

Cultivate Initiatives – Connects houseless neighbors with local job and training opportunities at a dignified wage.

Multnomah County Library – Offers free resume review, one-on-one job counseling, and access to resources like LinkedIn Learning. Email your resume to Multnomah County Library for a free consultation.

Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services​ – Provides services to any Oregonian with a disability who is having difficulty getting or keeping a job because of disability-related barriers.​​

Worksource Portland Metro – Helps job seekers make career plans, become more employable, improve job search skills, and find work.

Homeowners

Adapt-a-Home (Unlimited Choices) – A program currently available within the cities of Beaverton, Gresham and Portland Oregon as well as unincorporated areas of Multnomah County (Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Maywood Park, Corbett, etc.) to provide people with physical disabilities the opportunity to retain their independence by making their residence accessible. The program makes accessibility modifications such as adding wheelchair ramps, handrails and grab bars, installing roll-in showers and raised toilets, and widening doorways.

African American Alliance for Homeownership – A Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved Housing Counseling Agency with HUD-certified counselors providing first-time homebuyer and foreclosure prevention services to the public.

Catalyst Partnerships NW – Provides home repairs, light remodeling, and cleanup services to homeowners who are elderly, disabled, and/or low-income.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Provides housing counseling/advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues.

Hacienda Community Development Corp. – Hacienda’s Default Intervention Program provides support to homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Certified housing counselors work with those struggling financially to identify and explore all available options based on their specific situations. Services are free of charge.

HUD – Offers resources for mortgage relief (forbearance)

Making Home Affordable (MHA) Program – Help homeowners avoid foreclosure and provide resources to lower the monthly mortgage payments and get into more stable loans at today’s low rates.

Mend-a-Home (Unlimited Choices) – A program currently available within the cities of Beaverton, Gresham and Portland Oregon as well as unincorporated areas of Multnomah County (Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Maywood Park, Corbett, etc.) to assist qualified property owners, including mobile home owners, who cannot afford to make critical home repairs.

Resident-Owned Communities (Co-Op) – This model of ownership helps individuals and families gain long-term housing security.

Grants & Forgivable Loans

Business Oregon – Identifies a list of grants for small businesses and communities.

FedEx – Offers grants of $50,000 to small businesses. Future contests will be announced on the FedEx website.

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation –  A Small Business Loan program for Native-owned small businesses.

Prosper Portland – Offers a Local Small Business Repairs grant up to $10,000 for businesses with a City of Portland Business License in need of emergency repairs, such as broken windows or doors, graffiti, or sign damage. Offers a Prosperity Investment Program (PIP), a matching grant that assists businesses and property owners to make tenant improvements, and small and large scale improvements to new and existing buildings within certain Portland areas.

Small Business & Microenterprise Grant (SMBA) – The CDBG-CV Statewide Emergency Small Business & Microenterprise Grant Program is intended to help businesses remain solvent and able to retain/create low- and moderate-income jobs. Application period January 23, 2023 at 8 a.m. until January 27, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Student Loan Forgiveness — One-time federal student loan forgiveness. Applications due by December 31, 2023. (Federal Student Aid website Español/Spanish)

Worksystems – Funds for companies looking to further train IT and software employees.