During the pandemic, the City began offering holiday meal programs that provided community members with a free holiday meal around Thanksgiving and Christmas. While we are grateful and proud that these programs have served so many in the area over the last five years, the City decided to look at alternate options for addressing food insecurity in our community.
If you are in need of assistance, here are a few ways to find a local food bank near you:
- Visit 211info.org or the City's Community Resources page
- Call 211
- Text your ZIP code to 898211
- Email help@211info.org
Private Utility Assistance Program
Based on community feedback, the City has transitioned away from providing holiday meal programs in favor of expanding the City's utility assistance program.
Starting December 1, 2025, individuals who do not receive a water or sewer bill directly from the City, meaning those living in manufactured home parks, condos, apartments, and multi-family residences, will now be able to apply for private utility assistance. As funds allow, qualifying applicants may be approved for assistance towards their PGE or NW Natural utility bills once every six months with a $150.00 cap per application. To qualify for assistance, you must be enrolled in a local, state, or federal means-tested assistance program, such as SNAP, OHP, WIC, or other income-based program. If you are direct billed by the City for your utilities, you may qualify for the City’s public utility assistance program instead.
Applications and additional information can be found on the City's Utility Assistance page starting December 1st.