Assistance programs Clackamas County.
Find, and apply for, financial assistance in Clackamas County. Low income families, senior citizens, and the disabled can often get help with housing or rent needs, free food as well as medical care. There are also charities that offer free credit counseling, emergency applications to government grants from Social Services, and other forms of support, including from churches.
There are many free services as well for basic needs. Whether it is a free car giveaway program or school supplies (such as backpacks or Chromebooks) for students, or motel vouchers for the homeless. Children can also get free Christmas toys and there are free lawyers for senior citizens or low income families. All of this financial support is usually combined with case management in Clackamas County, Oregon City and Lake Oswego.
Locate resources for financial assistance that help with bills in Clackamas County
The Clackamas County Social Services organization has several resources and services they can provide people with who are struggling with paying their bills and rent. The organization is in effect the local Community Action Agency for Clackamas County. Some of the programs they offer are indicated below.
- Rent Assistance Program : This program oversees and administers a wide variety of funds that are used to help pay rent. Currently grants are only available to people who have been sent eviction notices. Eligibility requirements for the program do vary with fund sources, however the program is limited to low-income families with children, disabled adults, and adults 45+ who are at risk of being evicted.
When funds are available, the program will also conducts intake appointments and they try to work with landlords to prevent evictions and try to find a solution that works for both the renter and landlord. Even if the funds run out, or if someone doesn’t qualify for aid, the program also provides information concerning the eviction process, regulations and laws, and renter rights, regardless of the availability of rent funds.
- Emergency Shelter Program : This provides information as well as referral to emergency shelters in the tri-county area. The program will proactively screen homeless families with children who are seeking emergency shelter and it also conducts intake for eligible families for the Annie Ross House.
- Help for utility and heating bills from Low Income Energy Assistance Program: (LIEAP): This is funded by the federal government, and people can apply annually beginning on December 1st. The program runs until all funds have been spent. It focuses on low to moderate income seniors, families and individuals who are residents of Clackamas County, as well as disabled adults. grants paid by LIEAP are to be used to pay the bills for the primary heat source including electricity, wood, heating oil, gas, and propane.
- Free or low cost Healthcare: Social Services help the uninsured, poor, disabled and homeless get the medical as well as dental care they need. Whether it is a check up, tooth cleaning, vouchers for medications, root canal or something else, help is offered. It can be “sliding fee: or free. More on dental clinics near you.
- Oregon Energy Assistance Program: Unlike LIEAP, this program is funded by the state of Oregon. It also operates year-round for low-income Clackamas County residents who have Portland General Electric as their utility company. Clients who are in danger of having their power shutoff and households not previously served by this or other assistance programs have priority for grants and aid.
- Gas Assistance Program (GAP): This assistance program, also offered by Social Services, helps customers of Northwest Natural Gas. People can apply starting on December 1 and grants are paid out until funds are expended. It focuses on helping low-income seniors, disabled adults, and also other low income families and individuals who are residents of Clackamas County.
- Money Management Program: Counselors and other volunteers provide assistance to low-income adults who need help understanding and handling their financial affairs. Volunteers to the program are recruited, trained, and matched with clients. The services they offer include Budgeting, debt counseling, information on credit repair programs, bill paying, monitoring, budgeting, tips to balance checkbooks, and other routine financial tasks.
Call Clackamas County Social Services at (503) 655-8640 for more information on any of these programs and help. Or find additional information on public assistance in Clackamas County.
Another non-profit agency to call is the Clackamas County Community action agency. They deal with issues regarding landlord-tenant, fair housing, rental assistance and other housing-related issues. Unfortunately no direct rental assistance is provided at this time but referrals are offered. Learn about local charities, non-profits, and Oregon and federal government programs for assistance are made. They also have information on free lawyers from pro-bono law firms that address civil issues. Get details on free lawyers for low income families, or call community action at (503) 648-6646 or 503-650-5640.
Help with energy bills is offered by Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Oregon Low Income Gas Assistance (OLGA), the Gas Assistance Program (GAP), and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP). Call the community action agency at (503) 650-5750.
Salvation Army Clackamas County provides free food, holiday gifts and meals, and they may, from time to time, be able to coordinate financial aid to pay the bills that may be outstanding from a short term crisis. Such as rent, utility, and other expenses.
Other services offered include general case management, holiday assistance from Angel Tree, and homeless prevention programs. There are also free back to school supply drives for students along with book bags, uniforms, and shoes. Call (503) 239-1266. Find Salvation Army assistance programs in Clackamas County.
St. Vincent de Paul Social Services (phone (503) 235-8431) may have limited programs and grants as well. This is a leading charity organization in Oregon as well as nationwide. Low income families, seniors, and others that apply for help will need to go through an interview and home visit process.
Based on the results, the Oregon City based charity can offer either money for living expenses or a loan, if funding is available. Or applicants can receive referrals, guidance, free food from a Clackamas County pantry, and possibly limited amounts of financial aid for bills and housing needs. Click more Saint Vincent Clackamas resources.
Canby Adult Center – A number of programs are offered to senior citizens, the elderly, and others. Among them include health screening, information and referrals on community resources and aid programs, home delivered meals, computers for job finding, free legal aid. Some financial help may be offered for bills too. Such as grocery shopping, medical equipment loans, and seasonal help with electricity and heating bill costs for low income Canby Utility Board customers. Transportation for doctor visits can be arranged too. 1250 S Ivy Street, Canby, Oregon 97013, (503) 266-2970
Impact Northwest - NW covers Clackamas County, the Portland area, and nearby towns. A major focus is on housing, both homeless shelters and transitional housing from a service known as Richmonds Place. There is also Congregate Housing Services, legal aid for tenants, and budgeting classes. There is also Respire Care for caregivers and support for the elderly. More on Impact Northwest assistance programs.
Housing Authority Of Clackamas County coordinates rental assistance from the Section 8 voucher rent subsidy and other sources. Financial aid is for low and moderate income seniors, families, and persons with disabilities. They also operate lower cost apartments in the region. Lastly, they run the Shelter Plus Care Program for persons with disabilities as well as the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). Address is 13930 S Gain Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. Call (503) 655-8267.
Clackamas County free school supply assistance programs are available. Districts, charities, churches, and social services (among others) help children get the clothes and supplies they need for school. Or even free gift cards and other items. More on Portland Oregon free school supplies.
Free transportation for work or an interview is offered. This can be a low cost loan for paying a used car, repairs to an auto, or a grant program. All of this can help a struggling and/or low income family meet their financial goals. Find a free car.
Northwest Housing Alternatives runs a program known as HomeBase which seeks to prevent homelessness and evictions. It can offer short- and medium-term financial, rental, and utility bill assistance. A component known as Rapid Re-Housing is new home and apartments placement assistance. Funds can be distributed to pay for moving assistance, deposits, first month rent, and related expenses. HomeBase also offers case management to help residents learn and navigate the complex social service system in Oregon and federal programs. The office is at 2316 SE Willard Street in Milwaukie, Oregon 97222. (503) 654-1007.
Clackamas AIDS Project can provide families with temporary and permanent housing. Eviction prevention, emergency rental assistance, and other related programs are administered. Dial 503-445-7699.
City Of Estacada – This is a municipal government agency that is involved in serving residents of the city of Estacada, including a discounted utility bill program for qualified low-income senior citizens. 475 SE Main Street, Estacada, Oregon 97023, phone (503) 630-3483
Tenants facing eviction or residents that need rental assistance can turn to several different agencies. There are organizations that focus addressing housing issues in the region. Whether it is funds for a security deposit, legal aid, or emergency cash assistance for paying back rent, options are available. More on Clackamas County rental assistance.
Christ The Vine Lutheran Church – This church provides free food/groceries to struggling residents of Clackamas County. It is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 (Noon), from Monday - Friday. It would be helpful to please call in advance to insure someone is available to help. The address is; 18677 SE Hwy 212, Damascus, Oregon 97089, Phone is (503) 658-5650
Baby items Clackamas County - Find help for newborns, infants, and new parents. Several forms of assistance are available including:
- -Free cloth or disposable diapers.
- -Infant formula.
- -Furniture including cribs, car seats, and more.
In addition, counseling and advice is given. Charities help any parent in need. Read Clackamas free diaper programs.
Oregon City Catholic Charities offers services for the entire county. While the financial aid for bills, such as rent and energy, is limited, the agency and its churches offer a number of other low income and poverty fighting programs. Among them include tenant mediation, free food and nutritional support, employment counseling and information on job openings in Clackamas County. Counseling for immigrants and senior citizens are available too. Continue with Clackamas Catholic Charity programs.
Help during the holidays in Clackamas County - Everything from referrals to regional Christmas programs to hot meals are available. Services are provided at both Thanksgiving or Christmas. Some of the non-profits will also be able to supply free unwrapped toys, games, gift cards, and more for young children or infants. Locate Clackamas area free Christmas and Holiday programs.
Debt, foreclosure, and bankruptcy counseling
Oregon City and Clackamas residents can try contacting Clearpoint Financial Solutions at (503) 253-5115. They are a non-profit credit counseling agency that offers numerous free or low priced solutions. Counselors can help consumers identify and resolve the source of their financial concerns, housing concerns or outstanding debts.
The agency offers budget, debt, credit, foreclosure prevention, housing and bankruptcy counseling services. Professionals can help educate clients about the wise use of credit, when to charge bills and when to take on debt, and they can help people make more effective financial choices. Services provided in person, by phone and by Internet. Learn more on Oregon foreclosure assistance.
Free health care for low income and uninsured
One of the leading community clinics is Southwest Community Health Clinic. The facility provides basic health care including acute care and chronic disease management and preventive health care to the uninsured and low income families in Clackamas Oregon.
Specifically services offered by medical professionals include immunizations, family planning, health screenings, women's health care, well-child exams and chronic care (asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure). They provide limited lab and testing services. Medications and prescriptions may be available for clinic clients only. Dial (503) 977-0733, or click here for additional free health care programs from state and local free medical clinics.
Legal aid
Legal Aid Services of Oregon is a firm that offers low income pro bono legal advice. Call the law firm at (503) 655-2518. They provide legal counsel for such issues as foreclosure prevention, divorces, nonviolent crimes, consumer debt scams, and more. Click here to learn more on Oregon free legal programs.
Food pantries, soup kitchens and free food banks
A program known as Helping People Eat offers emergency food baskets and groceries, and the free food is provided for residents of Oregon City, Gladstone, West Linn, and Milwaukie. (503) 656-6536
Grand View Baptist Church ((503) 632-8100) provides emergency food.
Turning Point Church will provide food up to once per month to people in need. (503) 305-8704
FISH - Lake Oswego ((503) 635-4563) is one agency people can turn to for free food for low-income individuals and families. The center provides a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and groceries. Services provided will be limited to once every three months, and even sooner with a referral from another authorized agency.
Additional charities provide food to tackle hunger. They often combine emergency assistance to struggling families with case management or referrals. One of the main resources used is SNAP food stamps, and applications can be provided for that. Find more Clackamas County Oregon free food banks and pantries.
Help for utility and water bills in Wilsonville, Oregon
Wilsonville Community Sharing is an organization that help Wilsonville residents. The city of Wilsonville has set up a fund of tens of thousands of dollars to help people pay water bills, utility bills, heating bills, check for water leaks and do some minor repairs. Some people also call this program the city’s utility relief program.
This heating and utility bills assistance program will offer limited grants and credits on bills, as well as leak repair assistance to qualifying residential customers. Applicants will be screened and need to fall under the income guidelines. The maximum crisis voucher or grant paid per household during an 18-month period will be $150, with the customer also needing to pay at least 25 percent of the outstanding bill.
To apply, contact 503-682-6939.
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