Guide to assistance from Mid-Columbia Community Action Council in Hood River, Wasco & Sherman County
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is the community action agency serving Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. It's a relatively small agency covering a large, rural tri-county area — which means it serves as the primary safety net for a lot of people who don't have many alternatives nearby. MCCAC handles utility assistance, housing stabilization, eviction prevention, transitional shelter, and veteran services. This page covers what they currently offer, what their key programs do and how to reach them.
Note for Washington residents: MCCAC serves the Oregon side of the Gorge only. If you live in Klickitat or Skamania counties in Washington, contact Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) at https://www.wagap.org/ — they are the counterpart agency across the river and the two organizations coordinate closely.
Utility and energy assistance
MCCAC processes applications for federal and state energy assistance programs including LIHEAP, which can help with electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, and wood pellet costs. Benefit amounts are based on household income, size, and energy type — you don't need to already be facing a shutoff to apply, though households in crisis with a disconnect notice are prioritized. While call for exact schedule, in general walk-in intake is available on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at both offices. Call ahead to confirm what documents you'll need.
Beyond seasonal assistance, MCCAC partners with several local utilities for year-round discount and bill-pay programs. They partner with companies including the City of Hood River, City of The Dalles, Northern Wasco County PUD, Hood River Electric & Internet Co-Op, Wasco Electric Co-Op, Northwest Natural Gas, and the City of Cascade Locks - or look here for other utility company assistance programs in Oregon. These local programs are often available even when federal funding has run out for the season.
For utility assistance, call (541) 298-5131 ext. 206 or email [email protected].
Some people who get LIHEAP may qualify for Weatherization, which is run through NeighborImpact. MCCAC did run the program in the past. Qualifying low-income residents of Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties who need home energy efficiency improvements — insulation, air sealing, heating system work — are now referred to NeighborImpact, a nonprofit based in Redmond, Oregon with experience in the program. You can contact NeighborImpact directly at (541) 316-2034, email [email protected], or reach them through MCCAC's referral process by calling the main line.
Housing and eviction prevention
MCCAC's housing work has expanded significantly over the years and is now the core of what the organization does. For people facing eviction, MCCAC can intervene if you've received a court-ordered eviction notice with a first court date scheduled, or an intent-to-evict notice (such as a 72-hour or 10-day notice). Staff work with tenants to maintain their current housing where possible. To request help, use the online intake form at https://www.mccac.com/start — the team responds to eviction prevention requests within seven days. There are also other eviction prevention programs in Oregon.
Rapid re-housing assistance is available for individuals and families already experiencing homelessness, covering move-in costs like application fees and security deposits, short-term rental assistance, and case management to help maintain housing once placed.
The Annex — transitional housing in The Dalles
The Annex opened in 2023 in downtown The Dalles and is MCCAC's main transitional housing facility, with 48 units for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It replaced the older Hamilton facility and represents a major expansion — the 48 beds represent a 259% increase in tri-county shelter capacity compared to what previously existed. The Annex provides medium-term stays with on-site access to behavioral health care, physical health services, and case management through community partners, with the goal of connecting residents to permanent housing. It serves Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman county residents.
Hood River Warming Shelter
A seasonal shelter operates in Hood River for adult individuals experiencing homelessness, running from November through March, however there are other homeless shelters listed on our guide. It uses pallet shelter units. Contact MCCAC's Hood River office for current availability and intake.
Drop-in center (The Gloria Center)
The Gloria Center in The Dalles hosts a generally monthly drop-in center on the last Friday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is usually that day of the week/month. No documentation is required to access services. Available at each drop-in: basic needs supplies, hot showers, laundry, a hot meal, and connections to resources. The Gloria Center also serves as an emergency shelter during severe weather and disaster events.
Veteran services (SSVF)
MCCAC administers the federal Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program for the tri-county area. It provides financial assistance and case management to low-income veteran households who are homeless or at risk of losing housing. Veterans must have an honorable discharge and meet income eligibility. Given the rural nature of the region and the presence of veterans in small communities across Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties, this program fills a gap that larger urban SSVF programs often miss. Contact the main number to be routed to veteran services staff.
How to reach MCCAC
The main office is at 2505 W. 7th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. Phone: (541) 298-5131. The Hood River office is at 606 State Street, Suite 1B, Hood River, OR 97031. Both offices are open weekdays. To start an assistance request online, visit https://www.mccac.com/start. MCCAC's site is available in Spanish (website: https://www.mccac.com/home?locale=es).
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