OREGON
211 Oregon: You can call 211 or use their online database here to search for resources in your local area. 211 has an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of resources and can be a good place to start your search for community resources.
Eviction Defense
Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project: The Eviction Defense Project provides free legal assistance to low-income tenants facing eviction court cases. Once you have received eviction court papers (the notice you receive after a 10-day or 30-day notice to pay or vacate), you can complete an online intake here or call 888-585-9638.
*If you live in the City of Portland, you can reach out for help through the Eviction Defense Project as soon as you receive a notice to vacate (before the court process begins).
Oregon State Bar Modest Means Program: Eviction Defense Subsidy: The Oregon State Bar has a program to help connect moderate-income Oregonians to more affordable eviction defense legal services assistance for tenants who do not qualify for free services. Apply online and learn more here.
Union-Based Legal Assistance Programs: Union members may have access to legal services through their union or the Union Plus program that their union participates in. We strongly encourage union members facing eviction to reach out to their unions to find out if they have access to a lawyer or legal assistance program.
Housing/Tenant’s Rights
Oregon Law Help: Get more information about your rights as a tenant regarding rent increases, moving in and out, evictions and terminations, repairs and safety, housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, housing protections for people with disabilities, and more on their website. This is an extremely helpful resource to consult if you are having issues with or questions about your rental housing and to learn more about your rights as a tenant.
Utility Discount/Assistance Programs
Oregon Energy Fund: Find out where to apply for energy assistance in your local area by searching the Oregon Energy Fund’s comprehensive list of energy assistance agencies.
Portland General Electric (PGE) Income-Qualified Bill Discount Program: PGE customers with incomes below 60% of the state median family income (ex. $64,282 for a family of four) may qualify for a monthly discount on their bill between 15% and 60%. Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.
Pacific Power Low-Income Discount Program: Pacific Power customers with incomes below 60% of the state median family income (ex. $64,282 for a family of four) may qualify for a monthly discount on their bill. Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.
NW Natural Income Qualified Bill Discount Program: NW Natural customers with incomes below 60% of the state median family income (ex. $64,282 for a family of four) may qualify for a monthly discount on their bill between 15% and 40%. Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.
Cascade Natural Gas Low-Income Assistance Program: Cascade Natural Gas customers with incomes below 60% of the state median family income (ex. $64,282 for a family of four) may qualify for a monthly discount on their bill between 15% and 95%. Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.
*If your utility company is not listed above, they may still have a discount or customer assistance program. Search ‘utility company’s name + bill assistance’ to see if support is available
Food Assistance
Oregon Food Bank Food Finder: Find free groceries, meals, or places to double SNAP benefits near you here. Food banks are a great way for union members and working people to access supplement food costs when they’re experiencing hardship because many food banks don’t income qualify, so it can be there for you when you need it regardless of income.
Oregon SNAP Online Application: Apply for food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) online here or visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to apply in person.