Since 1974, Labor's Community Service Agency, Inc., a partnership program of Labor & United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, has reached out to support working families and their communities through a mix of health and human services, community events, advocacy, education, referral, grant programs, and collaborative efforts.

Supportive Service Programs

HELPING HANDS TEMPORARY HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE

Helping Hands is our signature safety net program for working families unable to make ends meet due to temporary loss of income or hardship. Hundreds of qualified families receive help in paying rent or utilities during a layoff or company closure, medical emergency or other short-term hardship.

We understand that layoffs and job loss can create significant hardship. However, our hardship assistance funds are limited to specific qualifying emergency needs under program guidelines and cannot be used for layoff or unemployment-related requests alone. When available, we may be able to provide limited supplemental support or referrals to other community resources. 

Note: LCSA is a non-profit organization and required to follow IRS 501(c)(3) rules and regulations. Following restricted fund rules for non-profits, funds donated to LCSA’s ongoing Helping Hands referral program cannot be used to support financial assistance needs for workers on full, economic and unfair labor practice strikes. Please click here for more information on how we can help during labor disputes.

APPRENTICE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Helping apprentices overcome financial barriers and stay on track toward completing their apprenticeship.

Labor’s Community Service Agency (LCSA) provides one-time financial assistance to eligible registered apprentices experiencing hardships that may impact their ability to continue their training.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

LCSA administers two apprenticeship retention programs:

•  BOLI/ODOT Heavy Highway Trades

•  WorkSource Apprentice Retention

Both programs help reduce financial barriers and support apprentices in successfully completing their training. Eligibility and assistance vary by program.

AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE

•  Housing: Rent and other qualifying housing expenses

•  Utilities: Essential utility bills

•  Tools: Required tools and equipment

•  Vehicle repairs: Qualifying repairs for reliable transportation

All assistance is subject to program guidelines and funding availability. Payments are made directly to approved vendors on behalf of eligible apprentices.

HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE

Are you an apprentice experiencing financial hardship? Contact your instructor or union leadership to discuss your needs and request a referral to LCSA.

These programs are referral-only. Eligibility requirements apply.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS?

Union representatives and apprenticeship partners can contact LCSA for information about eligibility and the referral process.

The CCTP program is financed in whole or in part with funds provided through Worksystems from Multnomah County and Metro. LCSA is an equal opportunity program/employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY 1-800-735-2900. To place a free relay call in Oregon, dial 711.