Resources
for Times of Crisis

How it’s helpful:

•  The Oregon Food Bank is a statewide network that links you with 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 food assistance sites ( Oregon Food Bank locations).

•  They serve anyone in need — you don’t need to show proof of income or documentation in many locations. 

•  They provide more than just groceries: e.g. free meals, fresh produce, mobile food markets, and help with other support services. 

•  No judgment, minimal formalities: e.g. many locations won't ask for much beyond a zip code or residency region.

How to use it:

•  Open their Find Support page to locate food pantries, pick-up sites, and mobile markets near you.

•  You can also call 2-1-1 (United Way’s help line) for immediate assistance to find a pantry near you (or open the 211info site). 

•  Text your zip code to 898211 for a quick way to get local food resources information sent directly to your phone.

• For people 60+ or with a disability: the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (855-673-2372) can help you find local meal programs and food boxes in your area (or open the ADRC site's Food page).

How it's helpful:

• OHCS lists a variety of rental & housing assistance programs: e.g. renters in crisis, utility/rent help, and eviction prevention. 

• They don’t always provide the services directly; they often direct you to local agencies.

How to use it:

• Visit the OHCS website (esp. the Rental and Housing Assistance page) to scan programs that fit your situation. 

• Gather documentation: proof of income, rent amount, lease or rental agreement, any eviction notices.

• Contact a local service provider or agency. They will need to know your county, income level, how long you’ve been behind, etc.

• If you’re behind on rent or facing eviction, act as soon as possible because funds are often limited and may be prioritized for those with urgent need (e.g. an eviction court case). 

• For immediate general help, you can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org (esp. the Housing and Shelter page) to find local resources. 

Important notes:

• Some statewide programs are currently closed or have exhausted funds. (E.g. the website for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program indicates the program is closed due to exhausted funds.)

• Even if a large state program is closed, there are often local programs (county or nonprofit-based) that may still have availability.

• Eligibility often depends on income, rental status, urgency (eviction risk), and location (county or city).

• Acting early is important. Waiting until eviction is imminent may limit options or cause delays

These are stressful times. Need emotional help?

988 Lifeline

If you are thinking about suicide or would like emotional support, the 988 Lifeline is available 24/7. They can also help if you are worried about a friend or loved one. Help is free and confidential.  See 988lifeline.org for options (e.g. phone, chat, text, deaf / hard of hearing).

Crisis Lines and Suicide Prevention

In addition, these resources are also listed by the Oregon Department of Human Services (Crisis Lines and Suicide Prevention page): 

• Lines for Life

  • Alcohol & Drug Helpline (800-923-4357)

  • Racial Equity Support Line (503-575-3764)

  • Senior Loneliness Line (503-200-1633)

  • Military Helpline (888-457-4838)

  • YouthLine (877-968-8491)

• National Runaway Safeline (800-RUNAWAY)

• The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth (866-488-7386 and contact options on Get Help page)

Planned Parenthood

• See the Health Centers in Oregon page for links to clinics in multiple Oregon cities, including maps, booking and other information.

Oregon Health Authority

• See What reproductive health services can I get? for birth control and clinic information.

Northwest Abortion Access Fund

• The NWAA Fund page Find Help includes steps for finding financial assistance for abortion in Oregon.

• To help support this funding, see the NWAA Fund's Donate page. 

AbortionFinder

• AbortionFinder's State-by-State guide includes a page for Abortion in Oregon, with links to multiple sources of support.

National Network of Abortion Funds

• The NNAF page Need an Abortion? includes steps for finding financial assistance for an abortion.

• Please visit the National Network of Abortion Funds Donate page to contribute to this cause.