Fighting Poverty. Helping People.

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) throughout the state fight poverty by providing a variety of services like food, shelter, housing, asset building, childcare, employment, and transportation for Oregonians in need, including seniors, children, migrant farmworkers, veterans, and those fleeing domestic violence. Here are some of the stories of families and individuals who are thriving with support they are getting from their local CAA.

Contact Us

Are you looking for data or information about programs that fight poverty in Oregon? Contact: Janet Merrell, Executive Director, Community Action Partnership of Oregon. 

If you are an individual in need of help, please see our map to find the Community Action Agency that provides services in your area. Then get in touch with them to start moving your family toward safe, stable, affordable housing.

Community Action Stories

Karen and Viktor

This young couple was able to address their complex array of needs because HOAP helped them navigate an equally complex system.

Homeless in Southern Oregon

Take a deep dive into homelessness in Southern Oregon.

Ellen

Ellen’s declining health led to the loss of her job, then the loss of her home. A hand up from MCCAC helped her reestablish a safe, affordable home.

Deanna

With little more than the clothes on their backs, Deanna and her son escaped domestic violence but found it much more difficult than expected to find a job and a new home.

Marion

NeighborImpact helped Marion, 82, weatherize her home of 20+ years to reduce her energy costs and make her beloved home safe and comfortable.

Maria and Margarita

Vital repairs help mother, daughter remain in their home.

Sam and Maya

Facing disability, unemployment, and a medical emergency, Maya turned to MCCAC for help securing housing.

Lisa

Domestic violence forced a mother and two sons from their home. Despite having family willing to help, Lisa needed additional supports to rebuild her life and care for her boys.

Linda and Jim

A Community Action of Washington County (CAO) weatherization success story.

Cherrie and Eric Schwartz

Young love is what brought Eric and Cherrie Schwartz to Central Oregon in 1971. A love of family, fresh air, and their charming log home is what kept them here. So when the couple’s heating system failed last spring, they were worried sick about how to afford a new one. Would they have to take …

Cherrie and Eric Schwartz Read More »

Mr. Arthur

CAPO’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) in Klamath Falls works with many local military service clubs, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

Bodhi

Bodhi shares his story and reflects on how the right support can change lives for the better.

Katie

Katie needed more than her current job provided in order to cover the costs of childcare and afford appropriate housing.

Multnomah DCHS Weatherization Program

Jaycob explains the Multnomah Department of County Human Services Weatherization Program.

Suzanne

MCCAC helped this family move into a new apartment in time for school.

Ana and Vanessa

These two teenage moms struggled, until case management and housing support helping them into safe stable homes of their own. Learn more about Insights Teen Parent Services.

Jessica

MCCAC used EHA funds and connected her with a caseworker who helped her develop a short-term plan to keep her housed until her benefits came through.

Charles

A housing scam left Charles and his wife living in their car for more than a year. They now have a comfortable home.

Get More Information

• Community Action in Oregon – Fact Sheet 
• Community Action in Your Area – see our map of Community Action Agencies
• Services Provided by Community Action