MCCAC Receives $1.5 Million to Develop Navigation Center in The Dalles
This article was originally published in Columbia Community Connection News.
by Cole Goodwin
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCACC) recently received $1.5 million through the 2021 budget reconciliation bill to help develop a Navigation Center in The Dalles. The Navigation Center will serve as a comprehensive resource center for low-income community members and those experiencing houselessness in the Mid-Columbia region and become the new permanent location of The Dalles tiny home shelters. Oregon State Representative Daniel Bonham provided critical support for the project.
“Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is proud to lead a collaboration of community service providers, county agencies, and local supporters to launch a new, exciting project to better serve our community,” said MCACC in a press release.
The Center will be a one-stop service center which will improve access to numerous community resources.
The Center will provide office space for a variety of community agencies that will make it easier for community members to access services, while also increasing the efficiency of those agencies to serve residents. The Next Door, the Housing Authority, the Oregon Human Development Corporation, Mid-Columbia Center for Living, One Community Health, and Nch’i Wana Housing are some of the agencies that would provide services at the Center. The center will also include a computer lab which will double as a job center, and become the new permanent location of The Dalles tiny home shelters which are currently located on Bargeway Road in The Dalles. One Community Health may also station a mobile medical unit on site.
Executive Director Kenny LaPoint
“MCCAC is excited to make its vision for a one-stop service center a reality,” said MCCAC Executive Director, Kenny LaPoint. “I believe the Center represents the collaborative nature of our community. The Mid-Columbia region does a phenomenal job of working together to tackle the challenges that impact our friends and neighbors and the Center will do just that.”
More information about the location of the Navigation Center, as well as funding opportunities to participate in this project, will be available soon and MCACC will present more information about the Navigation Center at the Wasco County Commissioners meeting on September 1st.
About MCACC
Mid Columbia Community Action is a private non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. Formed in 1966, as a result of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, signed by then President Lyndon Johnson, MCCAC’s mission is to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty that exist in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties. MCACC’s mission is to build a better future for thier community through partnership and equity-centered programs that prevent and eliminate poverty and houselessness.
