Men of Steel Arrive in West The Dalles; Gloria Center for Houseless Getting a Home
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council or MCCAC is having the Gloria Center constructed. It is a $5-plus-million project that will provide multiple services for houseless locals who are looking to transition into stable housing and working toward employment.
Annex Completion in Sight: Transitional Housing in Downtown The Dalles is Shaping Up
"The acquisition of the Oregon Motor Motel is a huge win for our communities as the site will provide critical housing and shelter capacity while also revitalizing the entry to the downtown core,” said MCCAC Executive Director, Kenny LaPoint.
“I Walk With My Head a Little Higher”: The Annex Brings Hope, Better Living Conditions
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) celebrated the first move-in day at The Annex, their newly inaugurated Project Turnkey 2.0 initiative on August 30th, 2023. Now, seventeen residents, all previously housed at The Dalles Pallet House Shelter, located on Bargeway Rd, have a more humane place to land while they access services and seek permanent housing.
Mid-Columbia's 2023 PIT Count Reveals 5% Rise in Houselessness, Highlights Regional Disparities and Need for Services
The results from the January 2023 Point in Time (PIT) count in the Mid-Columbia region have been collected. While the numbers have not yet been confirmed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), preliminary data shows an overall 5% increase in people experiencing houselessness throughout Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman counties as compared to data collected in 2022.
MCCAC and WAGAP to provide cooling kits instead of opening cooling centers
In response to feedback on how to best meet the needs of the community, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and Washington Gorge Action Programs made the decision to stop operating cooling shelters in the Columbia Gorge during extreme heat events and instead distribute kits containing supplies such as water, sunscreen and other items to people in need.
MCCAC Volunteer and Contractor Appreciation Lunch
On July 21, MCCAC held a Contractor and Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at The Annex in The Dalles to thank all those that have done work on The Annex over the last six months, including over 70 community volunteers and 21 local contractors.
MCCAC to Offer Cooling Kits During Extreme Temperatures
Cooling Kits to be offered during extreme temps, read more here.
$1.6M Renovations to The Annex Near Completion
MCCAC is making significant progress on $1.6 million in grant and weatherization funded renovations to The Oregon Motor Motel thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers, and local contractors.
MCCAC breaks ground on ‘The Gloria Center’
In a ceremony on Friday, March 24, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council broke ground on the Navigation Center and announced its official name: The Gloria Center.
The Gloria Center will serve as a one-stop service center for those experiencing houselessness, housing instability or poverty, containing both an emergency shelter and a host of “wrap around” services and resources. Currently, it is expected to be completed and open to the public by early 2024.
Houseless Collaborative partners awarded nearly $2M
Two members of the Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative (MCHC) have been awarded nearly $2 million in federal grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mid-Columbia Community Action Council will receive the Oregon component of the grant and will focus on operational support of “The Annex,” a newly acquired transitional housing/shelter complex that is being developed through the conversion of the Oregon Motor Motel in The Dalles.
MCCAC Plans for "The Annex” to Offer Needed Transitional Housing & Shelter
MCCAC recently acquired the former Oregon Motor Motel located on the edge of downtown The Dalles and is beginning renovations to convert the property into transitional housing and shelter.
MCHC 2022 Report Details Four Portraits of Houselessness
Originally published on Feb. 13, 2023
MCHC has released their 2022 report which offers a snapshot of the affordable housing and houselessness crisis and evidence-based solutions in action in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties.
MCCAC activates warming center ahead of life-threatening winter weather
The Dalles, Oregon – With freezing rain, snow, and wind chill temperatures projected to be as low as -15 to -25 degrees in the coming days, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council is opening a temporary warming center using St. Vincent de Paul’s building at 315 W. 3rd St. in The Dalles beginning 7pm Wednesday, December 21st, 2022.
MCCAC and WAGAP announce 22-23 winter shelters and outreach resources
Shelter information for 2022-2023
Hood River | Wasco | Sherman Counties
Learn more about warming shelter openings times and locations.
Houseless Collaborative goes on a roadshow
A massive bi-state effort is underway to change how agencies work together to address the issue of housing people in need. Beginning in November, the new Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative (MCHC) will present to city councils and county commissions as it shares its vision.
Wasco, Hood River, Sherman Counties See 50% Increase In People Experiencing Houselessness
While the numbers have not yet been confirmed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), preliminary data shows an overall 50% increase in people experiencing houselessness throughout Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties as compared to data collected in 2020. Read the full story by Columbia Community Connection News at CCC News.com.
From $50k a Year to Houseless in Hood River
“I went from making fifty grand plus a year and taking care of my kids just fine, to having nothing,” said Jaime Gehrig, a guest at Mid-Columbia Community Action Council shelter in The Dalles. In 2018 Jaime got sick, lost her leg and her ability to work. Then, last October, doctors told Jaime she had one year to live. But she’s still kicking. And thanks to MCCAC she’s getting connected to the services she needs to move forward.
Off the Street and Back on My Feet, MCCAC Shelter Guest Speaks Out
“This place gave me my hope back.” - Janice Coder
Janice Coder, army veteran and sexual assault survivor from Goldendale shares her story of losing hope while living on the street and how Mid-Columbia Community Action Council is helping her get her hope and her life back.
MCCAC Throws $4 million Life-preserver to Community During Pandemic
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council presented their 2021 annual report to The Dalles City Council Monday, February 14th. The report revealed that Mid-Columbia had provided over $4 million in services, housing, rent, utility, and bill pay assistance to community members in Wasco, Sherman, and Hood River Counties.
Surprising Those Experiencing Houselessness with Some Christmas Spirit
The holidays can be challenging for those experiencing homelessness in The Dalles. But this year, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, The Dalles Aging and People with Disabilities Office, and Lilo’s BBQ went the extra mile to bring some Christmas cheer to those experiencing housing instability in The Dalles.