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Assistance programs Columbia County OR and Saint Helens

Updated October 21, 2025 • 4 min read • 820 words
Focus Immediate Financial Assistance

Assistance programs Columbia

County Oregon

In a crisis, find help with utility bills, rent, security deposits, groceries or food in Columbia County Oregon. Below are charities, churches, and non-profits in St. Helens and Columbia County Oregon County that help struggling residents. The financial help is offered along with case management, job programs, and even free medical or dental care services.

Financial resources and emergency help with bills or rent

The Community Action Team, Inc. (C.A.T.) is a not-for-profit, private corporation that assists residents of Columbia County. C.A.T. helps thousands of people annually throughout the area. Call them at (503) 397-3511 to learn more or apply for the programs they may offer. Emergency housing program and help with rent - The housing program will provide assistance to those households that are earning less than 60% of the median income of families in Columbia County. The C.A.T. organization provides money to pay back rent, storage costs and deposits. This also help with mobile home lot rent in Columbia County if applicable. Locate other ways to get help with rent . Clothes for work or school are offered - Community action helps adults get free clothes for work or an interview. Students can also get the stuff they need for school in the region. Learn more on places that give out free clothes near you .

Emergency Energy Bill Assistance Program -

The primary goal of this energy and utility bill program, including OEAP, is to assist low to moderate income households who are in need of basic services. It will help people with a shut off by offering utility bill assistance, reconnection help, and grants are available to provide help with bills. More on electric bill assistance . Weatherization - The C.A.T. community action agency has offered residents a weatherization program that is targeted to help those households who have an annual income that is at a certain thresholds as determined by the federal government poverty level. Both renters and homeowners may also be able to qualify for the program Weatherization improvements can help people save several hundred dollars per year on their utility and heating bills. Cash grants for housing rehabilitation - The Community Action Team of Columbia County works with various local government agencies to administer Community Development Block Grant funds or interest free loans that are used for housing rehabilitation. The funds are to be used to update and modernize the homes, and ensure they are safe to live in. Many other programs are run by the agency, and read Community Action Team assistance programs .

Regional Salvation Army centers

also cover Columbia County Oregon. They offer things such as basic needs (free food, clothes, school supplies, Christmas toys, etc.) along with applications to financial help. There may also be loans, shelter, case management, rental or energy bill assistance and more. All low income or struggling families will also get free advice from the case managers on site. Continue with Salvation Army in Columbia County Oregon assistance programs .

St. Frederic Catholic Church

is part of

Saint Vincent de Paul Society

. They offer help to the low-income, elderly, and migrant farm workers among others. The SVDP is at 175 South 13th Street, Saint Helens, OR 97051. Programs range from free food or groceries to limited amounts of money to help pay rent or electric bills. There are also clothes, free winter coats, hot meals and more. Call (503) 397-0148 or 1-888-375-6074

United Way of Columbia County

provides information to people in need. They also offer some of their own programs, such as financial literacy, discounted medications, and applications to grant programs from the government. Call (503) 556-3614, or look here for details https://www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com/ .

Columbia County DHS

provides applications to government benefits. They include SNAP food stamps, free government money from TANF benefits, insurance and more. A focus is on families in poverty. The office is at 500 N Columbia River Hwy # 210, St Helens, OR 97051. Phone: (503) 397-1784

Columbia Pacific Food Bank

is the main regional food bank. Low-income families and those with no money will get canned groceries, fresh produce and more. New parents can get free baby formula or diapers too. The location is 1421 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051. Call (503) 397-9708