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Find Help Near You in Oregon

Private help lines for Oregon, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours211Shelter, food, bills, anything else1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

Behind on rent or bills? Start here

Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Oregon who help with this every day.

Start by dialing 211, or call your local Department of Human Services office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.

Dial 211Find your ODHS office
Quick answersFirst stepsPapers to bringWho to callWhat to sayTest yourself

Quick answers

Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?

Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Portland, the Portland Housing Bureau at 503 823 4000 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.

Dial 211Call Portland Housing Bureau

Official page: 211info.org, portland.gov/phb

What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?

Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.

Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Call Legal Aid Services of Oregon at 503 224 4086.

Call legal aidLegal Aid Services of Oregon

Official page: oregon.gov/ohcs/housing-assistance/pages/index.aspx, lasoregon.org

Can I get help with my utility bills?

Yes, maybe. The Oregon Energy Assistance Program helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.

Dial 211Energy help

Official page: oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/pages/utility-bill-payment-assistance.aspx

What if I need help with a deposit or moving?

Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.

Dial 211
Think you were treated differently when renting?

You can report it. The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.

Contact BOLI

Official page: oregon.gov/boli/about/pages/contact-us.aspx

What does Oregon Housing and Community Services offer renters?

Oregon Housing and Community Services shares housing resources across the state, with tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.

Housing help

Official page: oregon.gov/ohcs/housing-assistance/pages/index.aspx

How do I find my local Department of Human Services office?

Dial 211, or use the office finder on the ODHS website.

Dial 211Office finder

Your first steps, in order

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

0 of 5

All done. You are ready, friend.

Papers to have ready

Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.

0 of 6

All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

Who to call in Oregon

Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.

Any local help

211info

A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Oregon. You can also call 866 698 6155.

Call 211Visit website

Official page: 211info.org

Community action

Community Action Partnership of Oregon

Local community action agencies across Oregon help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Find your local agency on the website.

Find your agency

Official page: caporegon.org

Help that works in every state

Veterans

VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.

Call 877 424 3838

Official page: va.gov/homeless

Example: say your hours got cut in Salem

You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.

Or say you're behind on rent in Salem. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local Department of Human Services office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact Legal Aid Services of Oregon if you got court papers.

Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.

What to say

To legal aid

"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."

"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."

"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"

To your landlord

"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."

"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."

"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.

Test yourself

Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.

1. You got court papers from your landlord. What is a good first move?

Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.

2. Will a help program pay all of your rent?

Ask each place what they can do.

3. Can you get help if you have a job?

Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.

4. One place tells you no. What now?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.

Guides that go with this

Finding Rental HelpTalking with Your LandlordPaying Rent on TimeBudgeting for RentAvoiding Rental Scams

Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.

More help in Oregon

Find Help in Oregon: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, OHP and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in Oregon: Portland, Eugene and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Oregon: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in OregonJobs and Job Training in Oregon: WorkSource, Job Corps and Free HelpFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Help in OregonDomestic Violence Help in Oregon: Safety, Shelter and Legal HelpHelp for Veterans in Oregon: Housing, Health and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Oregon: Shelter, Food and SupportGetting an ID and Documents Back in Oregon: DMV, Birth Certificate and MailFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Oregon: Oregon Lifeline and LibrariesFree Legal and Tenant Help in Oregon: Eviction, Benefits and CourtHow to Make Blessing Bags in Oregon: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips

Nearby states

WashingtonIdahoNevadaCaliforniaAll states

Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026

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