Help in Oregon
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 23 places in Oregon, most of them in Portland, Eugene and Salem, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (15) and after prison or jail (12).
Call to Safety
Portland-area crisis line for anyone affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. Advocates answer around the clock for safety planning, shelter referrals, support groups, and sexual assault response. Call the free, confidential line to start.
211info
Oregon's information and referral line connecting callers to shelter, food, health care, mental health, and employment help across the state and Southwest Washington. Dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211 during weekday business hours.
Oregon DOC Reentry and Release
The state corrections unit that handles transition planning, release coordination, and connections to community resources for adults leaving Oregon prisons. Reach it through the DOC main line or general email while still in custody or after release.
Youth Transitions Program (Independent Living Program)
State program for current and former foster youth covering skill-building, Youth Transition Funds, the Chafee Education and Training Grant (up to $5,000 per year through age 25), and housing subsidies for those aging out. Youth still in care go through their caseworker; youth already out call to request an ILP case.
Refugee Cash and Medical Benefits
Monthly cash on an EBT card and Oregon Health Plan coverage for newly arrived refugees and others with eligible immigration status who are not covered by TANF or Medicaid. Apply online at benefits.oregon.gov, by phone, or at a local ODHS office; resettlement agencies can help with the application.
Oregon Vital Records (Center for Health Statistics)
Where to get a certified copy of an Oregon birth certificate. The first copy costs $25 ($28 in person with ID authentication); appointments are same-day for most records, mail orders take 3–5 weeks. One valid government photo ID or three documents from the approved list are required.
Oregon DMV Identification Card
State ID card issuance. Make an appointment or use standby service at a DMV office, bring proof of identity and Oregon address, provide a Social Security number or certify you have none, and pay the fee. An interim card is issued on the spot; the permanent card arrives by mail within about 20 days.
ONE Customer Service Center (SNAP, OHP, TANF)
Single point of entry for Oregon food benefits (SNAP), the Oregon Health Plan, TANF cash, child care assistance, and TA-DVS funds for people leaving domestic violence. Apply through the ONE portal online, by phone on weekdays, or in person at a local office.
Sponsors
Eugene nonprofit serving people with conviction histories through transitional housing, a Reentry Resource Center, and one-on-one mentorship. Call or stop by the Highway 99 office on weekdays to ask about openings.
4D Recovery
Peer-run recovery community organization for adolescents and young adults, with centers in Portland, Gresham, Clackamas, Hillsboro, Salem, Bend, and Medford. Start by filling out the online self-assessment or referral form, or call the admin office.
Alcohol & Drug Helpline
Statewide helpline offering referrals to treatment and counseling for anyone seeking recovery from alcohol or drug use. Lines for Life also runs Oregon's 988 crisis line and a YouthLine for people up to age 24.
Center for Hope & Safety
Salem-based advocacy agency with a 24-hour crisis line for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Bilingual English/Spanish advocates answer the line; the advocacy office is open weekday business hours.
Safety Compass
Northwest Oregon advocacy organization for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, sending trained advocates into the community around the clock for on-scene crisis response, safe rides, shelter, and emergency support. Survivors or referring agencies connect through the Need Help or Make a Referral links on the site.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon – Portland Regional Office
Free civil legal help for low-income residents of Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco counties, including housing, benefits, and domestic violence matters. Intake is by phone only during weekday hours; interpreters are provided on request.
Lane County Legal Aid Office
Free legal services for Lane County residents struggling to make ends meet, prioritizing housing, public benefits, family law, and domestic violence cases. Walk in or call the downtown Eugene office on weekdays; staff speak English and Spanish.
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
Portland's largest refugee and immigrant service agency, offering employment, housing support, legal services, survivor services, language access, and youth programs from six hubs across Oregon. Call the main Glisan Street office to be routed to the right program.
Blanchet House
Old Town Portland hospitality house serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Saturday to anyone who comes to the door, plus clothing and hygiene items. Bethanie's Room offers overnight shelter for women 18 and up every night of the year, and residential programs run downtown and at a farm in Carlton.
Portland Rescue Mission
Faith-based shelter, meals, and recovery programs for men, women, and mothers with children experiencing homelessness or addiction in Portland. Call 503-MISSION to ask about a bed, a meal, or the residential recovery track.
Transition Projects
Portland nonprofit that shelters hundreds of people a night and helps them move from homelessness into housing and employment. Program details and access points are listed under Our Programs on the website.
The ARCHES Project
Salem-area support for people experiencing homelessness, run by the region's community action agency, which also opens cooling and warming centers and operates a 36-bed transitional facility for veterans. Reach the agency on weekdays to be connected to ARCHES services.
Union Gospel Mission of Salem
Round-the-clock shelter and essential-needs support for adults and children experiencing homelessness in the Salem-Keizer area. Check the Get Help section of the website for current intake instructions.
Eugene Service Station
Day shelter for adults experiencing homelessness in Eugene, open every day with breakfast, lunch, showers, laundry, clothing, and supplies. It is also the entry point for Dawn to Dawn shelter, Safe Parking, and Egan Warming Centers; just show up during open hours.
Eugene Mission
Faith-based shelter in Eugene providing meals, beds, clothing, and social services to homeless men, women, and children throughout Lane County at any hour. Call ahead to ask about current intake.
National lines that work in Oregon
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.