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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.