MCCAC gives annual report

THE DALLES — Leslie Naramore, executive director of the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), delivered an annual report at The Dalles City Council meeting on Oct. 26, highlighting leadership additions, shelter expansions, and updates to services.

Established in 1966, the nonprofit agency assists low-income members of Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties, dedicated to “helping people help themselves and each other,” Naramore said.

A key focus this year has been stabilization — making sure MCCAC has the staff in place to do the work. New leadership includes Deputy Director Kyle Bray, Finance Manager Kelly Beber, and Director of Housing Stabilization Mitzi Mason.

Providing access to housing is the agency’s chief concern; it will open the Hood River Shelter year-round this fall, with expected launch on Nov. 16. Access was previously confined to a four-month period during wintertime.

While open last year, the shelter had 66 guests; four households went into permanent housing and 10 households went into treatment. Afterwards, two additional households who kept working with staff went into permanent housing. Naramore noted that this cohort was the agency’s eldest and most medically fragile population ever, with 27 guests over 55 and 9 over 65 — a trend that’s happening nationally as more seniors age into houselessness.

“We’re looking forward to seeing more successes,” Naramore said. “We’ve seen the success that we have at The Annex, and so knowing that we can provide those year-round services is going to help.”

Meanwhile, The Gloria Center will transition into a wintertime shelter, expected to open on Nov. 23; in the past, it had been open on an emergency basis. MCCAC will also launch the Hood River Shelter Capital Campaign to secure a long-term location.

The Annex, a The Dalles facility that includes 44 units of housing, will convert 21 of its units to permanent supportive housing. These units have kitchenettes, allowing residents referred by the Mid-Columbia Center for Living to cook their own meals. Rents from these units will support The Annex moving forward, while remaining units continue as substance-free, housing-focused shelter for individuals and families.

The Annex recently opened a new fenced-in playground, made possible through partnerships with Google, Granite Construction, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. “It’s been a lovely addition for the families there,” Naramore said. “It’s a place where they can play together and have a joyful time. In our line of work, we don’t always get to have those experiences.”

MCCAC’s Disaster Recovery Coordinator Natasha Olson continues to work with households affected by the Rowena Fire. Twenty-eight have been rehoused, with 15 receiving long-term housing support. Eighty-four total households are receiving ongoing case management. Two households have also been assisted following this summer’s Grasshopper Fire.

The agency has added a new staff position in partnership with One Community Health’s Mobile Medical Unit, made possible by the Rural Health Transformation Project. This individual will focus on connecting clients with the mobile medical unit and community outreach.

MCCAC offers a variety of utility assistance programs to help low-income individuals pay their utility bills or purchase bulk fuels for heating, though availability is seasonal and subject to funding.

In addition to seasonal assistance, MCCAC partners with many local utility vendors to offer year-round local assistance and discount programs that prioritize senior and disabled households. Phone lines opened on Oct. 1, and support is first-come, first-served.

MCCAC now hosts Bread and Blessings, a daily meals service that’s operated for over 30 years. Monday through Friday, from 9 to 10 a.m., free meals are available at The Gloria Center. These meals aren’t limited to houseless individuals, Naramore explained, but to anyone in need during a time of rising food prices. “It’s a great way to build community,” she said.

For more information on MCCAC and its services, visit www.mccac.com.

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