By Sarah Kellems
This is the first in a series of informational press releases from Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC). Recently, we have noticed misinformation circulating in the community. It is our goal to share accurate, up-to-date information about MCCAC and the services we offer to our community.
Transparency matters to us, and we are always happy to answer questions. Anyone is welcome to reach out by email or phone, or to stop by the Gloria Center or our Hood River Office during business hours to speak with us in person.
About MCCAC
MCCAC is a Community Action Agency that has served Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties since 1965. For nearly six decades, our work has been rooted in meeting community needs as they evolve, with a focus on serving low-income community members.
Many community members know of MCCAC through our Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Utilities Assistance Program, which serves thousands of community members each year. Our Utilities Assistance Program helps low-income households pay their utility bills or purchase bulk fuels to avoid utility shut-off and remain warm and safe in their homes. Learn more about MCCAC’s Utility Assistance Program at www.mccac.com/utility-assistance.
Over the past three years, MCCAC has experienced significant growth and has expanded the programs and services it offers to the community. With that growth comes the need to strengthen our infrastructure so we can continue providing effective, sustainable services moving forward. MCCAC currently employs 39 staff members, nine of whom work seasonally at the Hood River Shelter.
Our commitment to the community
Community change and resilience aren’t built overnight. This is generational work. Just as intergenerational poverty is real, so is the long-term effort required to break cycles of hardship and inequity.
We are grateful to those who came before us, those who laid the groundwork so future generations could continue this work. We’re committed for the long haul, and we hope you are too.
We care deeply about our community, and we also know that no single agency can solve these challenges alone. Real progress will take all of us showing up, working together, and supporting one another. We invite you to roll up your sleeves and join us.
For more information about MCCAC’s services and programs, visit www.mccac.com or follow MCCAC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mccactd. You can also learn more about how to support our work at www.mccac.com/donate.
Upcoming press releases in this series will highlight MCCAC’s Supportive Services for Veterans (SSVF) Program, the agency’s response to the Rowena Fire, and MCCAC’s role in convening the Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative.
Contact and hours
• MCCAC’s The Gloria Center, 2505 W Seventh St., The Dalles: Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.).
• MCCAC’s Hood River Office, 606 State St., Suite 1 B, Hood River: Open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
• Email: Info@mccac.com
• Phone: 541-298-5131
• Website: www.mccac.com
Full commentary online
Visit columbiagorgenews.com for the full commentary, which includes information about the Hood River Shelter (www.mccac.com/hood-river-shelter); The Gloria Center (www.mccac.com/gloria-center); Monthly Resource Drop-In Center (www.mccac.com/shelter-2); Emergency Shelter (www.mccac.com/severe-weather-resources); and The Annex (www.mccac.com/the-annex).
•••
Sarah Kellems is development and partnerships director for Mid-Columbia Community Action Council.
•••
Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.
Commented