Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Oregon
Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: August 2025
This guide focuses on Oregon-specific emergency help first, then walks you through housing, money, food, health care, utilities, and legal protections. Links go to official government and well-established sources. Please verify details with the agency, because programs can change.
Quick Help (Keep this handy)
| Need now | Who to contact | How to reach | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger | 911 | Call 911 | Police, fire, ambulance. |
| Mental health crisis | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Dial 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline | 24/7 free confidential counseling. See the official 988 site: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. |
| Abuse, neglect or exploitation (any age 65+ or adult with disabilities) | Oregon Adult Protective Services (APS), ODHS | 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) | Report suspected abuse. Learn more: ODHS Abuse and Neglect Reporting. |
| One-stop help finding local resources | 211info | Dial 211 or visit 211info.org | Housing, shelter openings, cooling/warming centers, food, utility help. |
| Aging and disability help, local Area Agency on Aging | ADRC of Oregon | 1-855-673-2372 or ADRC of Oregon | Options counseling, meals, in-home supports, caregivers. |
| Disaster alerts | OR-Alert | Sign up: OR-Alert | Get wireless/emergency alerts in your county. |
| Disaster aid after wildfires/floods | FEMA | Apply: DisasterAssistance.gov | If a federal disaster is declared in your county. |
| Veterans in crisis | Veterans Crisis Line | Dial 988, then press 1; or text 838255; or visit Veterans Crisis Line | 24/7 confidential support. |
| Medicare counseling | Oregon SHIBA (statewide) | SHIBA counseling and events | Free unbiased help comparing Medicare plans. |
How to use this guide fast
- If it’s an emergency, call 911 or 988 first.
- If you need shelter, food, or utility help today, call 211.
- For abuse or neglect, call APS at 1-855-503-SAFE.
- For long-term options (meals, in-home help), call the ADRC at 1-855-673-2372.
- If your home or budget was hit by wildfire, flood, or storm, enroll in OR-Alert and check DisasterAssistance.gov.
- If you’re not sure where to start, call 211 or your local ADRC; they’ll point you to the right county office or nonprofit.
Emergency Help First
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Call APS: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). You can report even if you’re not sure. See official guidance: ODHS Abuse and Neglect Reporting.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Reality check: APS may need to speak with you and the person at risk. If you’re worried about retaliation, say so when you call; you can ask about confidential reporting.
Mental health and emotional support
- 24/7 crisis help: Dial 988, or visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Oregon Senior Loneliness Line: free support for older adults through Lines for Life. Learn more: Senior Loneliness Line (Lines for Life).
Tip: When calling 988, you can ask for an older-adult–experienced counselor if one is available.
Homelessness, shelter, and extreme weather
- Dial 211 for current shelter openings, motel voucher info, and transportation to warming/cooling centers: Find shelter and severe weather info (211info).
- State housing agency overview and links: Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
Reality check: Shelter space changes by the hour. If phone lines are busy, try again or use the 211 website. Local rules (pets, storage, check-in times) vary.
Disasters (wildfire, smoke, floods, earthquakes)
- Sign up for alerts: OR-Alert.
- State emergency agency: Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
- After a federal disaster is declared in your county, apply for FEMA aid: DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans (homeowners and renters can qualify): SBA Disaster Assistance.
Tip: Keep receipts and photos of damage. FEMA and SBA both accept receipts for temporary lodging, generators, and repairs. Don’t wait for home inspections to submit your application.
Medication, oxygen, and medical equipment needs
- For Medicare Part D plan issues (early refills, lost meds), call your plan and ask about “emergency fills.” Get free help from Oregon SHIBA.
- For Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), contact your Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) or see OHP info: Oregon Health Plan.
- If medical equipment is life-sustaining and power is out, tell your utility now. See protections: Oregon PUC Utility Shutoffs and Protections.
Reality check: Early refills and overrides are allowed in many emergencies, but each plan has its own process. Ask your pharmacist to call your plan while you’re there.
Money, Food, and Bills (Fast-Track Options)
Food today and this week
- Food banks and pantries: search by ZIP at Oregon Food Bank – Find Food.
- Home-delivered meals (Older Americans Act) and senior dining sites: contact the ADRC of Oregon to connect with your Area Agency on Aging.
SNAP (food benefits):
- Apply online: ONE.Oregon.gov.
- Program info: SNAP – ODHS.
- If you have very low income/resources, ask about “expedited” SNAP—benefits may arrive within 7 days (federal rule). See ODHS SNAP details: SNAP in Oregon.
EBT card lost or stolen?
- See how to replace your card: ODHS EBT/Oregon Trail Card.
Rent, mortgage, and property taxes
- Emergency rent and shelter resources change frequently; start with 211info and OHCS.
- Legal help if you get an eviction notice: OregonLawHelp.org (tenant rights and forms) and Legal Aid Services of Oregon.
- Seniors who own a home: Oregon’s Property Tax Deferral can pay your taxes and place a lien to be repaid later. Program details and application windows: Oregon Department of Revenue – Property Tax Deferral.
Reality check: Rent funds are limited and often open/close without much notice. Call early, follow documentation instructions exactly, and ask about waitlists and appeal steps.
Utilities, phone, and internet
- Energy help (LIHEAP, weatherization): OHCS Energy & Weatherization and OHCS Energy Assistance Overview.
- Shutoff protections and medical or severe-weather rules: Oregon PUC Consumer Protections.
- Phone/internet discount for low-income households: Oregon Lifeline (state Lifeline program).
- If you use oxygen or powered medical equipment, notify your utility in writing and by phone.
Reality check: Discounts don’t erase bills. Ask about budget billing or payment plans. If denied, you can file a complaint with the PUC.
Table: Essential Programs at a Glance
| Topic | Program | What it does | Where to apply or learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | SNAP | Monthly food benefit on the Oregon Trail (EBT) card. Expedited processing may apply. | SNAP – ODHS / Apply: ONE.Oregon.gov |
| Senior meals | OAA nutrition services | Home-delivered and congregate meals via local AAAs. | Start at ADRC of Oregon |
| Health coverage | Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) | Free/low-cost health coverage for eligible adults, includes dental and rides to care via CCOs. | OHP – OHA / Apply: ONE.Oregon.gov |
| Medicare help | SHIBA | Free counseling on Medicare plans, costs, appeals. | Oregon SHIBA |
| Energy | LIHEAP & Weatherization | Bill help and home energy upgrades through local agencies. | OHCS Energy & Weatherization |
| Phone/Internet | Oregon Lifeline | Monthly discount for qualifying households; some providers offer free cell service. | Oregon Lifeline – PUC |
| Property Taxes | Senior & Disabled Deferral | Defers property taxes for qualifying homeowners age 62+; lien on property. | Oregon DOR – Deferral |
| Care at home | Oregon Project Independence (OPI) | State-funded in-home services for eligible older adults to stay independent. | Start at ADRC of Oregon |
| Abuse help | APS | Investigates abuse/neglect; connects to protections and services. | ODHS Abuse Reporting |
Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Supports
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) – Medicaid
- Overview and how to qualify: Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
- Apply or renew: ONE.Oregon.gov.
- Transportation to medical appointments (non-emergency): Contact your Coordinated Care Organization (CCO). Find your CCO: OHA CCO Directory.
Tip: Keep your address and phone current with OHP so you don’t miss renewal notices.
Medicare
- Free, unbiased counseling: Oregon SHIBA.
- Extra Help with Part D drug costs (federal): SSA – Extra Help.
- Medicare Savings Programs (help paying Part B premiums) are run by the state Medicaid office; SHIBA can screen you and explain how to apply.
Reality check: Plan networks and drug formularies change. Re-check your plan every fall during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period with SHIBA.
In-home supports and caregiving
- Oregon Project Independence (OPI): State-funded in-home help for eligible older adults who may not qualify for Medicaid long-term care. Start with your local AAA via the ADRC of Oregon.
- Family Caregiver Support Program: Respite, training, and support for unpaid caregivers, funded under the Older Americans Act. Connect via your AAA at the ADRC of Oregon.
- Oregon Home Care Commission: Information for hiring and training homecare workers (for Medicaid and some state-funded programs): Oregon Home Care Commission.
Long-term care advocacy:
- If you or a family member has a concern about a nursing facility, assisted living, or memory care, contact the independent Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Table: Health and Caregiving Supports
| Need | Program/Contact | What it does | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare plan choice | SHIBA | One-on-one help comparing costs and coverage, appeals. | Oregon SHIBA |
| Medicaid coverage | OHP | Medical, dental, behavioral health for eligible adults; rides via CCO. | OHP – OHA |
| Care at home | OPI & OAA services | In-home help, chore, respite, caregiver support through local AAAs. | ADRC of Oregon |
| Facility concerns | Long-Term Care Ombudsman | Independent advocate for residents in licensed long-term care. | Oregon LTCO |
| Emotional support | Senior Loneliness Line | Friendly support line for older adults, statewide. | Lines for Life – Senior Loneliness Line |
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
- Emergency shelter, motel vouchers, and rent help are mostly handled locally. Start with 211info, which tracks openings and hours.
- State housing agency: Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) funds programs like Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) through community providers. Local agencies decide intake times and waitlists.
Eviction and renter rights:
- Learn about notices, court timelines, and defenses: OregonLawHelp.org – Housing.
- If you receive court papers, don’t ignore them. Go to the first court date and ask for legal help.
- Find a legal aid office: Legal Aid Services of Oregon.
Homeowners:
- Property Tax Deferral for seniors and people with disabilities: Oregon Department of Revenue – Deferral.
- Weatherization and repairs (energy efficiency): OHCS Weatherization.
- Rural home repair grants/loans (very low-income homeowners): USDA Section 504 Home Repair – Oregon.
Reality check: Documentation (ID, lease, proof of income, past-due notices) is usually required. If gathering papers is hard, ask the agency for a checklist and acceptable alternatives.
Utilities, Energy, and Communications
- Energy bill help (LIHEAP) and weatherization: OHCS Energy Assistance.
- Shutoff rules and consumer rights: Oregon PUC Consumer Protections.
- Phone/internet discounts: Oregon Lifeline.
- Nonprofit bill help can sometimes fill gaps: check 211info by ZIP code.
Tip: If you’re behind on bills, call the utility before a shutoff notice arrives and ask about a payment plan, medical certificate, or a hold during extreme weather.
Table: Utility and Communication Help
| Bill type | Program | What it does | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric/gas | LIHEAP | Helps with heating/cooling bills via local agencies. | OHCS Energy Assistance |
| Home energy | Weatherization | Free energy upgrades that cut bills (insulation, sealing, etc.). | OHCS Weatherization |
| Shutoff protections | Oregon PUC | Rules on disconnections, severe-weather holds, medical needs. | PUC Consumer Protections |
| Phone/Internet | Oregon Lifeline | Monthly discount on phone or internet service if eligible. | Oregon Lifeline – PUC |
Transportation
- Rides to medical appointments if you have OHP are arranged through your CCO. Find your CCO: OHA CCO Directory.
- Ride Connection (Portland metro) provides free/low-cost rides for older adults and people with disabilities: Ride Connection.
- ADA paratransit in the Portland area: TriMet LIFT.
- For other counties, find your local transit district or dial-a-ride program: ODOT Public Transportation Directory.
Reality check: Many rural services require advance scheduling (24–72 hours). Ask about rider eligibility and suggested donations or fares.
Safety, Legal Protections, and Consumer Issues
- Protective orders for abuse of older adults and people with disabilities (EPPDAPA): Learn about options and forms via the Oregon Judicial Department’s protection orders page: OJD Protective Orders.
- Consumer scams and fraud: Report and get help through the Oregon Department of Justice – Consumer Protection.
- Identity theft recovery plan: Federal Trade Commission – IdentityTheft.gov.
Tip: Never pay fees upfront to “guarantee” grants, loans, or rent approvals. Government programs do not charge you to apply.
Inclusive Help: Focused Supports
LGBTQ+ older adults
- Friendly House SAGE Metro Portland offers social connection, case management, and resource navigation centered on LGBTQ+ elders: Friendly House – SAGE Metro Portland.
- Q Center (Portland) can connect you to LGBTQ+ community resources: Portland Q Center.
- For statewide services (meals, in-home help), contact your local AAA via the ADRC of Oregon.
Reality check: Outside metro areas, LGBTQ+-specific programs may be limited. Ask ADRC about inclusive providers and remote support groups.
Veterans (including older veterans)
- Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA): Benefits counseling, county VSOs, referrals: ODVA.
- Find your County Veterans Service Office: ODVA – County Contacts.
- VA pension with Aid & Attendance/Housebound helps with care costs for qualifying veterans/spouses: VA Aid & Attendance.
- Homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing (for eligible veterans) through VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): VA SSVF.
- Crisis support 24/7: Dial 988 and press 1 or visit Veterans Crisis Line.
Tribal elders and American Indian/Alaska Native seniors
- Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes operate elder services, meals, and housing supports for their members. Contact your tribal social services office or elder program. State overview: Oregon Blue Book – Tribal Governments.
- Indian Health Service (Portland Area) links to tribal and urban Indian health programs: IHS Portland Area.
- ODHS Tribal Affairs coordinates with tribes on services: ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs.
Tip: If you’re a tribal elder living off-reservation, ask ADRC and your tribe about coordination for meals, transportation, and medical care.
Rural seniors and limited access areas
- Start with ADRC of Oregon for your nearest AAA and in-home services.
- Ask your local transit/dial-a-ride about volunteer driver programs and medical ride escorts: ODOT Transit Directory.
- Use Oregon Lifeline for phone/internet discounts if broadband is costly.
- Some services offer telehealth or phone-based case management; ask ADRC if home visits are limited.
Reality check: Rural areas may have waitlists for aides and rides. Get on lists early, ask about alternatives (telehealth, meal pick-up), and check back regularly.
Table: Housing, Food, and Legal Quick Links
| Topic | Primary Oregon resource | Backup/extra help |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter and rent help | 211info housing resources | OHCS state programs |
| Food today | Oregon Food Bank – Find Food | ADRC – Senior meals |
| Eviction defense | OregonLawHelp – Tenants | Legal Aid Services of Oregon |
Transportation and Access to Care
- If you have OHP, ask your CCO about non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Find your CCO here: OHA CCO Directory.
- For non-OHP riders, check local options through: Ride Connection (Portland metro) and ODOT Transit Directory.
- Paratransit in Portland area: TriMet LIFT.
Tip: Your doctor’s office may have staff who can schedule rides for you or provide forms needed for paratransit eligibility.
Table: Money and Property Protections
| Need | Oregon program | Note | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property tax relief | Senior & Disabled Property Tax Deferral | Defers taxes for eligible homeowners (lien applies). | Oregon DOR – Deferral |
| Disaster repairs | FEMA & SBA | FEMA grants; SBA low-interest loans for renters/homeowners in declared disasters. | DisasterAssistance.gov / SBA Disaster |
| Utility disconnection | PUC consumer protections | Medical and severe weather protections; complaint process. | PUC – Utility Shutoffs |
Resources by Region (Selected)
Note: Programs are delivered by county and region. If you don’t see your area, call the statewide ADRC at 1-855-673-2372 or use the locator at ADRC of Oregon.
- Portland Metro
- Multnomah County Aging, Disability & Veterans Services: ADVS – Multnomah County
- Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS): Washington County DAVS
- Clackamas County Social Services: Clackamas County Social Services
- Ride Connection (transportation): Ride Connection
- Willamette Valley
- Southern Oregon
- Rogue Valley Council of Governments – Senior & Disability Services (Jackson, Josephine): RVCOG SDS
- Douglas County Senior Services: Douglas County Senior Services
- Central Oregon
- Council on Aging of Central Oregon (Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson and more): Council on Aging of Central Oregon
- Statewide directories
- Find your local transit/dial-a-ride: ODOT Transit Directory
- Find food near you: Oregon Food Bank – Find Food
- Statewide resource locator: ADRC of Oregon and 211info
Reality check: County names and service areas can change. If a link doesn’t work or a phone number has changed, call ADRC or 211.
Frequently Asked Questions (Oregon-Specific)
Q1: I need help with food quickly. What’s the fastest way?
- Call 211 to find a pantry open today and apply for SNAP at ONE.Oregon.gov. If you have very low income/resources, ask ODHS about “expedited” SNAP processing. See official details: SNAP – ODHS.
Q2: How do I replace a lost or stolen Oregon EBT (Oregon Trail) card?
- Go to ODHS EBT Card for instructions and customer service information. Report loss immediately to protect your benefits.
Q3: I received an eviction notice. What should I do?
- Don’t ignore it. Read the notice dates, keep copies, and get legal help fast: OregonLawHelp – Housing and Legal Aid Services of Oregon. Call 211 to ask about local rent help.
Q4: My electricity is about to be shut off. Are there protections for seniors?
- Oregon has rules on disconnections, medical certificates, and severe-weather holds. Learn your rights and how to file a complaint: Oregon PUC – Utility Shutoffs. Ask your utility about a payment plan and see OHCS Energy Assistance.
Q5: Can I get help with in-home care if I don’t qualify for Medicaid?
- Possibly. Oregon Project Independence (OPI) provides in-home help for eligible older adults. Contact your local AAA via the ADRC of Oregon.
Q6: I have Medicare and can’t afford my prescriptions.
- Ask about Extra Help for Part D: SSA – Extra Help. Get free plan counseling with Oregon SHIBA.
Q7: Where can I report abuse of a senior or a person with disabilities?
- Call APS at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). More info: ODHS Abuse Reporting. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Q8: I’m a veteran and at risk of homelessness. Who can help?
- Contact your County Veterans Service Office for benefits and referrals: ODVA – County Contacts, and ask about SSVF: VA SSVF.
Q9: How do I get rides to my doctor?
- If you’re on OHP, call your CCO about ride services (NEMT). Find your CCO: OHA CCO Directory. In Portland metro, see Ride Connection; elsewhere, check the ODOT Transit Directory.
Q10: I live in a nursing home and have a complaint.
- Contact the Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They’re independent and can investigate and advocate.
Q11: Are there programs for LGBTQ+ seniors outside Portland?
- Dedicated programs are limited, but your local AAA via the ADRC of Oregon can connect you with inclusive services. Friendly House SAGE Metro Portland provides some statewide virtual supports: SAGE Metro Portland.
Q12: Who do I call after a wildfire damages my home?
- Sign up for OR-Alert, contact your county emergency management, then apply for federal help if a disaster is declared: DisasterAssistance.gov. Keep receipts and photos.
Q13: My income is low and internet is too expensive. What can I do?
- Check eligibility for Oregon Lifeline phone/internet discounts. Many libraries also offer free computer/internet access.
Q14: Is there help with property taxes if I’m “house rich, cash poor”?
- Yes, the Senior & Disabled Property Tax Deferral can help if you qualify. Details: Oregon DOR – Deferral.
Q15: Where do I get unbiased Medicare advice?
- Oregon SHIBA. Free, statewide, unbiased.
Resources (Official and Established)
- Abuse/neglect reporting: ODHS Abuse Reporting
- Aging resources and local AAAs: ADRC of Oregon
- One application portal (SNAP, OHP, cash, etc.): ONE.Oregon.gov
- SNAP food benefits: SNAP – ODHS
- Oregon Health Plan: OHP – OHA
- Medicare counseling: Oregon SHIBA
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Oregon LTCO
- Home Care Commission: Oregon OHCC
- Housing and state programs: OHCS
- 211 statewide directory: 211info
- Disaster alerts: OR-Alert
- Disaster assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov
- SBA Disaster Loans: SBA Disaster Assistance
- Energy assistance: OHCS Energy & Weatherization
- Utility protections: Oregon PUC – Consumer Protections
- Oregon Lifeline: Oregon Lifeline – PUC
- Food bank network: Oregon Food Bank – Find Food
- Legal help: OregonLawHelp.org and Legal Aid Services of Oregon
- Veterans: ODVA, County VSO Directory, VA Aid & Attendance, Veterans Crisis Line
- Tribal info: Oregon Blue Book – Tribes, IHS Portland Area, ODHS Tribal Affairs
- Transportation: Ride Connection, TriMet LIFT, ODOT Transit Directory
- Consumer protection: Oregon DOJ – Consumer Protection
- Identity theft: IdentityTheft.gov
- Senior Loneliness Line: Lines for Life – Senior Loneliness Line
Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips
- Documents matter. Keep copies of IDs, leases, utility bills, Social Security letters, and medical paperwork. Ask agencies about acceptable substitutes if you’re missing something.
- Applications take time. Put your name on waitlists early, even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify.
- Scams surge during disasters and holidays. Government agencies will not ask for gift cards or wire transfers. Verify caller identity before sharing personal information.
- Get help to appeal. If you’re denied benefits, ask for the appeal process and deadlines. SHIBA, legal aid, and ADRC can often help explain next steps.
About This Guide
by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team
The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.
Our Commitment to You:
- Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
- Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
- Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.
While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.
- Last Updated: August 2025
- Sources Verified: August 2025
- Next Review: February 2026
If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Program rules, funding, contacts, and eligibility can change at any time. Always confirm details with the relevant agency or program website before you apply or make decisions.
About the Authors