Multnomah County Department of County Human Services

08/06/2026

This summer, our Emergency Management Team is partnering with the Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services Division to bring more than just a hot, nutritious meal to our older adults. At our weekly free lunches for anyone over 60, our staff is on-site to help connect neighbors to critical summer resources, including connecting seniors with our free portable AC unit program.

Whether it is through a community dining center or home-delivered meals for those who have difficulty leaving the house, Meals on Wheels People ensures our older neighbors are fed and supported.

Know an older adult who could benefit from a hot meal and great company? Find a community dining center near you: 👉 https://www.mowp.org/what-we-do/dining-centers/

08/04/2026

⚠️ The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for the Portland Metro area due to smoke from surrounding wildfires. With temperatures also expected to climb into the 90s through Thursday, it is recommended that residents take precautions this week.

During smoke events, staying indoors is your best line of defense. Here are a few tips to keep the smoke out and protect your indoor air quality:
✓ Keep doors and windows closed.
✓ Run a high-efficiency air cleaner if you have one.
✓ If you are running an air conditioner, make sure it is set to "recirculate" so it doesn't pull smoky air inside.

Need a safe, air-conditioned place to escape the heat and smoke? We have public cooling centers open across the county where everyone is welcome to rest and cool down.

📍 Find an open cooling center near you: https://bit.ly/4vCbOdt 🌫️
Check local air quality updates: oregonsmoke.org (En Español: oregonhumo.org)

07/29/2026

Our Weatherization Program helps Multnomah County residents on limited incomes make critical home upgrades—without the heavy cost.

Over the last year, we've helped Multnomah County households add insulation, fix leaky heating ducts, and get professional furnace inspections to lower their energy bills. To protect our community from dangerous heatwaves, we've successfully deployed portable air conditioners to 1,298 vulnerable households in East County.

Know someone who could use a hand weatherizing or cooling their home? Learn more about our weatherization resources and see how we can help: 👉 https://multco.us/info/weatherization

07/24/2026

We had an incredible time participating in the 33rd Annual Good in the Hood Festival this month! ☀️

Our staff loved having the chance to chat directly with community members, answer questions, and help guide people through available resources to easily navigate vital county services.

We are so proud to invest in our neighborhoods and work to ensure every resident feels seen, supported, and connected. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to say hi!

07/22/2026

Want to have a real say in how Multnomah County spends its budget? The Department of County Human Service's Community Budget Advisory Committee is looking for looking for community members whose experiences reflect the diversity of Multnomah County and the people our programs serve.

You don't need to be a finance expert—your lived experience is exactly what we need to shape systems around quality of life, education, and economic stability. Applications close August 28.

👉 Learn more or apply at: https://b.link/DCHS-CBAC

07/21/2026

Multnomah County is expecting unusually high temperatures this week. Whether you're working outside or just trying to stay comfortable at home, it's important to have a plan to stay cool.

Need a place to cool off? We have air-conditioned cooling centers open to the public.

📍Find cooling centers near you using our Cooling Shelter Locator: https://bit.ly/4vCbOdt

A few quick reminders: wear lightweight clothing, stay hydrated, and please take a moment to check on your neighbors to make sure they're keeping cool.

06/13/2026

📣 Extreme heat can affect anyone, but knowing who is most at risk — and how to spot the signs — is vital.

🧑‍🧒 Those at high risk include:
▪️Older adults, especially men over 50 who live alone
▪️People without access to air conditioning
▪️People engaging in strenuous or outdoor recreational activities (especially children on turf fields)
▪️Pregnant people
▪️People who work in hot indoor or outdoor environments
▪️People taking certain medications or who have consumed alcohol

⚠️ Watch for signs of heat illness including:
▪️Heavy sweating
▪️Extreme weakness
▪️Dizziness
▪️Nausea, vomiting
▪️Rapid heartbeat
▪️Shallow or rapid breathing

🛑 What to do:
▪️Remove excess clothing
▪️Rest in a cool area
▪️Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
▪️Drink plenty of fluids

Find heat safety and first aid guides at: multco.us/info/heat-illness-and-first-aid

06/08/2026

Multnomah County’s emergency rent assistance program is expanding. With an additional $5 million from the Portland Housing Bureau, Multnomah County's Department of Human Services expects to support an estimated 1,000 more households.

If you or someone you know needs rent assistance, please contact:
• Dial 2-1-1 (211Info)
• Call 503-988-3509 (Bienestar de la Familia)

Read more: https://bit.ly/4g2N4Hi

Today, residents of Multnomah County seeking emergency rent assistance through the County’s Department of County Human Services will be supported with an additional $5 million from the Portland Housing Bureau. The additional funding was allocated by the Portland City Council last month.

Learn more, including how to apply: https://multco.us/news/news-release-city-and-county-bolster-emergency-rent-assistance-efforts-5m

06/06/2026

June 6 is National Hunger Awareness Day, a vital reminder that food insecurity doesn't take a summer vacation.

Without access to meals at school, many Oregon families have to find an additional ten meals a week per child.

Our Summer Meals program provides FREE meals all summer long for kids and teens 18 and under in Multnomah County. Summer meals is open to all youth regardless of immigration status. No registration, paperwork, or income verification required!

📍 Find a site near you today: https://bit.ly/SummerMealSearch

(Video courtesy of FoodHero)

05/09/2026