Community Resource & Information

How to Engage with the City

How to reach PDX 311 | Portland.gov

• Anyone who has questions about City of Portland or Multnomah County programs or services or who needs to report a non-emergency issue within Multnomah County can use PDX 311.

Events | Portland City Council | Portland.gov

• A full list of the upcoming Portland City Council meetings including City Council meetings, work sessions and Committee meetings. 

Engage with Council | Portland.gov

• Learn how to register to provide testimony on an agenda item, request a public communication spot, submit written testimony, or provide feedback on policy or actions of the City of Portland to a member of Council.

Policy committees | Portland.gov

• Learn more about the City Council Committees. Committees will consider, develop and recommend legislation in their topic area. Committees will publicly and actively deliberate and will be the primary place to promote public engagement and input on proposals and policy under consideration.

Request an ADA Accommodation | Portland.gov

• Request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for any City of Portland program, service, event, or activity. To ensure the best response, please make your request at least five business days before the program or event, if possible.

Food Resources

Oregon Food Bank Food Finder

• Find free groceries, meals, or places to double your SNAP EBT benefits near you.

Food Assistance in Multnomah County

• Please check the list for local free food programs at over 100 locations and share these resources with anyone who needs them. Multnomah County residents who are able are encouraged to support local community partners such as the Oregon Food Bank, through volunteering or donations.
• My staff have also helped compile a list of resources here.

Emergency & Extreme Weather Resources

Extreme Weather Response

Cooling Centers 

• During heat emergencies, the City opens cooling centers throughout Portland. Find current locations and hours at Portland.gov/emergency or call 211.
• You can also find a map of cooling spaces in Portland area here, which is regularly updated by Multnomah County.
• More information and resources about how to stay safe during extreme heat events can be found at portland.gov/heat. 

Warming Centers 

• Winter warming centers provide shelter during cold weather emergencies. Check Multnomah County's 211info for current locations and availability.

Emergency Alerts 

• Sign up for emergency notifications at alert.multco.us to receive updates about extreme weather events, evacuation orders, and emergency resources.

Neighborhood Preparedness 

• Learn how to prepare your household for extreme weather events including heat waves, ice storms, and air quality emergencies.

Air Quality and Environmental Health

Air Quality Alerts 

• Monitor current air quality conditions and health advisories at oregonsmoke.blogspot.com and through the AirNow mobile app.

Community, Refugee, and Immigrant Resources

Immigration and Know Your Rights Information

Free Legal Services for Immigrants & Refugees (240 languages) | Portland.gov

• The Office of Community & Civic Life has a signed agreement with Portland Community College Legal Resource Center to provide free legal support for immigrant and refugee Portlanders.

Know Your Rights, Federal Reporting Resources, and Workers Rights | Portland.gov

• All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Learn more about your rights. 

Federal Policy Impacts in Portland | Portland.gov

• Learn how Portland is navigating federal changes in immigration policy; diversity, equity and inclusion; rights and protections for transgender people; project funding and more.

Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) 

• Comprehensive services including employment assistance, health programs, elder services, and youth programs. Visit irco.org or call 503-234-1541.

Multilingual City Services

• The City provides interpretation services in over 100 languages. Call PDX 311 to request language support for any city service.

ICE Activity Reporting Hotline

• You can report ICE Activity to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) hotline: 1-888-622-1510. You can also request rapid response at that same number if ICE is at your door.

Centro Cultural

• Serving the Latino community with health services, education programs, and cultural events. Visit centrocultural.net or call 503-234-8247.

Oregon Health Plan: 

• Contact 211info for local clinic locations, enrollment assistance and community health centers that serve immigrants regardless of status. 

Immigrant Welcome Center

• The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center serves as a hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration and civic engagement.

Educational Resources: 

• Portland Public Schools provides interpretation services and support for immigrant families. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes available through Portland Community College.

Housing Assistance

 Multnomah County's Joint Office of Homeless Services

• Emergency rental assistance and ongoing support through. Call 211 for current programs and eligibility.

Community Alliance of Tenants 

• Free legal assistance for renters through the at 503-288-0130 or oregoncat.org.

Housing Search Support: Home Forward 

• Provides affordable housing listings and application assistance. Visit homeforward.org or call 503-802-8300.

Homelessness Prevention & Support

Portland Street Response 

• Non-police crisis response team for mental health and houselessness-related calls. Call 503-823-3333.

Shelter and Services

• Current shelter availability and support services through 211info - dial 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org.

Coordinated Access 

• Centralized system to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing and services. Call the Coordinated Access Hotline at 844-765-9384.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are multiple City of Portland Boards and Commission seeking volunteers. Check out the following open volunteer opportunities:

• District 1 Neighborhood Associations: Get involved in local advocacy and community building in your neighborhood.
• Neighborhood Emergency Teams: Learn disaster preparedness skills and help your neighbors during emergencies.
• The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the City’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use and planning. Learn more and apply here.
• The Portland Committee for Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) is comprised of 13 community members who volunteer their time to advise the Mayor (as the Commissioner-in-charge of the Portland Police Bureau) and the Portland Police Bureau, to independently assess the City of Portland’s Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and to develop policies and assess PPB community engagement efforts. Learn more and apply here.
• The Community Board for Police Accountability and the Office of Community-based Police Accountability independently investigate sworn employees and supervisors thereof within the Portland Police Bureau promptly, fairly, and impartially, and impose discipline if determined appropriate by the Community Board for Police Accountability, and make recommendations regarding police practices, policies, and directives to Portland Police Bureau with a primary focus on community concerns. Learn more and apply here.