The Dalles, OR, October 31, 2023 – The St. Vincent de Paul Society of The Dalles (SVdP), a non-profit that offers aid to those in need, has found itself in the City’s crosshairs. The City of The Dalles is suing SVDP in pursuit of shutting SVDP down for up to a year and a monetary award of $10,000. 

In this interview, Joe Davies, an employed Air Force veteran and former software engineer from Montana opens up about his experience with Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and how his move from the pallet shelters on Bargeway Road into The Annex has impacted him for the better.

The results from the January 2023 Point in Time (PIT) count in the Mid-Columbia region have been collected. While the numbers have not yet been confirmed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), preliminary data shows an overall 5% increase in people experiencing houselessness throughout Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman counties as compared to data collected in 2022, with an 18% decrease in people experiencing homelessness throughout Wasco County and 56% increase in Hood River County.

John Michael Doyle, age 63, lifelong resident of The Dalles, who was best known for his laughter, died of a stroke and heart failure at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 11th, 2022 while experiencing houselessness.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council has helped Colton Perry, a shelter guest at MCCAC shelter get access to employment and healthcare services and Colton says he couldn’t be happier to be back on his feet. “I’ve been able to stand tall again.” said Colton Perry.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council will conduct an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) survey to to count the number of people experiencing houselessness in Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties next week. The survey will also provide valuable information to MCCAC about contributing factors to houselessness and the length of time individuals in our region have been houseless.

The holidays can be challenging for those experiencing homelessness in The Dalles. But this year, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, The Dalles Aging and People with Disabilities Office, and Lilo’s BBQ went the extra mile to bring some Christmas cheer to those experiencing housing instability in The Dalles.

Humans generate a lot of trash, and the pandemic has significantly increased the usage of single-use plastics. And for those facing the unique challenges created by experiencing houselessness, keeping up with trash can be an insurmountable task.

The new restroom and shower trailer provides functionality, durability, comfort to guests of the shelter, while also improving shelter guests health, self-esteem, confidence and overall wellness.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, housing and utility assistance services provider and regional coordinator of the homeless service system, is ushering in a new era with a new logo, new website, new leadership and a new 4-year strategic plan.

The Navigation Center will serve as a comprehensive resource center for low-income community members and those experiencing houselessness in the Mid-Columbia region and become the new permanent location of The Dalles tiny home shelters.

WAGAP has recieved $20k in funding to build a shower facility and to hire a new outreach coordinator with lived experience as a houseless individual. His story reveals how the kindness of strangers keeps paying it forward.

What is it like to experience houselessness in The Dalles? Cole Goodwin of CCC News lives a day in the life to find out.

Contractors are making quick work of a houseless shelter project on Bargeway Road today, Nov. 5. While electricity will not be available until next week, a push is on to get them open this weekend as a cold snap is impending.