Start with what you need today. These contacts bring reentry programs, general community services and public-benefit applications together.
No specialist reentry program is recorded for this county and need in this expansion. General services and referral contacts below are starting points; ask about access for someone returning from incarceration.
Practical community help may be available after release, but these listings do not establish eligibility. County selections describe recorded service areas; they do not promise a bed, grant, job, clothing stock or immediate intake. General community providers are clearly separated from specialist reentry programs. Earlier community listings keep their own review dates.
General community service
WorkSource Oregon — La Grande
Job matching, resume and interview help, career coaching and training referrals. Ask about support for applicants with conviction histories.
Call: (541) 633-2255
Go to / connect: 1901 Adams Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850
Who to ask: WorkSource job-seeker services team; ask for a career coach or employment specialist
Office physically located in Union County; you can contact any WorkSource center.
Office physically located in Union County; you can contact any WorkSource center. Call to confirm hours, access needs and current services before traveling. Training places, support funds and job offers are not guaranteed. General employment service; ask about support for applicants with conviction histories.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Call the listed office or visit in person. WorkSource says an appointment is not required for initial help. Ask for a career coach or employment specialist. Say: I am looking for work and need help with job matching, my resume or applications. Describe the kind of work you want, your skills, transportation and scheduling needs. A resume or work history can help; ask staff what documents a particular program needs. Ask about workshops, paid training and possible work supports. Each funded program has its own eligibility and availability.
Eligibility: Initial job-search help is available through WorkSource. Staff determine eligibility for funded training and other specific programs.
Documents: Ask staff what your selected program requires. A resume or work history can help with coaching.
Hours: Confirm current office hours by phone before travel.
Call to confirm hours, access needs and current services before traveling. Training places, support funds and job offers are not guaranteed.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-17. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
CCNO: four-county lodging intake and document checklist
Community Connection uses an application and coordinator review for emergency shelter/lodging assistance across Baker, Grant, Union and Wallowa counties.
Call: Union 541-963-7532; Baker 541-523-6591; Wallowa 541-426-3840; Grant 541-575-2949
Go to / connect: Union: 1504 N Albany St, La Grande; Baker: 2810 Cedar St, Baker City; Wallowa: 702 NW 1st St, Enterprise; Grant: 530 E Main St #6, John Day.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Recorded area: Baker, Grant, Union, Wallowa.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Funding limited; not all applicants served. Usually one assistance award per household annually. Not an immediate walk-in bed guarantee. Missing documentation delays review. Keep contact information current or risk losing the application place and needing to reapply. Call Grant office first for limited hours. Current capacity and individual access require provider confirmation.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Use the emergency-shelter application or contact the relevant county office; supply required documents. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: County/program eligibility, funding and annual support limits require review.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: For rental assistance, coordinators call Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; response may take up to 30 days. Call for immediate emergency lodging needs.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-18. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Union County food resources and houseless pantry
September 2026 provider guide lists a Senior Center Houseless Pantry with easy-preparation food, plus local food boxes, fresh distributions and meal leads in La Grande, Island City, Cove, Elgin, North Powder and Union.
Call: Houseless Pantry 541-963-7532; Regional Food Bank 541-663-4551
Go to / connect: Houseless Pantry: 1504 N Albany St, La Grande, OR 97850.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Recorded area: Union.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Guide schedules require confirmation. Food Finder separately marks Salvation Army La Grande temporarily closed despite guide listing; do not imply that site is confirmed open.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Ask Senior Center office staff to access the houseless pantry. County guide is linked/embedded on the source page. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Guide describes pantry for people with limited or no cooking facilities; other food sites have their own criteria.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Houseless Pantry Mon–Fri 9am–noon and 1–4:30pm, per September 2026 guide.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Right Track Resource Center — Union County
Daytime resource center offers showers, laundry, computers and navigation support. Seasonal overnight warming shelter publishes November 15–March 15 operation, meals and basic needs help. Dogs are allowed under published control/leash rules.
Call: 541-910-3056; 541-910-6265; landline 541-962-7994
Go to / connect: 501 Third St, La Grande, OR 97850
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Recorded area: Union.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Homepage lists Mon/Thu 9am–5pm, while FAQ lists Mon/Wed 9am–3pm and Fri 9am–1pm. Hours conflict; confirm before travel. No current beds verified.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Day center says no appointment necessary; contact staff for urgent details and check daily closure notices. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: People with housing insecurity or homelessness; guest agreement and behavior rules apply.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Overnight season Nov 15–Mar 15: check-in 6–10:30pm, checkout 8am. Call to confirm daytime schedule.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
La Grande and Island City bus routes
Three deviated fixed routes in La Grande and Island City: Blue and Yellow on weekdays, Green on Saturdays. The provider links schedules and real-time bus tracking.
Call: 541-963-2877
Go to / connect: Transit office: 2204 E Penn Ave, La Grande, OR
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Recorded area: Union.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. This page does not establish a fare amount or countywide on-demand access. Do not substitute office hours for route timetables.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: For a deviation call before 4 p.m. Monday–Friday at least one business day ahead. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Routes serve La Grande and Island City; scheduled deviations may be requested.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Blue/Yellow weekdays; Green Saturdays. Use each linked route timetable.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Shelter From the Storm — community pantry and survivor shelter
La Grande survivor organization offers emergency shelter, food and basic needs for people fleeing partner violence, plus a separate on-site food pantry explicitly available to community members.
Call: Office: 541-963-7226; 24-hour crisis/support: 541-963-9261
Go to / connect: Office/pantry: 10901 Island Ave, La Grande, OR 97850
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Recorded area: Union.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Pantry access is distinct from survivor shelter eligibility. Housing funding is limited and case-managed; no current vacancy established. Public office/pantry address is not a published shelter address.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Visit the pantry during distribution hours; call crisis/support line about safe shelter. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Community members may use pantry; emergency shelter and case-managed housing support are survivor-specific.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Community pantry Tue–Thu 1–4 p.m.; office Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–4 p.m., closed noon–1 p.m.; crisis line 24 hours.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Baker Relief Nursery: family food, clothing and diaper support
Baker Relief Nursery helps vulnerable families with young children through clothing, diapers, food and home-based family support.
Call: 541-239-5054
Go to / connect: 1925 16th Street, Baker City, OR 97814
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Email: info@bakerreliefnursery.org
Recorded area: Baker, Union.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Family/program support, not an unrestricted public pantry or shower service. Gas vouchers/trolley tokens are for participating parents and depend on need/availability. No countywide Union coverage, emergency shelter or guaranteed childcare established. Actual service slots, placements and individual eligibility require provider confirmation.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Contact the nursery for family eligibility and basic-needs support through its programs. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Vulnerable families in Baker County and North Powder in Union County; program intake and needs/availability apply. Union coverage is North Powder only.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-18. Confirm current intake directly.
Referral service
211info — local food, clothing, shelter and basic-needs referrals
Call 211 or 866-698-6155. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Ask for food today, clothing closets, shelter, transport and help after release in your county.
Call: 866-698-6155
Go to / connect: Phone/text referral service; ask for a provider you can actually reach.
Who to ask: 211 community information specialist
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
211info provides referrals, not food, cash or a guaranteed bed. Calling and text hours differ.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Give your county or ZIP code and say what you need today. Ask for the provider name, phone, address, hours and any referral or ID requirement. Ask whether the provider is accepting people returning from incarceration and whether it can meet your access needs.
Eligibility: Referral and information service; each receiving provider determines its own eligibility.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Calls: weekdays 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; texts: weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., per publisher. Confirm current hours.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-17. Confirm current intake directly.
Benefit application — eligibility review
ODHS ONE — apply for food, medical and cash-program screening
Apply for SNAP food benefits, OHP medical coverage and screening for cash or child-care programs. Tell the worker you have been released and ask how to report changed circumstances or restore coverage.
Call: 800-699-9075
Go to / connect: Apply by phone or online; use the publisher office finder for in-person service.
Who to ask: ONE Customer Service Center or local ODHS benefits worker
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
Release from prison alone does not qualify someone for cash. This is an application and screening route, not an award. Ask ODHS about current rules.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Call 800-699-9075, use the official ONE application route or contact a local ODHS office. Explain your current income, household and release circumstances; ask what verification is needed. If you need food urgently, ask about expedited SNAP screening and food you can obtain while an application is reviewed.
Eligibility: Program-specific household, income and other rules apply. TANF is for eligible families with children; other cash programs serve particular circumstances.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Benefits phone: weekdays 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific, per publisher.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-17. Confirm current intake directly.
Benefit application — eligibility review
ODHS General Assistance — disability-related housing and financial help
Short-term housing, utility and cash assistance for some adults with severe disabilities who face homelessness, alongside Social Security application support.
Call: 866-535-8431
Go to / connect: Call or email the General Assistance referral team.
Who to ask: ODHS General Assistance / Disability Benefits Liaison team
Email: dbl.referral@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
Restricted disability program, not general release money. An Interim Assistance Agreement permits repayment from later Social Security back payments.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Call 866-535-8431 or email the referral team and ask for an eligibility review. Ask what disability, medical-coverage, income and SSI application evidence is needed. Read the repayment agreement and current program rules before deciding to participate.
Eligibility: Published criteria include age 18–64, homelessness or risk, no minor children living with the applicant, severe disability, Presumptive Medicaid, SSI criteria and SSI application/appeal participation. ODHS determines eligibility.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Call to confirm current hours.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-17. Confirm current intake directly.
Benefit application — eligibility review
Social Security — benefits after incarceration
Ask about applying for or restarting Social Security or SSI after release. Have release documents available and explain whether benefits stopped during incarceration.
Call: 800-772-1213
Go to / connect: Call to arrange the appropriate Social Security office or application route.
Who to ask: Social Security representative
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
A provider contact is not an eligibility decision or a payment-start promise.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Call Social Security and report release or ask about prerelease planning. Ask whether reinstatement or a new application is needed for your benefit. Provide release documents through the official agency route and ask what other proof is required.
Eligibility: Age, disability, work history, income/resources and the particular benefit determine eligibility; release does not automatically establish entitlement.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Call to confirm current hours.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-17. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon Food Bank: nearby groceries and meals
Search by address, city or ZIP code for free groceries, meals and produce. Filter by food type and pickup day, then contact the food site about access.
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Directory results are not a food reservation. Confirm current distribution times and any site-specific requirements.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Call or use the publisher intake instructions. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Ask the provider about its eligibility and intake requirements.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
211info: drop-in centers and daily support
Browse drop-in centers for provider-specific meals, showers, laundry, mail and other daily support. Services differ by center.
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Not every center offers every listed service. Check the individual provider, service area, access restrictions and current schedule.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Call or use the publisher intake instructions. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Ask the provider about its eligibility and intake requirements.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
USPS General Delivery: temporary mail pickup and local authorization
USPS General Delivery is a temporary mail option for people not permanently located. Contact the destination Post Office before sending mail to learn the authorized facility and ZIP Code.
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Only one authorized location per customer. This does not guarantee approval, waive identification, or establish a free PO Box. Local retail pickup hours must be confirmed. Current capacity and individual access require provider confirmation.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Ask the destination Post Office which facility is authorized and what identification is acceptable. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Temporary delivery; postmaster may restrict service for unsuitable identification or unmanageable mail volume.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Mailpieces held no more than 30 days; sender may request a shorter period.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-18. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon Lifeline — phone service assistance
Qualifying Oregon households can apply for discounted phone or internet service, or free wireless service. The state lists providers and application links.
Call: 800-848-4442
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Email: puc.rspf@puc.oregon.gov
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. This is an application for service, not an immediate public phone. Access Wireless offers a SIM for a compatible unlocked phone and no longer supplies free handsets. Eligibility, activation and local coverage require confirmation.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Choose the free wireless or discounted-service application on the state page. Ask about coverage and device compatibility. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 and meet qualifying-benefit or income rules. One Lifeline benefit per household.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Lifeline program contact: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon SNAP — food benefits and application help
ODHS explains monthly grocery benefits, application routes, interviews and EBT cards. Apply online, by phone or through a local office.
Call: 800-699-9075
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Benefits require application and approval; this is not a same-day meal or pantry. Household eligibility, exemptions, benefit amounts and delivery arrangements are unconfirmed.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Follow Apply now or Get help to apply on the ODHS page. Ask ODHS how to receive an EBT card and notices if you lack reliable mail. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Oregon residence, income and eligible citizenship or immigration status rules apply. Some applicants have work requirements or exemptions; ODHS determines eligibility.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon DMV: free ID program and document preparation
DMV explains its free ID card program for people experiencing homelessness. Community service providers can help prepare the required homelessness form and documents.
Call: 503-945-5000
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Other identity and application requirements still apply. This page does not promise a free driver license, REAL ID, immediate issuance or local document assistance at every office.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Ask a community service provider about the homelessness form. Call DMV for document requirements and appointment assistance if you cannot use the internet. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Free ID eligibility and the Determination of Homelessness form must be confirmed with a provider and DMV.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: DMV Customer Assistance: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon OHA: free birth certificate assistance through providers
People experiencing homelessness can ask a participating provider for help obtaining their own birth certificate at no cost, including assistance with forms, identity proof, payment and delivery.
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. A walk-in visit to Vital Records does not establish free eligibility. Program funds do not cover certificates for family members. Confirm provider participation, funding and acceptable identity proof.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Open the Free Birth Certificates for Persons Who Are Homeless section. Contact a listed participating provider before ordering or visiting Vital Records. Ask about help if you lack ID or were born outside Oregon. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Program assistance is for your own certificate; birth-record identity and eligibility requirements apply.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon Food Bank — find free groceries, produce and meals
Statewide starting point for free groceries, fresh produce and prepared meals. Search FoodFinder by ZIP code for local food-assistance locations. Pantries, meal sites and mobile or produce markets offer different formats; some meal programs serve specific groups.
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. This is a referral directory, not a food-pickup location. County coverage means network access, not a guaranteed open site, inventory or delivery in every community. FoodFinder is not a complete list of all network partners.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Use the linked FoodFinder ZIP-code search and confirm the selected site’s schedule, access arrangements and food format before traveling. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Oregon Food Bank states that its free-food network does not require proof of income or documentation. Particular food sources and programs can have eligibility or intake requirements; check the selected site. This statement does not establish SNAP or WIC eligibility.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.
General community service
Oregon Food Bank — regional food and support network
Directory of regional organizations coordinating food assistance across Oregon. Find the organization serving your county and its local pantry or meal-site guidance.
Go to / connect: Use the publisher’s current location and contact instructions.
Who to ask: Intake or basic-needs services staff
Shared Oregon or federal application/referral route.
General community provider, not a specialist reentry program. Regional organizations coordinate distribution to local partners; food-assistance sites are where people receive food. One organization can operate several sites. FoodFinder is not a complete network-partner directory. Contact a regional organization to confirm network relationships.
How to get help, eligibility and access
Start: Find the regional organization serving your county, then follow its public pantry or meal-site links, or use FoodFinder for local assistance. Explain the specific help you need after release and ask about eligibility, documents and current access.
Eligibility: Food assistance is free; food-source and program requirements can vary. A regional warehouse’s service area does not establish walk-in public food distribution at that warehouse.
Documents: Ask staff which documents this service needs. Keep release papers and available ID; do not post private documents in chat.
Hours: Confirm hours directly.
Confirm current intake, stock, funds and openings with the provider.
Provider instructions and current information ↗
Publisher profile reviewed 2026-10-11. Confirm current intake directly.