CCCNews Podcast: Community Action Agency Reports Rising Housing Need Across Region
The Dalles, Ore. Jan 29, 2026 — Mid Columbia Community Action Council is expanding services for people experiencing housing instability as demand continues to grow across Wasco, Hood River and Sherman counties, director Leslie Naramore said during a recent podcast interview.
Naramore, executive director of Mid Columbia Community Action Council, said the Gloria Center — a navigation hub that opened one year ago — has significantly increased access to coordinated services. The center operates as a one-stop location where residents can connect with multiple agencies without traveling across town.
Six partner organizations work onsite, including Center for Living, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Chenowith Housing, the Department of Human Services, Bridges to Health and the local health council. Services include housing assistance, case management, utility support, emergency supplies and behavioral health connections.
The Gloria Center also houses an emergency shelter using pallet units that can serve up to 36 people during extreme weather or community emergencies. The shelter opened following the Rowena fire, during hotel shortages tied to major events and during a recent cold spell that sheltered 28 people and three pets.
Mid Columbia Community Action Councils larger annex shelter remains full and averages a four-month stay per household. Officials are converting 21 single-occupancy units into permanent supportive housing while maintaining transitional shelter capacity. A separate family shelter wing will remain unchanged.
Naramore said a new low-barrier resource center will operate on the last Friday of each month, allowing residents to access showers, laundry, meals and social support without formal paperwork. Volunteers are being recruited to assist with the effort.
Data from the agency shows rising need among low-income residents, particularly seniors aging into homelessness. Naramore said Social Security income often no longer covers rent, forcing older adults into housing insecurity.
Mid Columbia Community Action Council is also leading disaster case management following the Rowena fire and has housed 27 displaced households since the incident.
The agency receives most of its funding from state grants, with smaller portions from federal sources and private donations. Naramore said she hopes to build stronger financial partnerships with local governments as housing pressures continue.
More information and annual data reports are available at MCCAC.com
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