Inside MCCAC: New Series Responds to Misconceptions About Annex, Shelter and Housing Services
From the Editor— Mid-Columbia Community Action Council has released the first in a series of informational overviews intended to address misconceptions and provide clearer understanding of the agency’s housing, shelter and support services in the Columbia Gorge. CCCNews has taken the liberty to organize and edit the content for reader clarity and organization.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 17, 2026 — The Action Council or MCCAC plays a central role in the region’s housing stability system, operating shelter beds, transitional housing units and utility assistance programs that help prevent evictions, reduce homelessness and connect vulnerable residents with housing and behavioral health services.
It was founded in 1965 and currently provides housing stabilization, utility assistance, shelter and resource connection services to low-income residents across the Mid-Columbia region. The agency currently employs 39 staff members, including nine seasonal employees who work at the Hood River Shelter during winter months.
Energy Assistance
Many residents are familiar with MCCAC through its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Utilities Assistance Program, which help households pay utility bills or purchase bulk fuels to avoid shut-offs. The programs serve thousands of households each year.
Growing Demand and New Gloria Center
Over the past three years, MCCAC said it has expanded its services and infrastructure to meet growing demand.
The Gloria Center in The Dalles serves as MCCAC’s main office and service hub. Located at 2505 W. Seventh St., the center houses MCCAC offices and several partner agencies, including Mid-Columbia Center for Living, Nch’i Wana Housing, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Oregon Department of Human Services and the Columbia Gorge Health Council.
Services provided at The Gloria Center include housing stabilization assistance such as eviction prevention and rental support, utility assistance, veterans services, basic needs supplies and resource referrals. The center also serves as an emergency shelter during severe weather events and natural disasters.
Bread and Blessings operates a hot meal program at The Gloria Center Monday through Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.
MCCAC also operates a monthly drop-in resource center at the facility on the last Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drop-in center provides showers, meals, laundry services, basic supplies and connections to services without requiring documentation typically needed for other programs.
Hood River Shelter
24-bed pallet shelter at 1733 Oak St. in Hood River.
In Hood River, MCCAC operates the Hood River Shelter, which provides overnight shelter, meals, hygiene services and housing support from mid-November through March each year. The shelter has operated since 2009 and became part of MCCAC in 2023 through a merger with Hood River Shelter Services. The City of Hood River provides annual funding to support shelter operations.
The Annex Transitional Housing in The Dalles
Annex in The Dalles, 200 W. Second St.
MCCAC also operates The Annex in The Dalles, a transitional housing program that provides housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The facility opened in 2023 after MCCAC purchased and renovated the former Oregon Motor Motel using funding from Oregon’s Project Turnkey program.
The Annex includes separate housing areas for families and individual adults. The average length of stay is approximately four months. Twenty-one units in the adult housing section are currently being converted into permanent supportive housing, while family units will continue to provide transitional housing.
During severe weather events, MCCAC opens emergency shelter space at The Gloria Center. The agency said operating seasonal shelter requires dedicated staffing, including full-time and part-time employees and overnight security.
What’s Next in the series
Additional informational releases in the series will highlight MCCAC’s Supportive Services for Veterans program, its emergency response efforts and its role in regional housing coordination.
Contact information and hours
MCCAC’s The Gloria Center, 2505 W. Seventh St., The Dalles, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m.
MCCAC’s Hood River office, 606 State St., Suite 1B, Hood River, is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Email: Info@mccac.com
Phone: 541-298-5131
Website: www.mccac.com
