Inside MCCAC: Program works to help Veterans and their families find housing & support in Gorge
One veteran who has benefited from MCCAC’s housing support is Wade Rowe, above, who served in the U.S. Navy until 2010 as an aviation boatswain’s mate handler aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. In that role, he directed and moved aircraft between the flight deck and hangar bay.
After facing housing instability, Rowe connected with MCCAC through The Gloria Center in The Dalles.
“They set me up with temporary housing,” Rowe said.
That led to a more permanent solution which includes his room at the former Hamilton Hotel now used for veteran housing by MCCAC.
“They got me in here, and I’ve been here since August of 2025,” he said. “It’s definitely helping me out.”
Rowe said MCCAC helps veterans with rent, utilities and basic supplies, working to move people from homelessness into stable housing. While he hasn’t used employment services, he said the program aims to support long-term stability and independence.
From the Editor— Mid-Columbia Community Action Council has released the third 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., March 18, 2026 — As veteran homelessness remains a persistent challenge across the region, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council otherwise known as MCCAC is working to keep local veterans off the streets through a federally funded housing stability program serving Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties.
The effort is part of MCCAC’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which focuses on preventing and ending homelessness among veterans and their families in the Mid-Columbia region.
MCCAC administers to veterans and their families through funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“It’s amazing to have the resources in our work to support Veterans with things like move-in fees, unexpected eviction, or utility deposits,” said Jessica Newsom, SSVF program staff member at MCCAC. “It’s an honor and a privilege to support community members who served this country and to provide some relief from the hardships they face.”
Support Services for Veteran Families Leticia Carabantes and Jessica Newsom. Photo provided by MCCAC.
The program provides supportive services to low- or no-income veteran households that are at risk of homelessness or are currently experiencing homelessness. Its primary goal is to increase housing stability so participants can remain housed or obtain permanent housing.
A veteran family, as defined by the program, may consist of a single individual or multiple people. The head of household or another adult household member must have eligible veteran status.
The program uses a case management-based approach. Participants work with a dedicated case manager to develop a personalized housing plan.
“I absolutely love this work,” said Leticia Carabantes, SSVF program staff member at MCCAC. “I’m so inspired by our Veteran clients and to see how hard they work to overcome challenges and barriers. I recently worked with one client moving from complete houselessness with a severe and life-threatening disability who worked so hard to find housing. It meant so much to be a support in that journey.”
Services offered through SSVF include temporary financial assistance to prevent eviction or secure housing, help with rental applications and landlord engagement, connections to VA health care and benefits, referrals to community resources, and ongoing support to promote long-term housing stability.
SSVF serves two primary groups: veterans at imminent risk of losing their housing and veterans currently experiencing homelessness who need assistance transitioning into permanent housing. The program is free for eligible participants.
Veterans and their families interested in accessing services can contact MCCAC directly. Staff are available to guide applicants through the process and connect them with additional resources. MCCAC also operates The Hamilton, a nine-unit affordable housing facility in The Dalles for formerly homeless veterans.
To learn more or apply, visit The Gloria Center, 2505 W. Seventh St., in The Dalles, go to www.mccac.com/veterans or call 541-298-5131.
MCCAC has served the region since 1965 and continues its efforts to support veterans in need of housing assistance.
For more information about MCCAC’s SSVF program, visit www.mccac.com/veterans. For general information about MCCAC and its programs, visit www.mccac.com or follow MCCAC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mccactd.
Upcoming press releases in this series will highlight the Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative and its multi-agency Roots and Reach Alliance.
Click here to read about MCCAC’s central role in creating housing stability.
About MCCAC
MCCAC is the Community Action Agency serving Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties. Its mission is to build a better future for the community through partnership- and equity-centered programs that prevent and eliminate poverty and houselessness.
