Overview
The Department of County Human Services (DCHS) serves as the designated Community Action Agency for Multnomah County. Community Action Agencies were created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Nationally there is a network of more than 1,100 Agencies charged with eliminating the causes and conditions of poverty. Through its Youth & Family Services Division and the Homeless Services Department, DCHS administers and distributes federal, state, and local anti-poverty funds to community partners. The Multnomah County Commission for Economic Dignity (MCCED) serves as the community action board for federal anti-poverty programs in Multnomah County.
The County's Role as the local Community Action
- Community Action Agency funds from the state and federal government go through the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
- OHCS distributes funds to DCHS' Youth and Family Services Division (YFS)
- YFS distributes funds through community programs and organizations and then to the community for:
- Energy assistance
- Weatherization
- Rent Assistance
- Stabilization services
- YFS also distributes funds to the Joint Office for Homeless Services for:
- Domestic Violence housing and shelter services
- Service delivery
- Shelters
- Rent Assistance
Director
Lori Stegmann is the Director of the Youth & Family Services Division Director, and also functions as the Community Action Agency Director for Multnomah County.