Senior benefits in Hood River County, Oregon

The Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) is the Area Agency on Aging for Hood River County. Its goal is to help older adults and people with disabilities stay in their homes as long as possible. Services include group and home-delivered meals, rides, family caregiver support and respite, in-home help through Oregon Project Independence, options counseling, case management, money management, and Legal Aid referrals for people 60 and older. CAPECO's office at 3641 Klindt Dr in The Dalles provides senior services to Hood River, Sherman and Wasco counties. Call 541-276-1926 for more information, or call the ADRC of Oregon at 855-673-2372.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and electric bills. In Hood River County, energy help is run by Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC), which serves Wasco, Sherman and Hood River counties. The amount depends on household income, size and heating type, and help can go toward electricity, natural gas, wood, propane or heating oil. For winter heating help, MCCAC says to call starting October 1, 2026 for an appointment; appointments start November 2 for households with a senior or disabled member and December 1 for everyone else. Call the Hood River office at 541-298-5131, ext. 310. Help depends on available funds.

Estimated bill savings: $250–$1,750 a year

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital offers free or low-cost care to patients who qualify, including people with insurance who cannot pay their share. In Oregon, patients with family income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level will generally be eligible for a discount. Providence's Oregon policy gives a 100% write-off at or below 300% of the poverty level and a 70% discount between 301% and 400%. Providence also offers interest-free payment plans and help applying for Medicaid. Call a financial counselor at 1-855-229-6466, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Columbia Area Transit (CAT) runs Dial-A-Ride in Hood River County for trips within the City of Hood River, the Upper Valley and Cascade Locks, such as rides to medical visits and the grocery store. It is open to anyone and is especially useful for seniors and people with disabilities. Dial-A-Ride runs Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; a ride is $2 ($1 with a GOrge Pass). Book at least one day ahead when you can by calling 541-386-4202. CAT also offers ADA complementary paratransit.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year