Non-profit Community Action Agency serving Harney and Malheur Counties in Oregon with free housing counseling, energy assistance, and financial education programs.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Community in Action (CinA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2009 as a designated Community Action Agency (CAA) serving Harney and Malheur Counties in Oregon. It operates as part of the Community Services Network, a national coalition of over 1,100 local agencies that collectively serve more than 15 million low-income individuals annually. The organization is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors representing community leaders, low-income residents, and elected officials from the counties it serves.
CinA offers a comprehensive suite of free and low-cost programs addressing poverty-related challenges, including housing rehabilitation, weatherization, energy assistance, emergency rental assistance, mortgage foreclosure prevention, financial counseling, and food programs. The organization administers grant funds from Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), in addition to accepting charitable contributions. They provide both free services to low-income residents and fee-based programs for moderate-income families.
The organization distinguishes itself through its localized, community-specific approach to service delivery. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, CinA tailors programs to address the specific needs of Harney and Malheur Counties. Notable offerings include the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (EOBB), Money Smart financial education (available in English and Spanish), Ready to Rent preparation, a Homeownership Center, Veterans Down Payment Assistance, and the VIDA Program. They also conduct community needs assessments and maintain a comprehensive community resource guide.
CinA is a legitimate non-profit with strong funding infrastructure and transparent governance. The primary limitation is geographic scope—services are restricted to two Oregon counties, making them inaccessible to consumers outside this region. Additionally, while the website lists extensive programs, specific eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and application processes are not detailed online, requiring direct contact for program details.
Yes. Community in Action is a registered company, headquartered in Ontario, OR.
Counseling available within 1-2 weeks of contact.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Community in Action is best for low-income residents of Harney and Malheur Counties, Oregon seeking free housing counseling, financial education, and assistance programs through a legitimate, grant-funded non-profit. The primary caveat is strict geographic limitation—services are not available outside these two counties, and prospective users must contact the organization directly for specific program eligibility and application details.
ACCESS is a Jackson County, Oregon Community Action Agency providing free food, energy assistance, housing support, and other essential services to low-income residents since 1976.
Best for: Jackson County, Oregon residents struggling with rent, utilities, or food insecurity, Seniors seeking coordinated access to local resources (Annual Senior Fair and programs)
HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency in Portland, Oregon offering free first-time homebuyer counseling, foreclosure prevention, and home repair assistance to underserved communities.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in the Portland area seeking free, certified counseling on the home purchase process, Portland homeowners facing foreclosure or mortgage hardship who need HUD-certified prevention counseling
Non-profit credit counseling and financial education serving Southern Oregon since 1971. Offers free debt management, credit counseling, homebuying guidance, and student loan repayment assistance.
Best for: Individuals seeking sustainable financial education and debt management strategies rather than credit score quick fixes, Southern Oregon residents needing local, personalized counseling from accessible community-based advisors
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