Help withBasic Needs

If you find yourself in a situation where you need help with basic needs such as food, heat or healthcare, there are resources available to help you. Lower Columbia CAP and its partners provide these services to members of the communities in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties. All programs are not available in all areas and some programs have income or other requirements. To find the resources that will most closely meet your needs, look at the information below and click on the links included to learn about requirements, applications, locations, and contact information.

Food Assistance

If you are suffering from a shortage of food, the programs below can help you. Available food, meal, and even some clothing resources include:

  • Meals on Wheels
    • This program for senior citizens who cannot leave their homes.
  • Community Lunches
    • Community lunches are served at no charge in various city locations each day of the week.
  • Help Warehouse Food Cards
    • The food collection and distribution center for Cowlitz and Wahkiakum food banks. You may qualify for a card if you meet certain income level requirements.
  • Affiliated Food Banks
    • A list of local affiliates that provide food and some clothing assistance.

To learn more about these programs, click here: Local Food Resources and Help

Energy Assistance

Lower Columbia CAP administers a number of energy assistance programs. Each program has different requirements and include:

  • LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
    • A federally funded program that assists low-income households.
  • Warm Neighbor Program
    • A Cowlitz PUD Program administered by CAP with funding from community donations.
  • Winter Help Fund and WEAF (Washington Energy Assistance Fund)
    • Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) programs administered by CAP with funding from CNG and community donations.
  • Senior Discount Rate Program
    • A Cowlitz PUD program administered by CAP.
  • Disabled Discount Rate Program
    • A Cowlitz PUD program administered by CAP.
  • Weatherization – Home Energy Assessment
    • An of your home’s specific energy attributes (windows, insulation, weather-stripping, etc.) and heating systems.

To learn more about these programs and their eligibility requirements, click here: CAP and Partner Energy Assistance Programs