Online Resource Database Help

Here are some handy tips to help you locate the services you need that are as close to home as possible:

Enter your zip code first so that the services will come up with the resources closest to you at or near the top of the list. (Sometimes the results appear to be a little off on the mileage because it is gauging the distance from the center of one zip code to the center of another. Then again, sometimes it’s just plain wrong!)
Each of the "Browse Categories" will expand to a list on the right side of the screen when you click on it. Then each of the terms in the expanded list can be expanded further by clicking on a service term. (Whew! So many terms! It's a good thing we're only using a small portion of the almost 9,000 terms in the taxonomy system*.)
One of the easiest ways to look up resources is by using the "Search by Service Keyword" box. Remember to keep it simple. It works better to use a broader term, then search down through the expandable results. For example, try using the term “housing” when you are looking for assisted living facilities, or search for “medical equipment” if you need a wheelchair.
You can use the "Search by Agency or Program Name" when you know one or more of the words in a service provider name or program name. For example, search with the words "senior center" for a list of Senior Centers to find the one closest to you. (Don’t forget that zip code.)
If you don’t find any matching results using the "Search by Service Keyword" or the "Search by Agency or Program Name", check the drop down list. Are you searching for the "Exact Phrase"? You may want to change that to "Any Word" in order to get more resource listings. This is the least restrictive search.
Are you finding too much on the results list? If there are too many results matching the word you used for searching, try using more words for searching. And you can change the drop down list from “Any Word” to “All Words” or “Exact Phrase”.
Some of the terms used in this system are new to us, but are used throughout the rest of the country. For example, our "food boxes" are now called "food pantries".
When you locate a service or provider you think is the right one, don't forget to click on the link next to "more info:" to open the details in the listing. Here you can learn what area they serve, their eligibility criteria, their intake procedure and much more.

* A couple of things to note about the searchable database:

The resources are categorized using a classification system (taxonomy) created specifically for human services. (It is similar in function to the Dewey Decimal system used by your local library.) It allows us to index and access community resources based on the services they provide and the target populations they serve, if any.
A service term only appears in the search results list if there is a record in the database which uses that term. However, the database contains resources from across Oregon and SW Washington. Your efforts may give you several “No Matches Found” when you are searching. This will happen when the resources using the selected term do not serve your area, or they may have been temporarily deactivated.

Please note:
Are you still having trouble locating the help you need? Not all service providers allow us to publish their information on the website, and there may be other solutions to the problem you're trying to solve. When folks are under stress they can be so focused on their immediate need that they might not think about looking for alternative solutions. It's easy to speak with a trained I&R Specialist who can help you assess your situation and recommend resources and solutions. And don't forget it's free, and you can remain anonymous if that makes you feel more comfortable. Telephone assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm. Just by dialing three simple numbers, 2-1-1, you can speak to a friendly, knowledgeable 211info staff person who will be happy to help you. 2-1-1 is also available from your cell phone, but if you have trouble getting through just call their alternate number, 503.222.5555.

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Español • This page last reviewed 11/01/10