What you can ask for by text
The kinds of requests text-Paddle handles well: shelter, food, housing, detox, buses, and specific resources.
What this does
Text-Paddle handles the same needs as the directory, in a shorter form. This page lists what works and shows real reply shapes.
When to use it
Use it to know what to text, or to coach someone on what the service can answer.
What you need
A phone with SMS. See Using LaneHelp by text to get started.
In this guide
Requests that work well
| Text this | You get back |
|---|---|
| shelter | Shelter options with a link to the live shelter availability page. |
| food / food near [place] | Meal sites and pantries near the place, with a link to the full list. |
| rent help | Rent and eviction-prevention programs with contact links. |
| detox | Detox and treatment options with phone numbers. |
| bus / bus to [place] | Transit information and a link to routes or a trip. |
| a provider’s name, like “White Bird” | That resource’s listing link with hours and phone. |
What replies look like
Replies come in Paddle’s voice, kept short for SMS. A real example: “🦆 Paddle: I swam around and found food resources near Eugene: lanehelp.com/s/… — check details before heading out. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help.” The short link opens the full LaneHelp page.
When texting hands you to the website
- Comparing many options, using the map, or building a detailed trip — the reply will link you to the right page rather than cram it into texts.
- Long explanations — texts point to guides like this one instead.
- Anything requiring an account, like saved favorites.
Common questions
Can I have a back-and-forth conversation by text?
Short follow-ups work — “more”, a new place, a new need. For a real conversation, website Paddle is the better tool.
Why did I get a link instead of an answer?
Texts have hard length limits. When the honest answer is a list or a map, the text gives you the essentials plus the link to the rest.
Related guides
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