How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Columbia River Correctional Institution is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Columbia River Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Columbia River Correctional Institution

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Columbia River Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Columbia River Correctional Institution. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Columbia River Correctional Institution
   9111 NE Sunderland Ave
   Portland, OR 97211
   Phone: (503) 280-6646

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: 2:00 – 3:50 PM
   • 6:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Sunday: 2:00 – 3:50 PM
   • 6:30 – 9:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Columbia River Correctional Institution vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (503) 280-6646 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Columbia River Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Columbia River Correctional Institution, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Columbia River Correctional Institution?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Columbia River Correctional Institution for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Columbia River Correctional Institution, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Within the structured environment of Columbia River Correctional Institution, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework of developmental opportunities designed to foster personal transformation and successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes creating pathways for growth through carefully structured offerings that address educational deficits, vocational skill development, and psychological well-being. This multifaceted strategy recognizes that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to diverse programming that addresses both practical skills and underlying behavioral patterns that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services typically form the cornerstone of the institution's developmental approach, often including adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy enhancement programs. These foundational offerings may furnish those incarcerated with essential academic credentials while building confidence and cognitive skills necessary for future success. In addition to this educational foundation, vocational programs frequently provide hands-on training in marketable trades and technical skills, preparing participants for employment opportunities upon release. Such programming often emphasizes practical skills that align with regional employment markets, creating tangible pathways to economic stability.

The institution's therapeutic and support offerings typically encompass group therapy sessions that address various psychological and behavioral challenges, while cognitive behavioral programs may furnish participants with tools for decision-making and emotional regulation. Arts and crafts activities often serve dual purposes, providing creative outlets while developing fine motor skills and patience. Housing assistance programs frequently help those preparing for release navigate the complex process of securing stable accommodation, recognizing that successful reintegration depends heavily on having secure living arrangements. These interconnected offerings create a supportive environment where personal growth and practical preparation for community reentry can flourish within the facility's secure framework.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong bonds with family members and fellow residents form the cornerstone of community life for those incarcerated at Columbia River Correctional Institution, where maintaining meaningful connections both inside and outside the facility walls remains a central focus of daily existence. Those incarcerated now follow structured daily routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or vocational training sessions that regularly bring individuals together in shared spaces throughout the facility. The rhythm of institutional life generally revolves around scheduled activities that furnish opportunities for social interaction, from dining hall conversations during communal meals to collaborative projects in various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop supportive relationships with their cellmates and neighbors, creating informal networks of mutual assistance and companionship. In addition to this residential community structure, the dining arrangements generally involve communal meals served in designated areas where individuals can maintain friendships and engage in conversations that help preserve their sense of social connection. Despite this institutional setting, many residents find ways to create personal spaces within their living areas using approved personal property and items available through the commissary system.

Recreation and exercise opportunities regularly furnish structured time for community building, as those incarcerated may participate in organized sports, fitness programs, or outdoor activities that encourage teamwork and healthy competition. The facility typically maintains visitation policies that allow family members and approved visitors to maintain face-to-face contact during designated periods, while communication options such as telephone access and correspondence help preserve vital connections to the outside world. Work assignments and structured programming schedules generally provide additional opportunities for social interaction and skill development, as individuals collaborate on various projects while participating in educational classes, substance abuse treatment programs, or vocational training that may help prepare them for eventual reintegration into their home communities.