Washington Economic Justice Alliance
ABOUT
WHO WE ARE
Alliance Members
POVERTY IN WA
Information about poverty in WA, the need for the plan.
10-YEAR PLAN
Let’s work together to create a Washington where everyone can thrive.
Get Support Now
Critical resources for support for your basic needs.
If you are facing economic hardship, we understand how overwhelming it can be. This page is designed to connect you with critical resources for support for your basic needs.
Connection to Services
Want to find local services, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and more, available in your area?
Need an in-person place to start? Stop by your local Community Services Office to learn and apply for many of the government assistance programs.
Find and apply for a variety of state, federal, and local services and assistance online.
Specific Resources
Coordinated Entry Program
- provide access to most appropriate housing
In-person assistance at a Coordinated Entry Site: https://doh.wa.gov/node/18893
Housing and Essential Needs Program
- access to essential-needs items and potential rental assistance
- for low-income adults who are unable to work for at least 90 days due to a physical or mental incapacity and are ineligible for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance (see Cash Assistance section below)
Contact: 877-501-2233
In-person assistance at your local DSHS Community Services Office
Local Food Banks
- Northwest Harvest Food Access Network
- Food Lifeline Food Bank Map in Western Washington
- Second Harvest Food Pantries in Eastern Washington
*2-1-1 can provide more localized resources to food banks
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Programs (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps)
- provides food benefits
- for families and individuals with low-income
Contact: 877-501-2233
In-person assistance at your local DSHS Community Services Office
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
- monthly benefits for healthy food
- nutrition education
- breast and chest feeding support
- for pregnant people, new and breast and chest feeding parents, infants, and children under age 5
Contact: 1-900-841-1410
In-person assistance at a WIC clinic
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
- provides benefits to older adults with low-income to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables honey, and herbs
In-person contact at a local area agency or contracted provider
WA Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Financial assistance with your utility bill
- Help repairing or replacing an unsafe or inoperative heating or cooling unit
Contact: 360-725-2857
Email: LIHEAP@commerce.wa.gov
WA Weatherization Program
- Home upgrades and minor repairs to increase energy efficiency and lower utility costs
Contact: 360-701-1463
Email: WxQuestions@commerce.wa.gov
*TANF clients may also request utility support through their case manager
Apple Health for Kids
- free or low-cost coverage for children (Apply Here)
Contact: 206-204-3503
Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals
- healthcare coverage to pregnant individuals (Apply Here)
Contact: 1-855-923-4633
Apple Health for Adults
- free or low-cost health insurance for individuals (Apply Here)
Contact: 1-855-923-4633
Refugee Medical Assistance
- medical services for refugees and humanitarian immigrants
Low-Cost Community Clinics
- provide medical care to individuals without health insurance at reduced costs
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- 24/7 free, confidential mental health hotline
Call: 988
Text: 988
Washington Recovery Help Line
- help line for those experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and mental health challenge
- connect to local treatment resources or community services
Call 866-789-1511
Child Care Subsidy Programs
- Financial assistance with child care cost through:
Contact: 1-844-626-8687
ECEAP and Head Start Preschool Programs
- Free early learning child care or preschool
Contact for ECEAP: eceap@dcyf.wa.gov
Contact for Head Start: dcyf.hsco@dcyf.wa.gov
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- temporary, monthly cash
- for families with children on a low-income
Contact: 877-501-2233
In-person assistance at your local DSHS Community Services Office
Diversion Cash Assistance
- short-term cash assistance
- for families with low-income and can demonstrate they expect to have income and resources to meet their long-term needs
Contact: 877-501-2233
In-person assistance at your local DSHS Community Services Office
- cash assistance for up to 12 months
- for eligible refugees and humanitarian immigrants
Contact: 877-501-2233
In-person assistance at your local DSHS Community Services Office
Aged, Blind or Disabled Cash Program
- monthly cash grant
- for people with low-income who are age 65 or older, blind, or at least 18 years old and have a work-limiting health condition
Contact: 877-501-2233
In-person assistance at your local DSHS Community Services Office
Working Families Tax Credit
- a tax credit for low-to-moderate income individuals and families
- credit amounts are based on income level and number of qualifying children
Contact: 360-763-7300
In-person assistance at Department of Revenue’s office
Earned Income Tax Credit
- a tax credit for low-to-moderate income workers and families
- credit can be claimed for 3 prior tax years, if you were eligible
Claim Earned Income Tax Credit
Access free tax return preparation resources here