Resources
Available to children ages 5 - 12 years old, the Seattle Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Associated Recreation Council offers programs that provide kids with activities in areas such as arts and culture, environmental stewardship, health and fitness, academic support, and more. Scholarships are based on household size and income. Successful applicants receive a 50-90% subsidy as funds are available. Apply online.
Benefits Hub coaches can help you access resources, apply for financial aid and emergency funds, connect you with free tax prep, grocery deliveries, housing, cell phone service, museum passes, and more. Make an appointment or drop in for more info.
Covid Resources
Free at-home Covid tests from the U.S. government are not available as of 9/2/2022 due to lack of funding from Congress.
Free at-home Covid tests from the State of WA are still available based on zip code.
Vaccination and Testing Appointment Directories
South's Food Pantry may have masks and test kits -- TRIO has a limited supply of N-95 masks and home test kits to share.
The maximum eFunds award will be $1,000 because of a reduction in available funds. eFunds will be awarded to applicants only one time from now until Spring 2023 --in most cases--unless you email eFunds with circumstances allowing an exception .
You can apply for payment of a past-due balance (owed for Fall 2022 or earlier). You will need to put the amount you owe and the quarter that the unpaid balance was incurred on your application. Find this info on ctcLink--Financial Account tile.
TRIO staff can help you apply and provide additional information
FREE Weekly Grocery Boxes - Delivered to Your Home!
Every Wednesday, South's Food Pantry & United Way Benefits Hub provide FREE grocery box deliveries by DoorDash. You can order culturally specific food boxes. Complete this form to request your box for future quarters: https://bit.ly/2ZrbdCi
Food Pantry - Non-perishable Food and/or Toiletries for pick-up on campus
Order a bag of free non-perishable groceries (such as ramen, rice, beans, tuna, Gatorade, fruit) and/or a bag of toiletries (such as diapers, toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo). Find out what's available and request what you need. Pick up on campus at the Jerry Brockey Center. Email monica.lundberg@seattlecolleges.edu for more info and to place your order.
Safeway Gift Cards
If you are unable to access the food & toiletries to meet your needs by accessing the resources above or if you run into extra need, contact TRIO staff who can refer you for a Safeway gift card from the Food Pantry. Contact your TRIO advisor or email trio-sss@seattlecolleges.edu
Housing & Rental Resources -
Additional Homeless Services
Solid Ground’s Regional Access Point (RAP) serves people who are experiencing homelessness in King County, including those currently living on the streets, in a shelter, in a vehicle, or in a place not meant for human habitation. RAP also serves people fleeing – or attempting to flee – domestic violence.
RAP staff are available to help eligible participants in completing the Coordinated Entry for All housing assessments. They also serve participants with diversion move-in assistance once they have found a unit and they have been approved for move-in.
Phone: 206.694.6833, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm, excluding holidays. RAP staff will respond to voice messages within two business days.
HELP FOR TENANTS BEHIND ON THEIR RENT
King County’s primary pandemic rental assistance program is no longer accepting applications, but other organizations still have rental assistance money available for eligible tenants who have fallen behind on their rent during the pandemic and are facing eviction. Here are some of the organizations who may be able to help:
Auburn: for tenants within Auburn city limits at or below 80% of median area income, economically impacted by the pandemic between January 2020 and now causing loss of income and inability to pay rent. Apply now.
Bellevue rental assistance & move-in assistance for residents within Bellevue city limits: Funding is available to cover documented past due rent since March 3rd 2020; all past due rent and up to 3 months of future rent -- subject to change .
Seattle - no longer accepting applications
Attain Housing: Rent and move-in assistance for eligible families with children who are at or below 80% median area income and who live in Kirkland, Bellevue, Woodinville, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Duvall, Carnation, Kenmore, or Bothell.
Seattle Residents: If you get an eviction notice, call the Renting in Seattle Helpline, 206.684.5700. They will review your notice to see if it complies with city regulations and refer you to resources. You can also call 2.1.1 for the most up-to-date rent assistances resources
As a renter, you have a right to a lawyer when facing eviction. If you are being evicted and cannot afford an attorney, the Housing Justice Project may be able to help phone: 206.267.7069 or email hjpstaff@kcba.org.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) has funds to provide financial assistance to eligible veterans at risk of experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. Veterans must meet the following criteria and be able to provide verification to qualify for assistance.
Eligibility criteria:
Income: 50% AMI max (see chart)
Military Service: 1 day active duty, any discharge except Dishonorable (Reserves/National Guard ineligible, unless federally activated)
Housing Loss: Documented risk of housing loss within 30 days (does not need to be COVID-19-related)
Kent Rental Assistance for those affected by the pandemic.
TO APPLY: Contact Kimmy Fa’aui at 206.899.1067 or Kimmy@utopiawa.org; or Jovanalynn Timo at 206.899.1065 or jovalynn@utopiawa.org.
Find resources and tools to prevent eviction and ensure housing stability. While Solid Ground does not have attorneys on staff and cannot provide legal advice, they can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter. Check out their Renters Resources Page. If you live in King County and are being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 253.234.4204 or hjpstaff@kcba.org
Their Renter's Handbook provides resources & regulations that apply to City of Seattle renters.
Although Seattle’s eviction moratorium has expired, there are still additional eviction protections in place for renters in the city.
If you get an eviction notice, call the Renting in Seattle Helpline, 206.684.5700. They will review your notice to see if it complies with city regulations and refer you to resources. You can also call 2.1.1 for the most up-to-date rent assistances resources.
MORE RESOURCES:
Renter Resources & Information
Utility Discount Programs - for City of Seattle and some King County residents outside of Seattle City limits -- for homeowners & tenants
Resources for Healthcare (new 988 crisis line) - Free Vision Exams & Eyeglasses Oct 20-23
Prescription Drug Assistance
The Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation (PDAF) provides assistance to any Washington State resident whose prescription drug coverage is inadequate, even if they have private insurance, Medicaid, or a plan on the healthcare exchange. Contact Rod Shutt at 206.518.0839 or rods@prescriptiondrugassistance.org.
988: A NEW NUMBER FOR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES
WHAT: You can now call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It will be confidential, free, and available 24/ 7, 365 days a year.
Services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1.800.273.8255.
You can dial 988 if you are having:
Thoughts of suicide
Mental health crises
Substance use crises
Any other kind of emotional distress
Concerns about a loved one who may need crisis support
988 will not replace any crisis call centers in Washington state. It is an addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers. The current NSPL number, 1.800.273.TALK (8255), will remain active along with 988.
FREE VISION EXAMS, EYEGLASSES - 4-day event
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, to Sunday, October 23, 2022
WHERE: Seattle Center
WHAT: Free eye exams and prescription eyeglasses will be provided to anyone in need during a four-day Seattle/King County Clinic. More information will be made available as the event draws closer.
MORE INFO: Go to the Seattle/King County Clinic webpage or call 206.684.7200.
For Washington residents who are eligible to purchase medical insurance on the Healthcare Benefits Exchange, income eligible, and cannot afford monthly premiums. Must be referred by a premium assistance funder.
For uninsured or underinsured Washington residents who need specialty care. Must be referred by your doctor, hospital or emergency room.
South's Benefits Hub
Benefits Hub coaches can help you learn about and access resources including healthcare, food assistance, transportation, housing support and more. Benefits Hub is sponsored by United Way of King Co. BH offices are located in the WorkSource Center RSB 79 across from TRIO.
King County’s Mobile Medical Program provides walk-in care for people who are living homeless (or were recently homeless) only. Please try to arrive at least one hour before the scheduled end time for the clinic. On rare occasions the clinic will close earlier than the scheduled time. Call the Mobile Van nursing lines if you would like to confirm the clinic end time for a particular day.
The Washington Recovery Help Line is a free, confidential 24-hour, statewide helpline for substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health. Visit www.waRecoveryHelpLine.org for resources (a service of Crisis Connections and the WA State DSHS). We offer: 1) Free and confidential support, 2) Connection to local treatment providers, 3) Medication for opioid use referrals, 4) DSHS benefits application assistance.
Utilities & Internet Assistance
Published by DSHS, the guide lists internet, phone & utility discount programs available to WA state residents.
Utility Assistance & Discounts
Private Utility Relief for Puget Sound Energy, Avista & PacificCorps customers
Utility Discount Program (UDP) for Seattle City Light & Seattle Public Utilities customers (low-income tenants may be eligible even if the landlord pays all utilities)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by Byrd Barr Place that helps low income households, to meet their immediate home energy needs. May apply once every 12 months.
This federal program helps low-income households pay for internet & connective devices. Households with someone who receives Pell grant, SNAP benefits, free/reduced lunch, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefits automatically qualify for ACP. Eligible households receive up to $30/month discount on internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, tablet or desk-top computer.
Data/talk/text for income-eligible households - 350 voice minutes per month and 4.5GB of data/month using your current phone or one provided by Safelink.
Other Resources - New Free/Discounted Bike & Scooter Rentals
You may qualify for free or reduced fair rentals of scooters & bikes found parked along many streets in Seattle if you have ORCA Lift, SNAP, Apple Health, RRFP or receive discounted utilities or housing. Sign up directly with the individual ride rental companies to receive free and discounted rides. To apply, use the QR codes on the Seattle Electric Scooter & Bike Share flyer. Free & discounted helmets are also available.
Ride United provides free Lyft rides for medical, job, emergency housing, legal & other purposes, covering fares up to $44 round trip. Rides must originate in King County (city of Seattle is fine). To sign up, call 2.1.1 between 8 am - 6 pm M-F to schedule a ride (up to 72 hours in advance) - ask for Ride United transportation.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help resolve your problem. TAS operates inside the IRS, so it has access to IRS systems and your taxpayer information. But it also operates independently from the IRS so it can fully advocate on taxpayers’ behalf.
TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE: Fill out Form 911 and fax or mail it to the Seattle TAS office at 855.832.7122 or 915 2nd Ave., Stop W-405, Seattle, WA 98174.
QUESTIONS? Call 206.946.3707.
Seattle Municipal Court offers hearings for people with low incomes who can’t afford to pay their debt from overdue Seattle parking, traffic, or camera tickets. These hearings are an opportunity to request the magistrate to reduce fines and remove tickets from collections.
Note: Parking tickets issued in the City of Seattle between 9/1/21 and 4/5/22 are canceled. If you have already paid, you will be refunded. Find out more.
TO REGISTER: Go to Seattle Municipal Court’s Ticket Debt Reduction or call 206.684.8747, M-F - 8:30am to 4pm.
Seattle Public Utilities provides free, hot showers at new locations and hours through its mobile hygiene trailers. Each trailer includes three standard shower stalls and one ADA shower, each with toilet and sink. Towels, soap, and shampoo are provided. Locations & hours:
157 Roy Street (one block north of Seattle Center)
Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
9701 Myers Way S (For Camp Second Chance residents only.)
Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Equinox in Georgetown (Mondays and Tuesdays)
6555 5th Ave S.
University Heights Center (Wednesdays and Thursdays
5031 University Way NE
Rainier Valley Food Bank (Fridays and Saturdays)
9021 Rainier Ave. S.
In addition to shower trailers, the City offers hygiene resources throughout Seattle. View a map with the locations of OPEN restrooms and hygiene facilities. These facilities may close periodically for maintenance.
Bike Work’s Bikes-For-All program provides free rebuilt bicycles & helmets to residents of SE Seattle to increase access for low-income families, youth, people of color, women & non-binary individuals, refugees & immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities. Eligibility and applications are posted here.
Seattle Veterinary Outreach offers free pet care for homeless pet owners and low-cost services for low-income pet owners. First-come, first-served -- be prepared with low-income documentation to qualify for services. Dates and sites vary.
Published by DSHS, the guide lists discounts to museums, parks & gyms, where you can use SNAP/EBT benefits, and more.
Sponsored by Real Change, this searchable database can help you connect to services like meals, food, shelters, legal services, treatment centers & more
Don't know where to find your resource?
Check out 2-1-1 - by phone (dial 211), by text (898211), or online: https://search.wa211.org/
Browse the Emerald City Resource Guide or the Reduced Costs Services Guide