Needs Assistance
General
2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. 2-1-1 is always ready to assist you in finding the help you need. Dial the three digit number 2-1-1 on your phone or find Help here. If you are outside of Washington or have a problem dialing the number 2-1-1, please dial 1-877-211-9274.
Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help database
Financial Assistance
Y-WE Direct Aid Fund - Applications for 2023-2024 are now closed. Please check back in September 2024.
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid is an idea and practice that is based on the principles of direct action, cooperation, mutual understanding, and solidarity. Mutual aid is not charity, but the building and continuing of new social relations where people give what they can and get what they need, outside of unjust systems of power. - U of Georgia School of Social Work
Local Mutual Aid Efforts
Pocket Change Pools redistributes donations from their follower base to community members in need. (learn more here)
Rent Assistance & Tenants Rights
What are my rights as a renter?
Information for Tenants: Outlines renter and landlord rights and responsibilities.
Tenants Union: Provides information on tenant rights and on organizing tenants for community action.
Renting in Seattle: Renter resources for people living in the city of Seattle
(Source: NW Justice Project)
WHERE TO GET HELP:
KING COUNTY SPECIFIC
Renting in Seattle Helpline: 206-684-5700
Catholic Community Services (Serving Seattle, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Bellevue, Des Moines, Redmond)
United Way of King County (not accepting applications currently, but you can be put on a list for any updates they might have)
ALL WASHINGTON STATE
Puget Sound Energy Assistance (Counties served: Island, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Whatcom)
Solid Ground: Connects people with resources and tools to help them stabilize their housing, access healthy food, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.
The Tenants Union of WA State free helpline (206) 723-0500
Washington Law Help: Free legal information and court forms to guide you through the court processes of eviction and security deposit disputes.
Tenant Law Center: Free legal help for low-income tenants facing eviction, subsidy terminations, or legal disputes with their landlords.
King County Law Library: Sells King County eviction forms and instructions for standard landlord-tenant situations.
Northwest Justice Project: Operates a toll-free intake and referral hotline for people seeking free legal assistance.
Housing
Section 8 Housing Vouchers typically have a long waitlist, but it doesn't hurt to apply.
The YMCA has housing and rent assistance programs. They also have a list of "hot apartments" that they release monthly
Education
FAFSA and WAFSA - Federal Student Aid | Upcoming Workshops on how to file
Seattle Promise - Application due February 2024
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students | Financial Aid for Eligible Non-Citizens
SCHOLARSHIPS:
DREAMers Roadmap - Scholarships for Undocumented Students