Where Can People Who Need Help In Everett Turn?

MyEverettNews.com has posted lots of different resources over the years for people who would like to donate or help others in need. But where can people who need help turn? We ask after we received the following message tonight…

Good Evening,
I just want to take the time and share how my morning went here in Everett. My family has grown up in Everett and when we can be of good service in our community we have.

This year we are in need of help and assistance.
I started off by locating The United Way, on the Web it says that they help people for the Christmas Season. Once I got there the lady that I talked to said they help organizations and she gave me a “homeless” bag, tooth brush, shampoo, tooth paste, conditioner, then directed me to the YWCA on Broadway. I waited for them to open at 9 am and walked in holding the door for a woman who was bringing in a large amount of Christmas Gifts. The woman at the counter also was pleased in helping her, she then asked what I needed. I said that United Way gave me their card and sent me there for help. She gave me a blank stare, not pleased or helpful and Said “We only help our clients”, offering no suggestions. I asked why United Way sends people to them, she replied that she didn’t know. Then she looked away as if wanting me to go away.
I started to go home with a few tears in my eye’s, but something told me to return to United Way just to let them know not to send other people to the YWCA and feel the same way I was feeling, I politely let the women know the circumstances I just went through and she was thankful and said that she would pass the information on.
I headed over to the Red Cross, the man answered and Sai they don’t help families at Christmas.
I brought all the necessary paperwork to show anyone my financial status, that were currently way Below poverty level right now. We haven’t had a Christmas in a few years now and I didn’t want my kids to go through this again. I’m reaching out to you for a couple of reasons.
I feel that it would be helpful to our community that you might post where people can get help for their families because so many people use this site on Facebook. My second question, where can my family get assistance?
Living in this community, we’ve volunteered, took in homeless, bought coats and stuffed animals to pass out, helped cook at salvation army, clan garbage off the streets, prayed with people at the train station. I could go on about the services I teach my kids to be…right now we need assistance just as I know many families do. It can be an extremely painful Time of year, posting other types of help would be beneficial, suicide prevention, counseling.
Thank you for hearing how my morning went, please let me know if there is help available and if my suggestion is helpful to you, awesome! Merry Christmas

In response to that message I referred the writer to 2-1-1 which is a toll free number that can help point people in need of assistance in Everett and Snohomish County to various providers. In addition, at Christmas time here is a link to Christmas House who helps provide Christmas items for families with kids.

Beyond that, here is a list of ways people can donate to help others but also when you click on the link you can find contact information in case you or someone you know are people in need. This list comes from the City of Everett Streets Initiative.

1.Bridgeways

Bridgeways provides services that promote improved quality-of-life for individuals who live with mental illness, in a manner that facilitates growth, independence, and a sense of community. For information visit https://bridgeways.org/ or email info@bridgeways.org Donate

2.Catholic Community Services

Catholic Community Services exists to serve and support poor and vulnerable people through the provision of quality, integrated services and housing. They focus on those individuals, children, families and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism Donate

3.Cocoon House

Cocoon House provides outreach, housing and prevention services to at-risk and homeless youth and their families. In Everett, Cocoon House runs an Outreach Center where youth (12-20) can access a warm meal, showers, clothes, drug and alcohol support, referrals to other critical resources and case management for youth (12-24). They also operate an emergency shelter and transitional living program for youth (12-17) that provides a stable, safe, supportive environment. Cocoon House also has a prevention program designed to support parents who are struggling with their relationship with their teen. Donate

4.Compass Health

Compass Health is a private, non-profit, state licensed organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services. Clients served may be chronically mentally ill; experiencing an episodic crisis; dual diagnosed or seeking assistance for an emotional or behavioral problem. In addition to serving individuals and families, the agency provides consultation, training and educational services to other providers, law enforcement and correctional facilities as well as the community at large. Donate

5.Dawson Place

Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center is a not-for-profit multidisciplinary team serving child victims of sexual or physical abuse in Snohomish County, Washington. Law enforcement, child protective services, medial, victim advocacy, prosecution and mental health agencies all work together at Dawson Place to deliver the vey best services to children and their families victimized by sexual or physical abuse. Donate

6.Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County

Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County provides a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence including a 24 hour crisis line, emergency shelter for individuals and families who are in imminent danger, legal advocacy, supportive housing, a thrift store, community outreach, domestic violence prevention work and healthy dating and relationship classes. Donate

7.Everett Gospel Mission

Everett Gospel Mission is the largest homeless services center in Snohomish, Skagit and Island Counties and provides comprehensive life recovery programs, meals and shelter for 174 men, and 100 women and children. Donate or volunteer.

8.Evergreen Recovery Centers

Evergreen Recovery Centers works to provide comprehensive, effective treatment and recovery support for those affected by alcohol, drugs and other related problems. Donate

9.Familias Unidas and South Everett Neighborhood Center, programs of Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Familias Unidas and the South Everett Neighborhood Center provide bilingual and bicultural services to homeless individuals and families in the Everett area. through our drop in program, Family Support Specialists help people receive access to resources and programs that will meet their needs of housing, hunger and safety. By assisting people on how to navigate the system, the family centers are ensuring that clients gain the skills needed to become healthy and ensure their future stability and success. For more information about Familias Unidas and the South Everett Neighborhood Center contact Crisann Brooks, Director of Family Support for Lutheran Community Services Northwest at cbrooks@lcsnw.org. Donate

10.The Family Shelter, a program of Interfaith Association of NW WA

The Family Shelter’s main program is an emergency shelter for one- and two-parent families that are pregnant and/or have children up to 17 and are experiencing homelessness. Families stay until stable housing is found. Donate

11.Housing Hope

Providing a full range of housing with housing-related support services is a hallmark of the Housing Hope mission. Housing Hope combines affordable housing with tailored services such as life-skills training, childcare, case management and employment services. Housing Hope also offers homeownership opportunities for low-income individuals of Snohomish County and Camano Island. Donate

12.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Of Snohomish County

NAMI provides local education, resources and support to individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers, NAMI advocates and works directly to foster the recovery of individuals living with these biologically-based brain disorders. They also focus on the preservation of their families and establishing a sense of community. Donate

13.Recovery Cafe Everett

Recovery Café welcomes all people into the Café for hot lunch and conversation. Members often face homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. Everybody can be a guest for a day or two; membership is free and requires being drug and alcohol free for 24 hours, pitching in to help with chores and cooking, and attending a weekly peer support group facilitated by staff. Recovery Cafe’s mission is to support people on their paths forward. Peer support is research-based and is the most effective way to support people in making changes in their lives. Donate

14.The Salvation Army Everett Corps

The Everett Corps operates a food bank for adult-only households and provides hot meals Monday and Tuesday evenings at 5 p.m. that all are welcome to attend. The corps also has a case manager available to help with referrals and who oversees a housing program for families. Salvation Army offers assistance for prescriptions, hygiene kits, back to school supplies, Thanksgiving food boxes, Christmas food boxes and toys for children 0-12, and an emergency cold weather shelter. Donate

15.Snohomish County Legal Services

Snohomish County Legal Services is a free legal aid program serving Snohomish County Residents experiencing poverty. Staff, pro-bono attorneys and volunteers provide information, advice and legal representation to ensure meaningful access to justice regardless of individual barriers and needs donate

16.Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW)

VOAWW provides system navigation and rent subsidies to those who are about to lose their homes, rapidly rehouses those who have recently become homeless, and helps the homeless navigate systems. VOAWW also serves as the county’s point of contact for coordinated entry and access to government funded housing assistance through the North Sound 211 Information and Referral Call Center. This 24×7 call center also provides information on all social services and can be reached by dialing 211. Furthermore, VOAWW operates food banks in North and South Everett. Donate

17.YWCA of Seattle-King-Snohomish

The Everett-specific services the YWCA provides are: permanent affordable housing to individuals and families who are low-income and/or homeless; permanent supportive housing to disabled, homeless and chronically homeless individuals and families; employment readiness services to job seeking adults; mental and behavioral health counseling to individuals and families; children’s domestic violence services to children ages 3-18 and their non-abusive caregiver; mentoring services to families who are in dependency with Child Welfare; Landlord Engagement Services; and Women’s Working Wardrobe for women in need of interview and job appropriate clothing. Donate

If you know people who need help this Christmas, please forward this list to them or print it out and hand it to them. If you need help ask. If you have suggestions feel free to include them on our Facebook page.