Washington State Employment
Washington State Affordable Rentals
Washington State Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
WASHINGTON STATE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Washington State Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED MATERIALS CAN NOW BE FOUND ON OUR NEW “WASHINGTON STATE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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Washington Head Start
Managing Agency Washington http://www.access.wa.gov
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Washington, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the Washington Head Start Collaboration Office at 360-725-4423 or visit: http://www.del.wa.gov/partnerships/head-start/

Updated 03-28-12

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FESTIVALS AND FUN TIMES:

Washington, St. John
St. John Community Fair
Dates: April 26, 2012 – April 29, 2012
Location:
St. John, WA
Whitman County
Phone Number: 1-509-877-6332

Washington, Asotin
Asotin County Fair and Rodeo
Dates: April 27, 2012 – April 29, 2012
Location:
Hwy 129
Asotin, WA
Asotin County
Phone Number: 509-243-4101

Washington, Colton
Cotton Uniontown Fair
Dates: April 27, 2012 – April 27, 2012
Location:
Colton, WA
Whitman County
Phone Number: 509-229-3703

Washington, Toppenish
Central Washington Junior Livestock Show
Dates: April 29, 2012 – May 2, 2012
Location: Toppenish Rodeo Grounds
Toppenish, WA
Yakima County
Phone Number: 1-509-877-6332

Washington, Spokane
Junior Livestock Show
Dates: May 1, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Spokane Fair and Expo Center
Spokane, WA
Spokane County
Phone Number: 509-535-6737

Washington, Chehalis,
Lewis County Spring Youth Fair
Dates: May 4, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location:
2555 North National Avenue
Chehalis,, WA
Lewis County
Phone Number: 360-245-3452
Description: features over 1,000 animal and livestock exhibits and shows, over 3,000 works of art are displayed, contests, foods, carnival, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, Music Show, Llama Obstacle Course and more

Washington, Monroe
Key Classic Benefit
Dates: May 10, 2012 – May 13, 2012
Location: Evergreen Equestrian Park
Monroe, WA
Snohomish County
Phone Number: (206) 855-9405
Description: USEF

Washington, Enumclaw
Enumclaw Junior Dairy Show
Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: King Countyfairgrounds
Enumclaw, WA
King County
Phone Number: 206-992-3335

Washington, Seattle
Roger Waters
Roger Waters Dates: May 24, 2012 – May 24, 2012
Location: Key Arena
Seattle, WA
King County
Event Hours: 8pm

Washington, Quincy
Sasquatch! Festival
Dates: May 26, 2012 – May 26, 2012
Location: Gorge Amphitheatre
Quincy, WA
Grant County
Event Hours: TBD

Washington, Quincy
Sasquatch! Festival
Dates: May 27, 2012 – May 27, 2012
Location: Gorge Amphitheatre
Quincy, WA
Grant County
Event Hours: TBD

Washington, Quincy
Sasquatch! Festival
Dates: May 28, 2012 – May 28, 2012
Location: Gorge Amphitheatre
Quincy, WA
Grant County
Event Hours: TBD

Washington, Mt. Vernon
Puget Sound Junior Livestock Show
Dates: May 30, 2012 – June 2, 2012
Location: Skagit Fairgrounds
Mt. Vernon, WA
Skagit County
Phone Number: 360-395-8909

Washington, Waitsburg
Waitsburg Junior Livestock Show
Dates: June 9, 2012 – June 10, 2012
Location:
Waitsburg, WA
Walla Walla County
Phone Number: 509-337-6539

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Washington Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Managing Agency Washington http://www.access.wa.gov

Program Description
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a non-entitlement program in Washington state. Eligibility is determined using the same rules as Medicaid for children, except with higher income standards. Children who are eligible for Medicaid, or who have any “creditable health coverage”, cannot be eligible for CHIP. (“Creditable health coverage” means coverage under a group health plan or other health insurance that provides access to physicians, hospitals, laboratory services, and radiology services).

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Washington, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), and a U.S. national, citizen, or legally present alien. You must have an annual countable household income of less than $43,716 if two people live in the household; $54,936 if three people live in the household; $66,156 if four people live in the household; $77,376 if five people live in the household; $88,596 if six people live in the household; $99,816 if seven people live in the household; $111,036 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $11,200 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
Online applications are available for this program at:

http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/applehealth/apply_now.shtml

You may also print an application and mail it to the address listed at the end of the application:

http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/ms/forms/14_380.pdf

Program Contact Information

For more information about CHIP, please visit our website at:http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/applehealth/

Or call: 1-877-543-7669

Updated 09-08-11

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Washington Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Managing Agency Washington http://www.access.wa.gov

Program Description
The Washington Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their income with SNAP benefits.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Washington and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $14,079 if one person lives in the household; $18,941 if two people live in the household; $23,803 if three people live in the household; $28,665 if four people live in the household; $33,527 if five people live in the household; $38,389 if six people live in the household; $43,251 if seven people live in the household; or $48,113 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $4,862 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
Online applications are available for this benefit by visiting:

http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/applehealth/apply_now.shtml

You may also contact your local SNAP administering agency to apply for this program by visiting:

https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03apps/caofficespub/offices/general/OfficePick.asp

Program Contact Information

For further assistance, please visit our website at:http://www.dshs.wa.gov

or call:
Phone: 800-737-0617

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday

Updated 09-08-11

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Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind

Provides employment, support and training opportunities for people who are blind, deaf-blind and blind with other disabilities. Services include in-house sign language interpreting, mobility instructors to teach independent travel with a white cane or dog guide, and more than 100 adapted computer workstations for people with visual impairments.

For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/state/washington/employment.

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Provides year round instruction in outdoor recreation for people with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities. Activities include snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing, cycling, hiking, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking, day camps, water skiing,
rock-climbing and camping.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/washington/community_life

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Program Description

Weatherization is the application of energy efficiency measures to a home. These include ceiling, wall and floor insulation; closing
heat-escaping gaps by caulking, weather stripping, or broken window replacement; and heating system improvements. The
measures are done according to established technical specifications, cost-effectiveness tests, and relevant building codes.

The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development contracts with a statewide network of 26 local agencies that do
weatherization and consumer energy conservation education, and it manages four fund sources for the weatherization program.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Washington, your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the household; $18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if
three people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in the household; $32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if
six people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in the household; and $46,262 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:

http://www.cted.wa.gov/site/663/default.aspx

Program Contact Information
For more information on Washington WAP, please visit:

http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/500/default.aspx

You may contact Julie Palakovich of the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development to inquire about the program:
360-725-2948

Or via e-mail:
hipweatherization@cted.wa.gov

Managing Agency
Washington

http://www.access.wa.gov

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Program Description
The Washington School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are designed to promote the health and
well-being of children by providing nutritious meals to children in public and private schools and residential child care institutions
(RCCIs).
There are currently 379 school food authorities (SFAs) in Washington State that participate in the NSLP/SBP which includes 277
public school districts, 46 private schools, and 56 residential child care institutions. Both programs are administered by The Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Washington and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household,
$61,550 if seven people live in the household;$68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://www.k12.wa.us/maps/SDmainmap.aspx

Program Contact Information
For additional information on these programs, please visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction at:

http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition

A school district directory is available for Washington residents to search for their local school online:

http://www.k12.wa.us/maps/SDmainmap.aspx

Managing Agency
Washington

http://www.access.wa.gov

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Program Description
The Washington Energy Assistance Program (EAP) services provide payments are made to energy companies in most cases, or
directly to clients to help pay a portion of home heating costs. Client education and furnace repair/replacement are also offered.
These services are provided by a statewide network comprised of 27 local community-based nonprofit organizations and units of
local government provide energy and weatherization services. The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
(CTED) is designated by the Governor as the state-administering agency.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Washington, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the household;
$18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if three people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in the household;
$32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if six people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in the household;
and $46,262 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $4,675 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for Washington WorkFirst benefits, please contact your local agency at the following website:

http://www.liheapwa.org/Page.aspx?nid=60

Program Contact Information
For more information on EAP, please visit the Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development web site:

http://www.liheapwa.org/

Managing Agency
Washington

http://www.access.wa.gov

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Program Description
Washington Medicaid is a joint Federal/state program established to pay for medical services for people with disabilities, people 65
years and older, children and their caretakers, and pregnant women who meet the program’s financial requirements. The purpose of
the program is to provide reimbursement for and assure the availability of appropriate medical care to persons who meet the
criteria for Medicaid.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Washington, a US national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income
or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19, blind,
have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
Please visit the Washington Medicaid web site for more information on the program:

http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/HRSAClient.htm

Or you can the Customer Service Center to learn more about Washington Medicaid:
800-562-3022

Managing Agency
Washington

http://www.access.wa.gov

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Program Description
The mission of the Washington WIC program is to improve the lifelong health and nutrition of women, infants, and young children in
Washington State. WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about
nutrition and stay healthy. The WIC program of Washington state is administered by the Washington State Department of Health.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Washington, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition
risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family
members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://www.withinreachwa.org/wicsearch

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on WIC in Washington, visit their website at:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/WIC/default.htm

There are over 240 WIC clinics in Washington. To locate a clinic near you, call toll-free:
800-322-2588

Managing Agency
Washington State Department of Health

http://www.access.wa.gov

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions who do not participate in other
Federal meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve.
Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in SMP to provide milk to children in half-
day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.

General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Washington your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.

http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/programs/SpecialMilk/default.aspx

Program Contact Information
To visit Washington Special Milk Program (SMP) on the web, please visit:

http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/programs/SpecialMilk/default.aspx

If you have questions regarding the SMP, please call the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at:
360-725-6000

Managing Agency
Washington

http://www.access.wa.gov

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Program Description
Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that
meet Washington’s eligibility requirements.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have worked in Washington State during the past 12 to 18 months and have
earned at least a minimum amount of wages as determined by our guidelines. You must also be able to work and available for work
each week that you are collecting benefits.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
In order to establish your unemployment claim, please visit Washington State Employment Security web site at:

http://www.esd.wa.gov/uibenefits/index.php

If you have questions, please call:
800-362-4636

For more information, please visit our web site at:

http://access.wa.gov/employment/unemploymentinfo.aspx

Managing Agency
Washington State Employment Security Department

http://www.access.wa.gov

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!