Skagit and Chelan County area Salvation Army assistance programs.
When faced with a crisis, residents of Washington counties including Chelan, Skagit, and other nearby areas can turn to the Salvation Army. While the non-profit does have very limited resources, they try to do their best to provide financial assistance to the working poor and low income. If the centers can’t help, then the Salvation Army can often provide referrals to other nearby charities, churches, or non-profits.
The agency works to help people meet their basic needs. This includes so called staples like shelter, clothing, and food. With compassion, confidentiality and understanding, the Salvation Army works to assist families, regardless of their religion. Case managers partner with individuals to try to enact positive change in someone’s life.
Housing assistance programs in Chelan and nearby counties are wide ranging. The Salvation Army can help provide transitional, both short and long-term housing to those facing eviction or that are currently homeless.
Shelters are offered for both men and women. Some also will accept children. The organization provides this emergency services and transitional housing to both men and women in the community. This can be for females that are fleeing a domestic violence environment. Or housing is open during the winter and severe weather events. Some of the shelters in the Chelan and Douglas County region focus on meeting the needs of veterans. Also, in an emergency, the Salvation Army will offer a safe place for children to stay for a period of time.
While not as common, emergency rental assistance or motel/hotel vouchers are available. These can be for when a disaster destroys a home or a family is facing eviction. The Salvation Army will try to step forward and organize resources, including money for a partial rent payment and/or vouchers for a night or two in a motel. Or talk to case managers about more longer term solutions, such as federal government subsidized housing vouchers, including section 8.
However, the bottom line is that helping families and children stay in their homes or access shelter is a year-round goal. Each center and the people who work there are dedicated to homeless prevention.
Holiday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving help is widely available. Considering the holidays tend to be a joyous time of year for most families, programs are available. The fact is that expenses can run higher during the winter for costs such as heating bills. So the holidays can bring added emotional and financial stress for Washington families in need. Some of what may be offered includes the Angel Tree, free meals, toys and clothing for children, and much more.
Christmas toys and gifts for kids are offered so that children from low income families in Skagit and Chelan can experience a full Christmas. Relying upon the generosity of donors and businesses in the local counties, toys are provided to families who can’t afford to buy gifts on their own.
Heating bill and utility assistance can help Washington state families keep their water and electric services on. The Salvation Army of Okanogan and Chelan seeks to help individuals and families maintain basic amenities such as their electricity. So inquire into any cash grants or financial aid that may be available.
Food, groceries, hot meals, and formula may be offered for struggling families. Food banks and surplus government commodities are used to meet this need. Many volunteers also donate, prepare, and serve meals, especially during the holidays. Local centers have food pantries or serve community meals throughout the year. The scale of these feeding programs increase during the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Help for seniors is available at many Salvation Army centers. Some partner with agency on aging offices too. Another resource is known as Older Adult Ministries. Together these organizations offer an extensive selection of assistance programs to the elderly in Skagit and Chelan Counties in Washington. Many churches also participate in these services. Senior citizens can receive free meals, applications for low income energy bill assistance, information on medical care programs, and more. Other recreational activities are organized too.
Two of the main centers are 1501 N Miller St, Wenatchee, WA 98801 (dial (509) 662-5103) as well as 3001 R Ave # 100 Anacortes, Washington 98221. Telephone (360) 293-6682.
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