COVID-19 Community Resources to Help
Click below to jump to a section
- Washington State COVID-19 resource page
- Coronavirus Stimulus Payments information (updated 4/10)
- Rent, Housing and Utilities assistance
- Food assistance
- Other assistance
- Health and Wellness
- Mental Health resources
- Tax resources
- Issues & Legal assistance
Washington State COVID-19 Resource Page
The State of Washington has provided a website (coronavirus.wa.gov) for information and assistance regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. Below are some quick links to some of the resources available on the site:
- For you and your family
- Healthcare and local health departments
- Business and workers
- What businesses are essential?
- Children, K12, and Higher Education
COVID-19 Rumor Prevention
Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the stop the spread of rumors.
- FEMA’s Rumor Control website
- CDC’s Stop the Spread of Rumors fact site
- Washington’s Spread the Facts Campaign
Coronavirus Stimulus Payments – Recovery Rebates
(Updated 4/10/2020)
IRS Electronic Portal for Non-Filers
Today, the IRS released a new electronic portal to assist people on SSI and other non-filers in receiving their stimulus payments. Individuals can go to the portal, enter their personal information, and that information will be utilized to send them a stimulus payment: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
Watch out for stimulus payment scams
The federal government is seeing an increase in scams related to federal stimulus payments including phone calls, text messages and e-mails phishing for information. The messaging includes variations of language such as “in order to receive your/your client’s stimulus payment via direct deposit, we need you to confirm the banking information” and they are gathering that information via telephone or directing victims to click on a link that takes them to a website where they enter their banking information.
Here are some important things to know:
- The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money.
- The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number.
If you spot a scam, please tell the Federal Trade Commission. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General also has information and resources for reporting scams.
(Source: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/spread-facts)
Rent, Housing, and Utilities assistance
- Rental Assistance through Share & Care House.
- Tacoma Public Utilities Energy Assistance program information
- A new temporary COVID-19 care center for Pierce County COVID-19 has opened in Tacoma. Learn more at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department newsroom
- City of Tacoma Mayor on Evictions Moratorium
Food assistance
- Request for food support from Northwest Harvest
- Detailed list of food banks at nourishpc.org/need-food/
- Mobile food banks at local colleges
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Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Campus (Lot D)
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood WA, 98498
Tuesdays 1pm-3pm -
Clover Park Technical College (Bldg. 5 lot)
4500 Steilacoom BLVD SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
Wednesdays 1pm-3pm -
Tacoma Community College (Lot F)
Mildred St. S and 15th St. S.
Tacoma WA 98466
Tuesdays 4:30p- 6:30 pm
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Other assistance
- Domestic Violence: Information from Futures Without Violence for anyone who is suffering from Domestic Violence during quarantine.
- Washington State has additional domestic violence resources here.
- Free VRI ASL services: Linguabee VRI Services
- Registry for Deaf interpreters: Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- Financial assistance (Note: this document was prepared for King County; most resources are for statewide assistance.) Download the informational flyer
- Information documents from DSHS for:
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Free cell phones
During the COVID-19 emergency, the Health Care Authority is offering free cell phones and minutes to low income individuals through a federal program called Lifeline. For information on the phone services and carriers click here. To apply, go to the free government cell phones website.
Health & Wellness
- Telemedicine services provide an important and rapidly evolving suite of access tools for providers and patients for medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Telehealth brief for Apple Health programs
- Download this informational flyer for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Healthplanfinder.
- Tacoma Pierce-County Health Department:
- 800-525-0127 or 360-236-4501 – WA DOH COVID Community Health Line
- SAMHSA Crisis hotline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor
Mental Health resources
- Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990
- Pierce County Crisis Line 24/7 (800) 576-7764.
- Crisis Text Line: 741741 (mobile fees waived)
- Other mental health resources: Call 211
- Maintaining your mental health during a health emergency – This is a very useful blog from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.
Tax resources
In response to COVID-19, the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS will allow most tax payments to be delayed until July 15. However, you still need to file a return or request a filing extension by April 15. No other filing is necessary for payment extensions. See free options at: http://irs.gov/coronavirus
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Issues & Legal assistance
Federal issues
Washington’s U.S. Senators and Representatives handle federal issues on behalf of Washingtonians every day and are available to assist you.
- To contact Senator Patty Murray or Senator Maria Cantwell or your member of congress.
- Immigration forms may be found on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
- Social Security online claims and services may be located on the official website of the United States Social Security Administration.
Local issues
The Governor does not have jurisdiction over issues decided upon by local elected officials. If you have concerns with such an issue, please contact the office of your local government.
Judicial/legal issues
As a state official, Gov. Inslee cannot provide legal assistance or advice, nor does he have the authority to intervene in matters involving the Judicial branch of government. Constituent Services is unable to provide assistance in matters of a legal nature. The Governor has no jurisdiction in most of these matters and cannot get involved because of the separation of powers.
If you have a consumer complaint that you would like to be investigated, please contact the Office of Attorney General.
(Source: https://www.governor.wa.gov/contact)
- WA Law Help COVID-19 Page: www.washingtonlawhelp.org/issues/health/coronavirus-covid-19?mc_cid=905185c898&mc_eid=494bb8bd0e
