Community Resources

Community Resources

• Tutoring:

o   Boys & Girls Club academic success program

o   Whatcom Literacy Council offers programs for adults to improve literacy/learn English

• Apps:

o   Evernote: Note-taking app that helps organize notes, prepare for study sessions

o   Grammarly: Free app that helps uncover grammatical mistakes, punctuation errors, and awkward phrasings

o   Hemingway: Free app that helps uncover passive voice, excessive adverb use, and complicated sentences

• Before/After School: Boys & Girls Club, 2015 Cherry Street, 360.384.0753. Become a member by completing online application
• ChildCare Aware. Call 1.800.446.1144 to speak with child care referral specialist

•  DCYF Child Care Subsidy – Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps eligible families pay for childcare. Visit the website for eligibility requirements; you can apply by calling 1.844.626.8687 or online at www.WashingtonConnection.org

• Opportunity Council, 360.734.8396 Ext 227, childcare@oppco.org.

• Emergency child care vouchers, customized child care searches
• Referral to Early Head Start, Head Start and ECEAP programs. To apply or for more information, visit website

• YMCA before and after school services

o   Elementary "Base" at Cascadia, Eagleridge and Skyline ES

o   Middle School "Y Reach" at Horizon and Vista MS

• Ferndale Community Services
• Y’s Buys Thrift Boutique, 1224 N State Street, Bellingham, 360.734.0202 or 360.734.4820. Sunday-Thurs 12-5pm, Fri/Sat 11am-6pm. Women’s “back to work” clothing; also offers clothing vouchers to women and Back to Work Vouchers, good for 3 fully styled outfits complete with shoes and jewelry for interviews or work!

• Ferndale High School (Rm 404)/Horizon Middle School clothing  banks (for students)

• Community Resources During COVID-19 - Whatcom Asset Building Coalition (whatcomabc.org)

• Behind in rent? Concerned about eviction? Check out the following guides in English, Spanish, Russian, Punjabi and Vietnamese
• Opportunity Council – eligibility screening.  Apply online or leave a voice message at 360.746.3826
• NWYS – young adults ages 18-24 may receive rental assistance to help pay back/future rent. Contact the Whatcom Eviction Prevention Coordinator renthelp@nwys.org or call 360.988.3450

•   Washington Homeowner Assistance Fund provides individual support and federal relief funds to qualified Washington homeowners behind on their mortgage due to pandemic hardship. Take website’s survey to check eligibility, request a call back or get more information. A “Translate” link provides other language options!

• Basic Food/DSHS. Apply by phone (877.501.2233), online or at local Community Services Office
• Ferndale Community Meal @ United Church, 2034 N. Washington Street – 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 10am-12pm
• Ferndale Food Bank, 1671 Main Street; 360.384.1506, director@ferndalefoodbank.org - distribution Mon/Wed/Sat 9-11 am
• Ferndale Community Meal, United Church, 2034 Washington Street. 2nd and 4th Saturdays of month, 10am-12 noon.
• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5781 Hendrickson Ave. Food outreach, Thursdays 10-11 am
• Summer meal programs are available for children aged 18 and under. This federally-funded program is sponsored by many organizations throughout our state; to find a Summer Meals site near you, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), text "Food" to 304-304, or check the summer meals site online. For Spanish, families can call 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), text "Comida" to 304-304 or check summer meals online (Spanish). 
• Miracle Food Network provides weekly food boxes for pickup. Visit MFN website and click “Contact Us” to sign up, call 360-685-1013, or private message at MFN Facebook page
•  “The Freedge” – a community fridge located behind the RE Store at 2309 Meridian Street, Bellingham, open Tues-Sat 11am-6pm. Stocked weekly with surplus food from local sources; might also have unopened non-perishables, individually wrapped baked goods, hygiene items.
• Open Hands supplemental weekend food bag support for Ferndale elementary students. See building counselor or contact FSD homeless liaison at 360.383.9432 for application
• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5781 Hendrickson Ave. Food outreach, Thursdays 10-11 am
• Summer meal programs are available for children aged 18 and under. This federally-funded program is sponsored by many organizations throughout our state; to find a Summer Meals site near you, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), text “Food” to 304-304, or check the summer meals site online. For Spanish, families can call 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), text “Comida” to 304-304 or check summer meals online (Spanish).
• See Food & Meals resource guide for locations of other food banks and meal opportunities
• During the 2022 baby formula shortage, see the Dept of Health website for resources. 

• Visit WA HealthPlan Finder to check eligibility for Washington’s free or low-cost Apple Health

• Visit Health Care Authority if you have questions about eligibility, or need assistance in navigating the HealthPlan Finder site (above)
• If you hit a barrier to completing the online application, contact:
• Nick Morton, 360.788.2681
• Heidi Beck, 360.725.9512, heidi.beck@hca.wa.gov

• Migrant MSFW Promotores Program reduces barriers to health care for farmworkers and their families, so they can access culturally and linguistically sensitive primary and preventive care services. For more info, please contact Sea Mar Community Health Centers, 360.542.8898:

• Nicolasa Zavala, 360.506.4581/cell, nicolasazavala@seamarchc.org
• Marcela Suarez Diaz, 360.926.5708/cell, marcelasuarez@seamarchc.org

• Transportation: For individuals qualifying for Apple Health/Medicare, two options for Medicare-provided transport:

• Free Ride
• Non-emergency Medical Transportation

If in crisis and need to talk with someone:

• Care Crisis Line (Whatcom Cty) at 800.584.3578
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 – OR - 911

• Brigid Collins, 1231 N. Garden Street, Bellingham, 360.734.4616 – family and pregnancy support, children’s therapy and advocacy
• Catholic Community Services, 1133 Railroad Ave #100, Bellingham, 360.676.2164 – children’s mental health, parent education. Walk-in appointments available
• Compass Health, 3645 E McLeod Rd, Bellingham, 360.676.2220 – behavioral health.

• Counseling: Western Washington University’s psychology program provides free counseling in their training clinic

• Immunizations: Whatcom County Health Dept may be able to assist with routine childhood immunizations. If family is without insurance, call 360.778.6100. Receptionist will screen for eligibility, then schedule an appointment.
• Lummi Tribal Health, 2592 Kwina Rd, Bellingham, 360.384.0464. See website for services offered, hours and additional contact info.
• Sea Mar, 4455 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham, 360.671.3225. Hours: Mon 8am-9pm; Tues to Sat, 8am-5pm. (For add’l locations, see website). Provides medical, dental and behavioral health clinics; and a wide variety of nutritional, social and educational services. Se habla espanol
• Unity Care NW, 6060 Portal Way, Ferndale, 360.676.6177. Medical, dental and behavioral health; mobile dental health van. Sliding fee discount program with income verification. Visit website for other locations.
• Vision –Frank Haskell Lions Eye Clinic, Chestnut Professional Bldg, 800 E. Chestnut St, Suite 3B, Bellingham, 360.788.6548, email haskelleyeclinic@bellinghamcentrallions.org. Clinic Mgr David Goss, 360.303.7923.

• Free eye exams and glasses for Whatcom County residents.
• Appointments available on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays 1pm-4pm.
• Application must be completed (English or Spanish versions); income requirement.

• o   VSP Eyes of Hope – certificates provide a comprehensive exam, frames & lenses. Eligibility based on family income, not received a voucher for 12 months, no coverage through private insurer/government program. SCHOOL NURSE must make the request.

  o   Washington Visual Aid Foundation. See school nurse or family support liaison for instructions/application.

Agape Home (part of Lighthouse Mission) – women’s shelter. Agape Home application
• The Lighthouse Mission’s Base Camp, 1530 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, 360.733.5120. Open 24/7 for ages 18+. For answers to FAQ’s, visit Base Camp FAQs

• Bellingham Housing Authority – open waitlists; also see "Housing to Try" (a list of affordable housing programs) and WABC Housing Search (resources and support for finding, applying for and attaining affordable housing)

• DVSAS Safe Shelter, 1407 Commercial Street, Bellingham – Walk-in services Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Helpline at 877.715.1563 or 360.715.1563. Client must call (v. counselor/staff member)

• Interfaith Coalition’s Family Promise. Contact FSD homeless liaison at 360.383.9432 for more information.

• Northwest Youth Services provides outreach, emergency housing, mental health, job and school supports to youth ages 13-24, including:
o Day Use Center – “The Ground Floor” First Congregational Church, 2500 E Street, Bellingham (basement), Monday – Friday, 9am to 4 pm. Food, showers, laundry, basic needs and survival resources, and resting rooms available. Housing case management, vocational and mental health support available on-site.
o The PAD – emergency housing for 13-17 year olds. No application, but formal intake with staff required. 360.393.0116.

• Opportunity Council, 1111 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, 360.734.5121. Coordinated entry to determine eligibility for various housing programs
• Severe Weather:
Bellingham

• For night-by-night winter shelter availability, call 360.788.7983.
• Young Adult Winter Shelter, operated by NWYS at First Congregational Church of Bellingham, 2401 Cornwall Avenue. Serves ages 18-25. Intake for this overnight-only shelter takes place daily onsite, 7:30 pm to midnight.

Ferndale - Severe weather shelter at United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street, for young adults. Call or text 360.612.5075 for current shelter status and location.

• Out-of-county:

o   Anacortes Family Center, Nina Lundsten, Community Resource Mgr, 360.293.2993, Ex 108; motel voucher line 360.519.4069. Emergency shelter for women/families. 60-90 days. Apply online. A Point of entry for the Skagit Coordinated Entry Program.

o   Cocoon House, 3530 Colby Ave, Everett, 425.259.5802, is an 8-bed emergency shelter

o   YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter, 125 N 5^th Street, Mt Vernon. 360.419.9058. Serves youth ages 13-17, provides 72-hr emergency and 21-day short-term shelter (parent permission req’d for 21-day stay).

guides in English and Spanish

See the following agencies, under “Multiple Services”, above

·         Ferndale Community Resources

·         Opportunity Council, above – vouchers available at front reception desk, Fridays at 8 am

·         United Church, Mon-Thurs 9am-12pm

CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) is a branch of Northwest Justice Project, which maintains a toll-free legal hotline for people with low incomes. Screens clients to determine eligibility. Call the hotline at 888.201.1014 weekdays between 9:15 am - 12:15 pm. See website for interpreting services or support for deaf/hard of hearing/speech impaired callers.

• Family Law Facilitators connects families to a Whatcom County court facilitator who can assist with filling out form, scheduling hearings, explaining court procedures.

• $20 fee per paperwork review (by either scanning or dropping off at Clerk’s office)
• Recommend completing self help packets/forms, then book an appointment with a facilitator to review

• Law Advocates, 360.671.6079 , Ext 15 – Tenant clinic, parenting plans, Access ID, disability

• Northwest Justice Project, 888.201.1012, provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs (housing, safety, income security, etc). Interpreting services may be available.

• Washington Courts has an extensive database of all WA state forms needed for legal paperwork for courts (including family law/parenting plans)

• Washington Law Help provides information and step by step forms/packets for family law (parenting plans, child support), housing, bankruptcy, etc. Payment due prior to review: Cash, debit, or credit accepted. Payable to County Clerk via phone (360.778.5560) or in person on 3rd Floor

• Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, 206 Prospect St, Bellingham. 360.676.0122. Assists with constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict

• World Relief offers resettlement and immigration services. See under “Multiple Services”, above

Community Resource Library contains resource guides in English/Spanish on the following topics (English versions linked): Clothing, Food & Meals, Homeless Housing and Toiletries/Hygiene. The guides are accessible in MULTIPLE languages and can be “read aloud”!

• Click on the specific guide you wish to read
• In the new pane that opens, click on “Click here to download PDF”
• Click on “Read aloud” link. When new pane opens:
• Click on “Voice options”
• Select language in “Choose a Voice” pane

• Dept of Vocational Rehabilitation, 360.812.6610. Call to schedule an intake (helps to have following info available: SSAN, Medicaid/medical insurance info, participation in TANF/EBT, etc)

Domestic Violence

• Call 911 if in danger
• Domestic Violence & Sexual Assualt Services (DVSAS) - www.dvsas.org
• 24-hr helpline: 360.715.1563 or 877-715-1563 (se habla espanol)
• In person: 1407 Commercial St, Bellingham, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
• Offers counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, safe housing, education/training
• Lummi Victims of Crime - 360.312.2015

Jobs:

• Work Source, 101 Prospect Street, Bellingham, 360.676.1521 – employment services and training
• Goodwill-Bellingham, 1115 E. Sunset Dr., Bellingham, 360.752.0483. Job training and education; Mon-Thurs, 10am-4pm, Fri by appointment. see this link for class schedule

Kinship Care (families raising children of another family member or friend). See resources at

• DSHS link
• Kinship Navigators, via Opportunity Council, 360.734.5121
   
• LIBC Employment & Training Center (ETC), Anita James/Youth Coordinator, anitaj@lummi-nsn.gov. Tribal membership card required to be eligible for services/support, which include driver’s ed/licensing; BTC Impact; GA program (including financial support); food.

• Showers – see United Church under “Multiple Services”, above
• SSI benefits (5-10m process). Use online link or call 800.772.1213. Requires basic information:

o   Name, date of birth, and Social Security number

o   Mailing address, phone number, and email address (optional)

o   Your name, phone number, and email address (optional) if you are assisting someone

o   After you complete the online process, a SS rep schedules an appointment to help you apply for benefits. Appt details provided by mail/email/sometimes phone call.

• Talking to Kids about Violence provides tips for parents and teachers, with a list of additional resources.

Bellingham Parks & Rec offers summer programs for kids 6-16, including scholarship opportunities for campers to attend a two-week summer camp for free! Apply for 2022 Parks Scholarship
• Boys & Girls Club, 2015 Cherry Street, Ferndale – see Summer 2022 Camp flyer

• Summer food programs – see “Food Resources”, above
•  Wild Whatcom fosters lifelong connections to nature through fun, educational programming and camps

• YMCA (see Summer Camp brochure) – transportation is not provided from home, but it looks like they do pickup/drop-off at Ferndale Park & Ride (see general information at YMCA Challenger Camp). Apply online for Financial Assistance

WTA Schedule:

• Click this link
• Download WTA BusTracker app for android or iphone

• WTA Youth Ride Free Program: For youth 17 and under (or enrolled in high school beyond age 17). Apply by emailing customerservice@ridewta.com from a school-based email with student name, mailing address [can use FHS], dob, grade. Currently valid through June 30, 2022

• To/from medical appointments – see “Health Insurance”, above

Ferndale water/sewer – two options:

• Covid-19 related emergency assistance, complete online application.
• Rate Assistance Program for qualifying low-income families. Contact City of Ferndale by phone at 360.384.4269 or email utilitybilling@cityofferndale.org

• Internet - Affordable Connectivity Program offers temporary discounts for internet service for eligible households. Determine eligibility and/or apply online at https://acpbenefit.org/do-i-qualify/
• Whatcom County – Water, sewer, electric, gas. Visit Energy assistance program, call 360.255.2192 or schedule an appointment at Online Scheduling

Detox

A 24-hour hotline (Monday-Friday) to access inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol detox centers nationwide. Call 800.779.4314 or 206.429.6464 to screen in for services/referrals.