COMMUNITY RESOURCES

FOOD

➔ Newport Food Bank Phone: (509)447-4348

310 Pine St.

Hours: Tuesdays 10 am-3 pm

➔ North County Food Pantry

Providing emergency food to residents living in the 99003,99009 and 99156 zip code areas in North

Spokane County.

Mondays: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm

P.O. Box 388, 40015A N. Collins Rd, Elk, WA 99009

Phone: 509-292-2530

➔ Cusick Food Bank

Pend Oreille Bible Church

Cusick, WA 99119

(509) 445-1289

Tuesdays 9-10:30 (Check Facebook for extra hours)

➔ West Bonner County Food Bank

313 E 3rd St N, Oldtown, Idaho 83822

(209) 437-0143

FINANCIAL/UNEMPLOYMENT

➔ Washington State Resource List - https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-

resources/covid-19-resources-businesses-and-workers

➔ Employment Security Department website for Covid-19: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19

➔ Work Source- https://seeker.worksourcewa.com/ unemployment benefits, job assistance 833-572-8400

➔ Student Aid

Information on student aid during Covid-19 - https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

➔ Covid-19 Business Resources for WA State -

https://www.business.wa.gov/site/alias__business/1561/covid-19.aspx

➔ Mortgage Assistance - 1-877-894-HOME (WA Homeownership Hotline)

➔ Financial Help in WA State - https://voiceofthevalley.com/2020/03/21/covid-19-financial-help-in-

washington-state/

➔ Crisis Planning Tools and Resources - http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/links/crisis/covid-19-

resources/

MEDICAL

➔ Newport Family Medicine

Phone: (509) 447-3139

100 S. Scott, Newport

➔ Newport Community Hospital

Phone: (509) 447-2441

714 W. Pine St., Newport

➔ Camas Center Clinic

1821 LeClerc Rd N #1, Cusick, WA

(509) 447-7111

Monday-Thursday 8 am- 5 pm

➔ Medical Insurance/Department of Social and Health Services

Phone: (509) 447-6200

Status/Changes: (800) 692-4128

1600 W. 1st St., Newport

TRANSPORTATION

➔ Rural Resources / Dial-A-Ride (In-Town Rides) Usk/Cusick with reservations

1-800-776-9026

Dial a Ride (DAR) will not resume the first and last; (early/late) Newport Commuter trips until the Camas

Center re-opens. The Dial-a-Ride service does allow for pickups and drop-offs on the 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. or

1:00 to 4:30 p.m. trips. Runs in the Cusick/Usk areas are available with advanced reservations.

➔ Special Mobility Services

Newport to Spokane Shuttle

Mon. Wed. Thru. Fri.

Cost: $5 one-way

(509) 534-7171

➔ Special Mobility Services

Transportation assistance to medical appointments for individuals with Medicaid.

Transportation phone: 1-877-264-7433 (8:30 am- 5 pm) 1-509-534-7171

Office Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 2 800-892-4817

Website-Sms1.org or email dispatch@specialmobility.org

LOCAL AGENCY ASSISTANCE

➔ YES (Youth Emergency Services): Office Cell 671-7293. YES is presently closed but doing food bank

pick up and deliveries on Tuesdays and food care packages on Thursdays. Middle School students can email

Janina at janina@yesteensupport.com. Newport High School students can email Liz at

liz@yesteensupport.com. https://www.facebook.com/janina.persick.18

For qualifying families YES can help with hotspots, clothing, toiletries and activities such as games, books,etc.

Families with youth households may get financial assistance with utility bills, rent or mortgage if impacted by

COVID-19. Intake is necessary. Call the above numbers for assistance.

➔ Family Crisis Network-

Contact: Jackie Keene

Phone: (509) 447-2274

24 hr. Help Line/After Hours: (509)447-5483

Hotline: 1-800-548-3133

➔ Rural Resources

Emergency Food, propane and firewood vouchers, section 8 housing, energy assistance, weatherization

assistance, caregiver services, assistance with Utility disconnect prevention, Employment and Training

programs for Youth and Adult, referral assistance to other needed services and Dial a Ride transportation.

Phone: (509) 447-9997 follow the prompts to desired extension/program, general inquiries @ ext 4001 or 4006.

US-2 #200, Newport, WA (behind Subway)

All staff are currently working remotely and are available by appointment. Messages checked frequently.

Ruralresources.org

https://ruralresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/PO-County-CRG.pdf (excellent community resource

guide-updated regularly) has current job listings, rental listings, legal services contacts, state and national legal

resources, community organizations and food bank info

Social Emotional Supports

➔ School Counselors: Our school counselors will be available for scheduled tele-counseling sessions for

students. If you would like to set up an appointment send an email Monday through Friday between

7:30AM and 2:30PM. Sadie Halstead Middle School students can email Sarah Theal at

thealsarah@newportgriz.com. Newport High School and Pend Oreille River Schools can email Susan

Baker at bakersusan@newportgriz.com. An email will be sent to you with available appointment times. If

students currently see our School-Based Behavioral Health Counselor, Anita Waterman, please call 447-

5651 to schedule your next appointment.

➔ Pend Oreille Counseling Lines: 509-447-5651, After hours 1-866-847-8540. At this time Pend Oreille

Counseling Services remain open and will continue to provide behavioral health services.

➔ Text 741741: Text HOME to 741741 anytime about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor

receives the text and responds.

➔ Teen talk: Call 866TEENLINK. Teen volunteers in Washington State are trained to listen to your concerns

and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships,

stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are

confidential. You can also check out their website at https://www.teenlink.org/

➔ Your Life Your Voice.org: YLYV.org This website has chat, email, phone and text options. YLYV.org

has counselors to help 24/7 at no cost to the caller.

➔ National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

➔ National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides

24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your

loved ones.

EDUCATIONAL

➔ College Success Foundation - COVID-19 Resource Guide for Students and Families - (including foster

youth and homeless) https://news.collegesuccessfoundation.org/covid-19-resources-for-students-and-

families/

➔ Scholar Resources during Covid-19 - https://www.waopportunityscholarship.org/scholar-resources-

during-covid-19/

➔ Covid-19 Resources for Students, WA Student Achievement Council - https://wsac.wa.gov/covid-19

➔ WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges-COVID-19 Resource Page -

https://www.sbctc.edu/coronavirus/default.aspx

STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION Economic Services Administration

Post Office Box 45440 Olympia WA 98504-5440

April 17, 2020 Dear Partners and Friends: The uncertainty of these historic days has been challenging and difficult. One thing remains reassuring: the solidarity we share as partners in our collective mission to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty. We are so grateful to you, our partners and our friends, for continuing to serve Washington’s communities so they may have the best possible support when they need it most. In response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Washington state, the Department of Social and Health Services’ Community Services Division has been rapidly adjusting our standard practices to protect our staff and the public we serve. This current public health crisis has required a swift response, and we are asking for your help to ensure that our customers and communities fully understand these changes and the need for all Washington residents to practice social distancing to the greatest degree possible. We hope that you will join us in ensuring this information is shared widely and accurately. At the time of my March 17, 2020, communication, DSHS had begun to limit in-person services. Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy directive on March 23 required us to restrict our in-person services almost completely and to continue expanding telework options to protect our workforce. Let me assure you, while the department has changed the way customers are served, services are not reduced. We continue to serve our customers and be available to the best of our abilities. Changes that have taken place since our last communication include:

Effective March 20, Community Services Office doors remained open, but general lobby services

were redirected to phones and online. Customer services in lobbies were restricted to issuance

of initial and/or emergent EBT cards and WorkFirst Support Services. The phone services

technology was expanded to the maximum degree possible for staff to work back-office in CSOs

and telework to help support the increased call volumes.

Effective March 26, CSOs statewide suspended lobby services through the duration of the Stay

Home, Stay Healthy directive for the safety of our staff and our customers. A few exceptions

remained in place for issuance of initial and/or emergent EBT cards and WorkFirst Support

Services by appointment. The DSHS news release of March 26 covers the full details of services

offered online, by phone and by exception.

Currently, CSO lobby services remain suspended for general services until further notice. In-

person appointments will be made when needed, as described above. All changes related to

COVID-19 will remain in place until there is new guidance from the Governor and public health

officials.

We thank our contracted providers, who previously met with clients at CSOs, for continuing to use alternative ways to meet while reception services are not available in lobbies. Please work with the local CSO Administrator to coordinate about services or if you have questions. DSHS appreciates all the virtual services that many providers are using to support our customers during these unprecedented times. I

know many domestic violence programs are offering virtual services to survivors and we applaud them for their work. Currently, our clients are experiencing longer wait times as they access phone services and sometimes new calls aren’t going through once maximum capacity is reached. Our IT support and regional teams are working diligently to reinforce our phone system to allow us to add more staff to meet the capacity for the tremendous volume that has been redirected from CSOs and from an influx of new applications. Our phone capacity is improving, wait times are coming down and disconnect rates are dropping. And with recent plans to receive help from our partner agency, the Health Care Authority, and other offers within our department our commitment to support Washingtonians is reinforced through solidarity.

Although there have been impacts to our service delivery from the response to COVID-19, our Office of Programs and Policy staff have done an exceptional job to seek federal waivers and implement emergency WACs that allow us to deliver additional benefits, reduce barriers or extend services. An updated summary of our changes that are currently in effect is attached, and operational changes will be posted at Online Community Services Office (CSO). Please note on the attached document, our most recent change. Beginning on April 17, 2020, we will administer the Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) across the state of Washington. The Governor’s declaration of a statewide emergency enables DSHS to offer the DCAP program to people who are not eligible for other cash programs. The assistance is available to all Washington families and people without children who meet the income and resource limits of the program. Lastly, it is important for all of us to stay updated and informed on COVID-19 to avoid miscommunication or inaccurate information. Please continue to access and share information from reliable sources at:

Coronavirus.wa.gov

Department of Health has COVID-19 Fact Sheet translated in multiple languages.

We will continue to monitor information coming from all DSHS levels and from DOH about COVID-19 to keep you updated as the situation continually changes. Updates about resuming CSO operations and/or any other developments will be posted at the DSHS Twitter, Facebook and on the new DSHS COVID-19 Information page. Thank you for your ongoing work to help support people in our communities.

Disaster Cash Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Disaster Cash Assistance Program or DCAP?

The Department of Social and Health Services is activating the Disaster Cash Assistance Program, or DCAP, beginning April 17, 2020. This program is intended to help some Washingtonians meet their basic needs during the state of emergency caused by COVID-19 state of emergency.

Why is this happening?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in Washington state. This allows DSHS to issue benefits under the Disaster Cash Assistance Program to families and individuals who wouldn’t normally be eligible for cash benefits.

How do I apply?

This program requires an interview via telephone. Households can apply by:

Applying online at WashingtonConnection.org and then calling the Customer Service Contact Center at

877-501-2233 to complete the required interview.

Calling 877-501-2233 to complete the whole application process.

Please be aware that the Customer Service Contact Center is experiencing very high call volumes and

you may have a long wait time. The best time to call is before 11 a.m. The busiest time to call is 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

We can determine your eligibility for all of our programs in one interview.

How often can I get this help?

This program is available to households for only one month in a 12-month period during a state of emergency.

How long will this program be available?

This is a temporary program and will end when the state of emergency ends, or sooner.

Can I receive a DCAP cash benefit even if I don’t have kids living with me?

Yes.

Can I get DCAP and other cash programs at the same time?

No. DCAP is a one-time cash program for households that don’t qualify for other DSHS cash programs.

What is the income limit for this program?

The net income limit (after deductions) for all income expected in the month of application is based on your household size. See chart below:

Household Size Income limit after deductions

1 $363

2 $459

3 $569

4 $670

5 $772

6 $877

7 $1,013

8+ $1,121

Is there a resource limit for this program?

During the current emergency, up to $6,000 of your available resources are exempt. Equity up to $10,000 in a vehicle is also exempt.

What information do I need for my interview?

During the interview, we will discuss all income you expect for the month, your available resources and the expenses you need help with.

What type of expenses can I get help with?

DCAP covers the following types of needs: Shelter costs, utilities, clothing, minor medical care, household supplies and transportation costs for work. DCAP can also help with food, only if you aren’t eligible for ongoing food benefits.

What is the maximum DCAP benefit amount?

The benefit amount depends on your household size, income and need. The maximum benefit is listed below:

Household Size Maximum Benefit Amount

1 $363

2 $459

3 $569

4 $670

5 $772

6 $877

7 $1,013

8+ $1,121

How do I receive the benefits?

If you are approved for DCAP, your benefits will be issued to your Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, card. If you do not have one, we will provide you a card. Your card will be sent to you in the mail, unless you have a general delivery address.

Do I need to be a citizen? What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You are not required to be a U.S. citizen or to have certain alien status to receive DCAP. Any DCAP payment is excluded from the public charge test. You also are not required to provide a Social Security number to receive DCAP.

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ECONOMIC SERVICES ADMINISTRATION – COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION COVID-19 Response Overview – Current as of April 17, 2020

In response to the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in Washington state, the DSHS Community Services Division (CSD) has been rapidly identifying and implementing waivers from federal and state requirements and making policy and service delivery changes to help meet the needs of our clients and staff. BASIC FOOD: The Community Services Division, the Home and Community Services Division and the Developmental Disabilities Administration of DSHS issued emergency food supplements for March and April benefits, starting April 4, 2020. Congress approved supplemental funding for recipients of food assistance in March and April 2020 due to the impacts of COVID-19. Recipients will get the difference between their regular monthly benefit and the maximum amount for their household size. For example, a two-person household that typically gets $200 per month in food benefits will receive an additional $155 in emergency benefits for March and April, bringing the monthly total to $355. For more information, please see the FAQs, which have been translated in eight supported languages. Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) - All BFET programs and services continue to be available to clients and efforts continue to offer support remotely. Abled-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) - An injunction to the new ABAWD waiver rules has been approved in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clients in all counties, including King County, will be temporarily granted good cause based on current partner and employer closures. We continue to offer referrals to any ABAWD client who is not participating in work or work like activities. Most State Board Community and Technical College ABAWD navigators are continuing to work virtually with clients. DISASTER CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (DCAP): On April 17, 2020, DSHS will begin administering the Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP). The Governor’s declaration of a statewide emergency enables DSHS to offer the DCAP program to people who are not eligible for other cash programs. The assistance is available to all Washington families and people without children who meet the income and resource limits of the program.

To be eligible for DCAP, a one person household must have less than $363.00 in income after deductions are applied in the month of application. If an individual has no income and is resource eligible, they may qualify for the maximum payment amount of $363.00 in DCAP. The attached FAQ will be translated into supported languages and posted at Changes in response to COVID-19.

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TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF)/WORKFIRST:

Time Limit Extensions – Effective April 1, 2020, DSHS expanded the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 60-month Time Limit Extension to support families experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 emergency. Families who exhausted 60 months on TANF cash assistance and are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19 will not be denied benefits.

Suspending the WorkFirst Sanction Process, Including Home Visits – Effective March 16, 2020, DSHS

temporarily suspended WorkFirst sanction reduction or termination penalties. WorkFirst services will be offered

each month; however, if a participant does not continue to engage in their activity, no adverse action will be

taken as a result of non-participation. Participants have good cause for non-participation since it is due to an

event outside of their control. This also suspends the need for a home visit by our staff as part of the sanction

process. Clients who closed in sanction will not have to cure sanction before being eligible for the cash grant.

Exempting WorkFirst Participation for Good Cause – Effective March 16, 2020, all WorkFirst participants are

temporarily exempt from required participation. Clients can choose to continue participation, and to the extent

possible, we will continue case management, but participation will not be required.

Suspending Home Visits for the Teen Living Assessment – In compliance with federal law, DSHS conducts a

Teen Living Assessment, which may include a home visit for all unmarried, minor parents applying for TANF cash

assistance, to determine eligibility and offer support to the household. Effective March 16, 2020, the home visits

are suspended until further notice. WorkFirst Social Service Specialists are responsible to make their best effort

to determine a safe living environment and situation, for the teen and their child, by completing all required

assessment screening tools in the office or over the phone.

Telephone WorkFirst Orientations - All WorkFirst Orientations are being conducted via the telephone. This

expands a process to conduct the orientations desk-side, which was recently piloted in a number of Community

Services Offices.

Continuing Payment for WorkFirst Work-Study and Community Jobs Participants - Community Jobs and

WorkFirst work-study participants will continue to be employed and receive payment even if they are

temporarily unable to participate due to emergency operations changes or closures as a result of COVID-19. This

aligns with directions for the federal/state work-study participants.

AGED BLIND OR DISABLED (ABD)/HOUSING ESSENTIAL NEEDS (HEN) REFERRAL PROGRAMS: Effective March 18, 2020, DSHS suspended treatment monitoring and good cause for participation in medical treatment for ABD, participation in substance use assessment and treatment and participation in vocational rehabilitation.

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Effective March 26, 2020, DSHS postponed ABD disability reviews, modified HEN referral incapacity reviews and expanded medical evidence rules for eligibility purposes.

Mental Incapacity Evaluation contracts have been amended to allow for telephonic psychological evaluations. CLASSIC MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY: Apple Health renewals that have not been completed for March and April are being extended for three months. Benefits will also not close for recipients of Apple Health unless the individual requests their benefits be terminated, the individual is no longer a Washington state resident or the individual is deceased.

Additional changes regarding Classic Medicaid eligibility to support clients include:

Reinstating Medically Needy coverage if closed for no renewal within the last 30 days.

Allowing a 30-day extension to provide verification of circumstances.

Accepting self-attestation of income and resources at application, renewal and change of circumstances.

Accepting self-attestation for medical expenses incurred needed to meet spenddown amounts for purposes of medically needy eligibility.

CSD SERVICE DELIVERY:

Effective March 26, 2020, full services are available by phone through the Customer Service Contact Center at

877-501-2233. The Customer Service Contact Center can assist people with:

Applying for benefits or completing an eligibility review without filling out a paper or online form.

Completing an interview for benefits.

Getting case information or reporting changes.

Completing a mid-certification review.

Requesting replacement of an EBT card.

Reaching a WorkFirst case manager or social worker.

A few in-person services are available by appointment in CSO lobbies for a limited number of clients to pick up:

An EBT card, when the individual has general delivery mail services only and for certain expedited

food recipients. All other EBT cards will be mailed from the vendor or through a local office mail

process. Clients may contact EBT Customer Service at 888-328-9271 for EBT card replacements.

Emergency support services, when mailing those services is not an option.

People may continue to drop off paperwork via drop boxes, where available. Paperwork will be picked up daily

and routed for processing.

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Washington Connection - Clients can submit applications, reviews and mid-certifications online for program

assistance at WashingtonConnection.org. They can also report changes and find other local services.