WorkSource - Emergency Help

We know that when you become unemployed, it can be discouraging, challenging, and frightening. Please know that we are here to help you become self-supporting again as quickly as possible. In the meantime, you may find that some of these resources are available to keep you and your family safe, clothed, fed, and warm.

Read on, or contact the nearest WorkSource Center for more information.

A good place to start might be the Self-Sufficiency Calculator (SSC). Take a few minutes to describe your family, and the SSC will estimate what your earnings need to be to become self-sufficient. But then, it will also estimate whether you might be eligible for assistance through many different programs. If you need help using the SSC, contact someone at your local WorkSource Center.

If you have been employed in a covered position, chances are very good that you are entitled to collect benefits from the Unemployment Insurance system. Visit go2ui.com to find details, and to apply online.

If you find that providing adequate meals for your family is difficult with either no job, or a job that does not completely support you, you may qualify for food assistance from Washington State. Food Stamp Information

Community Service Offices in the South Central area...

Kittitas County - (Ellensburg, CleElum) 509-962-7710
Upper Yakima County - 509-225-6100 (Yakima, Selah, White Pass)
Yakima County - Mid Valley (Wapato, Toppenish) - 509-877-8122
Lower Yakima County - (Sunnyside, Grandview) 509-839-7200
Eastern Klickitat County - (Goldendale) 509-773-5835
Western Klickitat County - (White Salmon) 509-493-1012
Oregon Dept. of Human Services - (Hood River) 541-386-3199
Oregon Dept. of Human Services - (The Dalles) 541-296-4661

Locate Community Service Offices throughout the state.

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You may also find that food banks in your area are a good source to help you. Your church may be able to refer you to one, or below is a list of some that we know of.

Kittitas County
- Ellensburg - F.I.S.H. Community Food Bank (U. Methodist Church) - 210 N. Ruby Street - 509-962-9257
- Ellensburg - WIC (Women, Infants & Children) 507 Naneum St., 509-962-7077
Yakima County
- Yakima - Salvation Army - 9 S. 6th Ave. -453-3139
- Yakima - Northwest Harvest - 702 N. 1st Ave. - 575-6956
- Yakima - Second Harvest - 911 S 3rd St - 509-576-4360
- Toppenish - St Vincent De Paul - 11 S. B St. - 865-5311
- Grandview - Seventh Day Adventist Community Services - 106 N. Elm St - 882-7919
Klickitat County
- Goldendale - Goldendale Senior Center - 509-773-5663
- Goldendale - WIC (Women, Infants & Children) - 509-773-4565
- White Salmon/Goldendale - Rainbow Valley Gleaners - 800-755-1192
- White Salmon - Guided Path - 509-493-4234
- White Salmon - Seventh Day Adventist Community Services - 509-493-3309
- White Salmon - WIC (Women, Infants & Children) - 509-493-1558
- Bingen - Klickitat Skamania Development Council - 509-493-3954
- The Dalles - Bread & Blessings - 541-298-7837
- Hood River - FISH Food Bank - 541-386-3474

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While you are looking for work, training for work, or working, your young children will need care. Contact the Community Service Office where you live (above) to get information about licensed child care centers, and to see if you qualify for help in paying for them.

Several health plans are available to protect your family's health and well-being. For details, and to see if you are eligible, contact the Community Service Office where you live (above)

Hood River - Hood River Valley Adult Center - 541-386-2060

White Salmon - Guided Path Homeless Shelter- 509-493-4234

If your family is eligible and in need of a financial grant, you may be able to obtain help from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). For details, and to see if you are eligible, contact the Community Service Office where you live (above)