- Are your basic needs being met?
- Shelter, food, hygiene, clothing
- Do you need help applying for Basic Food (Food Stamps or SNAP)?
- Do you have a hard time accessing medical, dental, vision, and mental health services?
- Do you need someone to walk alongside you?
Community Action’s Resource Centers are places for community members to come for immediate assistance with basic needs, and help from friendly people to navigate complex systems. Longer-term wrap-around support and services are available for those who need it. Families, seniors, veterans and anyone struggling to make ends meet can reach out by phone or in person at four Resource Centers in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, East County and Skagit Vets Connect (a Resource Center for veterans and their families in Burlington).
Eligibility
To qualify for Critical Needs your household income before taxes must be lower than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
In addition:
- Gas vouchers are only for certain approved activities including scheduled medical appointments, transportation to/from a current job, day care providers, or a scheduled job interview. Be ready to show proof of approved activities. You must also have a valid driver’s license
- Clothes vouchers are issued only for scheduled job interviews, work clothes for a new job, or homeless individuals who have few articles of clothing. Be ready to show proof of approved activities
- We can only assist with one voucher per eligible household
To Apply
Visit us Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. When you come, please bring any necessary documents related to your employment or scheduled appointments, health insurance details, proof of income and benefits, and a valid ID or driver’s license.
We can often help you outside those hours if you call us in advance at (360) 416-7585.
Emergency Shelters and Resources
Community Resource Guide for Skagit County
There are no emergency motel voucher programs in Skagit County.
Friendship House:
- (360) 336-2135 (men’s house)
- (360) 336-2418 (women/family house)
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (888) 336-9591
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
- 988, call or text
- Chat online at www.988lifeline.org/chat/
- Help is available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish
Other Resources (not affiliated with Community Action)
Low Income Cell Phones- To find out if you qualify and to apply visit:
- www.assurancewireless.com
- www.safelinkwireless.com
- www.truconnect.com
- Your local Cricket Wireless store
Low Income Dental Services- For more information, visit:
- https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/oral-health/finding-dental-care
- https://www.seamar.org/skagit-dental-mountvernon.html
- Community Action may have information on free/low cost dental clinics when available. Call us or stop by to find out more.
Low Income Vision Services:
- Community Action may have information on free/low cost vision clinics when available. Call or stop by to find out more.
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-free-or-low-cost-eye-care
Washington Homeownership Resource Center:
- Possible assistance with foreclosure; buying a home; repair assistance; and other resources for successful homeownership. Call (877) -894-4663 or visit https://www.homeownership-wa.org/.
Mount Vernon Resource Center
East County Resource Center
Anacortes Resource Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions / Preguntas
For questions, please call Community Action at (360) 416-7585.
Para preguntas, por favor llame a Community Action a (360) 416-7585.
Para preguntas, por favor llame a Community Action a (360) 416-7585.