• 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:

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (888) 336-9591

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

Other Resources (not affiliated with Community Action)

Low Income Cell Phones- To find out if you qualify and to apply visit:

Low Income Dental Services- For more information, visit:

Low Income Vision Services:

Washington Homeownership Resource Center:

Mount Vernon Resource Center

East County Resource Center

Anacortes Resource Center

  • Clothing

  • Personal Hygiene Items

  • Toiletries

  • Local Bus Passes

  • Gas Voucher

Frequently Asked Questions

The services are meant to be for temporary, emergency help. For bus passes, hygiene and toiletries we can assist several times a year based on need; Because the resources and funding are limited, we will also refer you to services for ongoing assistance.

We offer information to refer you to local food banks and meal programs. View food bank lists here in English & Spanish.

We will do our best to refer you to other services which may be able to provide ongoing help including Veterans Assistance, Basic Food Employment & Training, local food banks, transportation programs.

We do not offer motel vouchers. If you are currently homeless visit the Outreach Services page for more information about resources.

Visit our Outreach Services page for more information on available services.

Questions / Preguntas

For questions, please call Community Action at (360) 416-7585.
Para preguntas, por favor llame a Community Action a (360) 416-7585.