In partnership with:

 

 

Center for Career Alternatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snohomish County Human Services Department

 

 

Unemployment, even temporary, is probably one of the most difficult experiences to endure. Losing your job is traumatic, especially if it
affects your entire family’s income. Knowing where to turn and taking control of your situation can reduce the impact on you and your family.

This section offers suggestions to surviving unemployment. In addition
to helpful advice, it lists specialized phone numbers and resources.

Remember, if you are a union employee, additional resources are
probably available to you. Contact your representative or union office.

Who to call

If it’s a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.

2-1-1 is the free, easy-to-remember telephone number that’s your
best “first call” to quickly find the right source of help. The central information line is staffed by trained operators who can connect you
a wide range of community services. This United Way supported
program is run by the Volunteers of America Western Washington.

Dial 2-1-1 to connect to resources. Trained specialists answer your
call and maintain a comprehensive database of health, welfare and recreation resources such as:

• Rent/Utility Assistance
• Food
• Legal Assistance
• Shelter
• Support Groups, and more

The North Sound 2-1-1 line is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 425.258.4227 or 800.223.8145
TTY: 425.339.3301 or 1.800.846.8517

CARE Crisis Response Line

24-hour crisis intervention counseling, suicide intervention and access
to mental health emergency services for individuals and families in Snohomish, Skagit, San Juan, Island and Whatcom Counties. This program is run by the Volunteers of America Western Washington.

Phone: 425.258.4357 or 800.584.3578
TTY: 800.846.8517

Other Places to Find Help

unemployment benefits

Unemployment Compensation
Phone: 800.318.6022 or 877.558.8509 or apply online at
www.go2ui.com

Employment Programs & Job Training

Worksource Snohomish County
Phone: 425.258.6300 (Everett) and 425.673.3300 (Lynnwood)
or www.worksourceonline.com

Worker Retraining

The State Worker Retraining Program has served more than 60,000 unemployed and dislocated workers in Washington to retrain into new career fields. Funds can help pay for tuition, books, fees and other
related expenses for individuals who lost their jobs due to economic changes and for those receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI)
benefits. Working Retraining also serves displaced homemakers
and recently discharged veterans.

Cascadia Community College
Phone: 425.352.8132 or www.cascadia.edu

Edmonds Community College
Phone: 425.640.1433 or www.edcc.edu/retraining

Everett Community College
Phone: 425.388.9009 or www.everettcc.edu

Statewide Training Opportunities
Matrix of professional-technical programs
or
List of worker retraining contacts

Credit Counseling

ClearPoint Financial Solutions
Confidential advice on managing money and debt in person, over the telephone or by Internet. Most services are free, but there is a fee for
some so be sure to ask. Evening and weekend hours available.
Phone: 877.422.9040 or www.clearpointfinancialsolutions.org

Rent Assistance

Rent assistance becomes available the first of the month, but runs
out quickly. Call 2-1-1 for information on availability and eligibility.

Utility Assistance

Snohomish County Energy Assistance Program
Provides one-time per heating season assistance, usually between November 15 and April 1.
Phone: 425.388.3880

Project PRIDE
Snohomish County Chapter American Red Cross offers year-round assistance with energy bills. 
Phone: 425.252.4103

Food Assistance

Food Banks
Call 2-1-1 for the closest food bank.

Basic Food Benefits
For more information or to apply online, visit www.dshs.wa.gov and
click on "apply for services."
Phone: 877.514.FOOD

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
There are a number of sites in the county.
Phone: 800.322.2588 or www.snohd.org/snoWIC

Emergency Shelter Assistance

Call 2-1-1 for information on locations and hours.

Medical & Dental Assistance Programs

Medical Assistance Benefits
For more information or to apply online, visit www.dshs.wa.gov and
click on "apply for services."

Community Health Center of Snohomish County
Phone: 425.789.3789 or www.chcsno.org

Providence Everett Health Clinic
One time vouchers for medical services may be available at the
Salvation Army at 2525 Rucker Ave. in Everett. These must be picked
up in person during work hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 425.317.0300

Mental Health/Counseling/Support Groups

Call 2-1-1 for counselors and fees charged, if any.

Alcohol & Drug Helpline
Phone: 800.562.1240

Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 800.562.6025

Veteran’s Assistance

Veterans Affairs
Phone: 425.388.7255

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
Phone: 425.304.3203

Red Cross
Phone: 425.304.4476

Saint Vincent de Paul

This agency may be able to help in a small way once other sources
have been exhausted.
Phone: 425.355.3504

Child CarE Assistance

Working Connections Child Care
For more information or to apply online, visit www.dshs.wa.gov and click
on "apply for services.

Family Caregiver Assistance

Family Caregiver Program
425.290.1240 or www1.co.snohomish.wa.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take Charge of Your Finances

1. Prepare a household budget
2. List assets
3. Set priorities
4. Make a list of creditors
5. Notify your creditors
6. Pay what you can
7. Stay in touch with creditors
8. Stop credit purchases
9. Reduce household expenses
10. Sell what you don’t need
11. Check into other financial resources

Important:
Don’t Ignore Your Mail!

Ignoring government agency inquiries or creditor requests for information may make things worse. If you don’t understand notices or bills sent to you, call the person who sent the bill.

Get the Help You Need... You’ve Earned It

You help pay for public programs through your taxes and for
community services through contributions to United Way and other organizations. Now your money can work for you. Help comes from
an array of services ranging from support such as individual or family counseling to practical support like help with finances.

We all need a little help at some time in our lives. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for the help you need. You paid for it. You earned it.

Getting Through It Together

Your spouse and children can feel helpless. Talk to your family and
plan together to deal with problems. It helps to give each member of
the family some positive steps they can take to help. By sharing the
burden and pulling together, families can grow closer.

things to do

First, explore your unemployment and WorkSource options and benefits. Some may be time sensitive. Then, stay busy.

If you’re temporarily out of work, keep yourself occupied. This is a good time to do all the things you’ve been putting off: fix the faucets, give your
car a tune-up, clean out the garage, visit friends and relatives or take a community class.

Check your local newspaper for a list of activities, many of which are free. You can also check with your local recreation department, city or county website, library, community center or college.

Volunteering is a particularly rewarding way to use your time, even for a short period. Visit United Way’s Volunteer Center to find a good match, or call 425.374.5534 and we’ll be glad to help.

Copyright 2005 - 2008 United Way of Snohomish County