IF YOU ARE SEEKING ASSISTANCE

Question:   I need help paying my rent. Can you help me?

Answer:  We can evaluate your eligibility for rental assistance only if you live within zip codes 98109 or 98119. If you live within the Helpline's service area, and if you qualify for assistance, you may need to call several other agencies so that the Helpline can work with these agencies to assist you with your rental payment obligation. Your individual situation will help determine which additional agencies you will need to contact. When you call the Helpline, one of the volunteers will give you the name and telephone numbers of the other agencies you will need to contact.
A Helpline volunteer will also ask you some personal questions. These questions include your name, date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, your monthly income as well as the source of your monthly income, the number of children living in your home, your martial status, your address, telephone number, and your landlord's name and address. Please click on Rental Assistance to learn more details about the questions you will be asked, why we ask you certain questions, and what you need to do.

Question:  I need help paying my utility bill. Can you help me?

Answer:  We can evaluate your eligibility for utility assistance only if you live within zip codes 98109 or 98119. You will need to call pre-qualifying agencies before the Helpline can complete your evaluation. The type of utility assistance you are requesting, will in part determine which pre-qualifying agencies you will need to contact. When you call the Helpline, a volunteer will give you the name and telephone numbers of the pre-qualifying agencies you will need to contact. Please click on Utilities Assistance to learn more details about the questions you will be asked, why we ask you certain questions, and what you will need to do.

Question:  I need food. Can you help me?

Answer:  Yes. You are welcome to call us to make arrangements to pick-up an Emergency Feeding Bag and/or some items from our Food pantry shelves.

Question:  Can you help me get into an apartment? I need money for first and last month's rent and secure deposit?

Answer:  No. We can refer you to low-income housing organizations. Due to funding limitations, we offer assistance to keep you in housing once you are there.

Question:  I need money to repair my car. Can you help me?

Answer:  No.

Question:  I need travel money to leave Seattle and move to another city. Can you help me?

Answer:  No.

Question:  I can't afford to pay for my medicines. Can you help me?

Answer:  Yes, if you live in our primary service area of Zip codes 98109 or 98119 we can evaluate you to determine if you are qualified for assistance with your medical and medication bills.


IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER AND/OR BOARD MEMBER

Question:   How can I volunteer at the Helpline?

Answer:  Thank you for your interest. Please complete and submit an application to volunteer at the Helpline. Click on "Volunteer Application" under "Get Involved,"at the bottom left of the navigation bar to review the list of volunteer opportunities. You may submit the application on line, or stop by the Helpline office to complete the form. You will be scheduled for an interview with the Executive Director . There are many volunteer opportunities with the Helpline and the director will try to match your skills with the needs of the organization.

Question:   How can I become a member of the Board of Directors at the Helpline?

Answer:  Thank you for your interest. You must be referred by another member of the Board of Directors to serve as a Board member. A good way to prepare to become a board member is to first volunteer for Helpline events, attend board meetings as an invited guest, and invest time learning about the organization. Also, many board members have previous or concurrent experiences serving on other boards. If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact the Executive Director at
311 W McGraw St.
Seattle, WA
98119 or by phone at 206 282 1540.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MAKING A DONATION TO THE HELPLINE

Question:   What kind of donations can I make to the Helpline

Answer:  The Helpline accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards as well as PayPal, Checks and cash. Click on the "Donate" button to make a donation. Also, look for Helpline coin jars at the local Metropolitan Markets.

The Helpline also accepts donations of non-perishable food items for the FOOD PANTRY and clothing, personal care products, and small kitchen ware for the CLOTHING BANK. To show respect to our clients and to save us the cost of disposing of unusable items, we ask that all food items have not passed their expiration date; that clothing is in good condition and washed or cleaned; that personal care products are unopened; and that dishes, bowls, and kitchen items are not chipped or broken.

We do not accept donations of furniture or office equipment.