Some Resources
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988 Emotional Help Line
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in meotional distress, call the 988 helpline. You don't have to be in crisis. Sometimes you just need to talk over a problem, or just vent. Trained counselors will work with you to provide support, and connect you to resources for further assistance.
Food Resources
Bellingham Food Bank provides a list of places in the Bellingham area to get food.
This page, Get Food provides a lot of information.
State ID Card
The
The Opportunity Council offers an
Access ID Clinic for people needing help getting a state ID card.
Food Stamps
The
Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides
Food Stamp (EBT) information and how to apply for Food Stamps.
Medicaid
The
WA State Health Care Authority (through DSHS) provides
provides information about Medicaid, including enrollment information for individual adults.
(note: When dealing with DSHS, it is recommended that you go in person. They are located at 4101 Meridian St. (Meridian and Westerly Roads, just behind Lover's Adult Shop) It's best to go between Tuesday and Thursday. There have been so many complaints about trying to get help by calling them, that we do not recommend it.)
Teal Bag Program
Although it contains menstrual hygiene items, anybody can pick up a
Teal Bag with 2 to 3 days worth of these items. (Guys, that means you can help out your female friends.) These are offered at no charge, and can be picked up from the
Opportunity Council office 1111 Cornwall Ave. (between Chestnut and Laurel Streets) Walk in anytime between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. (while supplies last)
Low Cost Internet
You can get a low-cost internet through
Internet Essentials by Comcast/Xfinity.
(Sorry, this does not apply to cable TV, it only applies to internet.) They give you a rate of $9.95 per month, and you get the same service and internet speed like any other user.
Persons living in public housing qualify.
(note: There is a program called Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which pays for the low-cost internet. However, unless the US Congress adds funds to this program, it is set to expire in Spring, 2024. That's why we're not listing it here. If Congress does fund it again, we will include the link to apply.)
The 6-Ticket Ride Program
The
Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) offers a 6-Ticket Bus Ride program. This is for people who don't have a car, or don't have ready access to one. The ticket is good for 6 rides only, and can be renewed.
The ticket cannot be used for Paratransit buses, nor the 80X bus that goes to Mt. Vernon. You can get a ticket in the Washington Square office during office hours. (Check the calendar.)
Street Law
The
Street Law program, run by
Law Advocates, is a free legal advice clinic held at the downtown library, where people can ask questions and get assistance in one-on-one consultations with volunteer lawyers. Appointments are limited to 15-20 minutes.
Pre-registration is required. Check the
Street Law webpages to find out when you can register for an appointment.
Veterinary Help
The
Whatcom Humane Society offers several services and resources. Start here.
The
Sergey Foundation can help with issues like critical care, surgeries, and resources.
You can find out which veterinarians participate in this program.
The
Good Neighbor Vet program has a clinic at least once a month at the Haggen store in Barclay Village. Check this page for information about dates and times.