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Resources for Bridge to Basics Volunteers

The Bridge to Basics Program connects volunteers from the United Way of King County with community members in need. Bridge to Basics volunteers screen and connect low-income King County residents to state benefit programs at sites throughout King County.

If you are a Bridge to Basics volunteer, use the Bridge to Basics eligibility tool to help determine program eligibility.

To initiate the application process, see a list of applications and referrals below:

• Nutrition Assistance
• Health Insurance
• Childcare and Early Education
• Utility Assistance
• Vocational Training
• Additional Resources
• Become a Volunteer!

Nutrition Assistance

Basic Food Program

• Apply for Basic Food

• BENEFIT ESTIMATOR

• Completed applications should be sent to your local DSHS office.

• Next Steps: Submit Required Documents
  • Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, letter from employer, or verification of Social Security or child support)
  • Photo identification
  • Copy of Social Security card (for each person who is requesting benefits)
  • Proof of dependent care costs (child care)
  • Copy of rental agreement or mortgage
  • Copy of utility bill to prove address
  • Proof of medical expenses (medical bills, pharmacy receipts)

Women, Infants and Children’s Program (WIC)

• Use the WIC search tool to locate a local WIC office.

Food Banks

• Find a food bank by using ParentHelp123’s Resource Finder. Choose Food and then Food Banks from the list.

For questions about these programs, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Health Insurance

Free and Low-Cost Children’s Medical

• Apply for Children’s Medical

• Submit Required Documents:
  • Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, letter from employer, or verification of Social Security or child support)
  • Copy of Social Security card

First Steps Program (Pregnancy Medical)

• Apply for Pregnancy Medical

• Submit Required Documents:
  • Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, letter from employer, or verification of Social Security or child support)
  • Copy of Social Security card for the pregnant woman
  • Verification of pregnancy from a clinic

Family Medical

• Apply for Family Medical

• Completed applications should be sent to your local DSHS office.

• Next Steps: DSHS will ask for the necessary documentation.

Take Charge Program

• Call the Take Charge/Family Planning Hotline at 1-800-770-4334 to locate a Take Charge provider.

For questions about these programs, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Childcare and Early Education

Working Connections Childcare Program

• Locate the local DSHS office to begin the application process.

City of Seattle Childcare Assistance Program

• Begin the application process by filling out the application form.

Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs

• Find the nearest Head Start and ECEAP location.

Utility Assistance

Please note: Utility assistance programs have specific requirements before clients may apply. Please verify client eligibility and application process protocol before calling these numbers.

• LIHEAP – begin the application process by completing the LIHEAP appointment form and then call 1-800-348-7144 to set up an in-office interview.

• ELIA – call 206-684-3688 to request a paper application be mailed directly to your client.

• 50% City Light/Seattle Public Utility Discount – begin the application process by completing the Utility Discount application or if the client is 65 or older complete the Senior Citizen Utility Discount application and then mail the application to PeoplePoint.

• Project SHARE – complete the referral form and then mail to PeoplePoint.

• Water Assistance (Seattle Public Utilities) – call Seattle Public Utilities Emergency Assistance Program at 206-684-5800×1.

• Learn more about additional King County city utility assistance programs:
  • Renton
  • Kent
  • Kirkland
  • Bellevue
  • Federal Way
  • Auburn
  • North Bend
  • Tukwila
  • Redmond
  • Bothell
  • Des Moines

Vocational Training

Seattle Jobs Initiative

• Contact a community based organization to be connected with a job training program.

Basic Food Employment and Training Program

Provides job search training, education and skills training and support services to Basic Food recipients who do not participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

• Contact a participating agency for more information.

Additional Resources

• Find additional resources using ParentHelp123’s Resource Finder.

• Legal Resources

• For general referrals to services beyond our scope (i.e. rental assistance, weatherization, other charitable organizations, etc.) please refer the client to call 2-1-1.

Become a Volunteer!

Bridge to Basics is a partnership with the United Way of King County. Learn more about becoming a Bridge to Basics volunteer by visiting United Way of King County’s website.