Community Resources

Below is a list of community resources available in Spokane. We understand it can be difficult to navigate the many resources and to know which option is the best for your situation. Please know you can always call YWCA Spokane’s 24-hour helpline at 509-326-CALL(2255) to receive assistance with connecting with meaningful resources. Click below to navigate to a resource section.

 

Counseling Resources

The following are low-cost or no-cost counseling services.

Rockwood Behavioral Health Center

Rockwood Behavioral Health Center offers mental health treatment for children, adolescents, families, and adult patients. Contact them at 801 W. Fifth Ave. Suite 422 Spokane, WA  99204 or by phone: (509) 342-3480

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides counseling services to those insured by Medicaid. Contact them at 12 E. 5th Avenue Spokane, WA 99202 or by phone: (509) 242-2308

Lutheran Community Services

Lutheran Community Services provides services for children and adults who have experienced trauma or non-intimate partner abuse. Contact them at 210 W. Sprague Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 or by phone: (509) 747-8224

Frontier Behavioral Health

Frontier Behavioral Health provides services for adults, youth and elders who are dealing with a wide range of mental health and emotional issues, including individuals who are impacted by substance use disorders. They have multiple locations: 107 S. Division St., Spokane, WA 99202 and 7 S. Howard St. #321, Spokane, WA 99201 You may call them at their Division office: (509) 838-4651; or their Howard office: (509) 838-4128. They also feature a 24/7 crisis line: (509)-838-4428.

Beginning January 1st, 2019, Frontier will begin a new crisis line. Until then, the (509) 838-4428 number will work. On and after January 1st, their new toll-free crisis line will be 1-877-266-1818. If you call their former number on or after January 1st, it will direct you to their new crisis line or other appropriate resources. Thank you!

Partners with Families and Children

Partners with Families and Children offers family and individual counseling for families dealing with abuse or neglect. You may contact them at 1321 W. Broadway Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 or by phone: (509) 473-4829

YFA Connections

YFA Connections provides services for those working to overcome substance abuse. You may contact them at 22 S. Thor Street Spokane, WA 99202 or by phone: (509) 532-2000.

Recovery Village

Recovery Village is an organization dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Domestic violence and substance abuse are often intimately linked and occur simultaneously. In fact, According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, substance abuse is involved in approximately half of all intimate partner violence. You may go to their website for more information and help with leaving an abusive partner and help with substance abuse.

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Civil legal resources are available in the community who offer free advice and may be able to offer representation. They may also be able to refer you to a lawyer for a civil legal case.

Northwest Justice Project – CLEAR

(No Direct Attorney Representation available, advice only)
  • The Northwest Justice Project is for low‐income people seeking free legal assistance with civil (non‐criminal), and/or criminal legal problems. This includes but is not limited to Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, Modifications of Parenting Plan, and more.
  • The CLEAR line is open Monday – Friday 9:10 am – 12:25 pm.
  • You can apply for assistance is through their website, or you can speak to a YWCA advocate who can you refer you to CLEAR. If you are not sure if CLEAR is right for you, speak to a YWCA advocate who may assist you. 
  • CLEAR offers advice and may be able to offer attorney representation.
  • Call 1-888-201-1014 for their services.

Volunteer Lawyers Program

(Possible Referrals for Direct Attorney Representation)
  • The Volunteer Lawyers Program is open on Monday at 1:00 pm-5:00 pm and on Wednesday at 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
  • If you are not able to get through on the CLEAR line, you may call the Volunteer Lawyers Program directly. They determine eligibility by income and type of legal problem.
  • Call (509) 324-0144 for their services.

Center for Justice- Justice Night

(No Direct Attorney Representation available, advice only)
  • Justice Night takes place the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:00 pm, with locations changing each week.
  • This time is dedicated to low‐income people seeking free legal assistance with civil (non‐criminal) legal problems. This includes but is not limited to Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, Modifications of Parenting Plan, etc. Please call ahead of time to see the location of Justice Night that month.
  • Call (509) 835-5211 for their services.

(Possible Direct Representation available)
  • Clients for YWCA Spokane Civil Legal Services must identify as a victim of Intimate Partner Domestic Violence to receive services may assist in Family Law cases in the following Counties; Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Spokane
  • We offer a free family law clinic for women every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. This includes but is not limited to Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, and Modifications of Parenting Plan.
  • Our Wednesday services are a lottery system now, with 6-15 clients being accepted each week. You do not need a parking pass to come to our offices.
  • Call (509) 326-1190 for their services.

Moderate Means Program

(Possible Referrals for Direct Attorney Representation)
  • Moderate Means Program offers reduced attorney fees for people that fall between 200% and 400% of the Washington State determined poverty guideline. They work with family law, housing law, and consumer law. This includes but is not limited to: Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, Modifications of Parenting Plan, etc.
  • Call 1-855-741-6930 for their services.

Courthouse Facilitator

(No Legal Advice; No Direct Attorney Representation available)
  • The facilitator helps people that do not have an attorney with instructions, forms, and information to be able to represent themselves in family law matters. They cannot give legal advice to any person. They are there for information only on the court process. There is no charge for your first visit with the Family Court Facilitator. There is a $25 fee for each visit after the first visit.
  • You must make an appointment with the Facilitator at their office. The office is located at the Spokane County Superior Courthouse, Room 200.
  • Call (509) 477-7612 for their services.

Women’s Hearth

(No Direct Attorney Representation, available dates, and possible referrals, advice only) 
  • The Women’s Hearth offers a free family law clinic for women a few times each year. This includes but is not limited to Divorce, Child Custody, Paternity, and Modifications of Parenting Plan. They do not handle advice on issues involving Child Protective Services. Participants must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive assistance. 
  • Call (509) 455-4249 for their services.

All Washington Court Forms

  • All Washington Court Forms may be found on their website.

Washington Law Help

  • Washington Law Help may be found on their website. 

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Health Resources

Resources for health insurance and health resources who perform social services. The resources below may be able to offer low-cost health care or help you become insured. They may also help you navigate your current insurance plan.

Washington Apple Health and Healthcare Exchange

Apple Health can be applied for year-round. The healthcare exchange is only available during open enrollment and within 60 days of certain qualifying life events (losing health coverage, divorce, marriage, or giving birth/adoption). Specific questions or concerns can be addressed by the assistance programs listed below.

Applying for Apple Health Yourself

Each category has income and citizenship criteria listed in the link. Applications can be done online, by phone, or by printing off an application.

CHAS

CHAS enrollment Assistance with a Patient Service Coordinator (PSC)–can help enroll in health insurance or the sliding scale program if not eligible. Contact: (509) 444-8200 or see their website here. They can assist with:

  • Clients can make an appointment with a PSC at the clinic closest to them (every clinic has at least one PSC)
  • Has multiple language choices on the phone
  • Interpreter services available
  • Can assist with Apple health year-round
  • Can apply for insurance on the exchange (not Apple health) within 60 days of certain qualifying events
  • Available exceptions for DV cases

Better Health Together

Better Health Together specializes in these services:

  • Any health insurance questions, especially state insurance questions.
  • Applications, eligibility, and reviews
  • DV-specific process exists (address confidentiality options, etc.)
  • They do not take Medicare directly, but they can make referrals

The contacts can provide in-person or over the phone assistance with health insurance enrollment. 

  • Kirsten (509) 381-5573
  • Kurt (509) 381-5562
  • Allison (509) 381-5572


Medicare SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)

Washington State’s SHIBA provides free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare and health care choices to people of all ages and backgrounds. Contact their hotline 800-562-6900 for Spokane and Whitman Counties. Our volunteer advisors, located around the state, can help you:

  • Assess health care coverage needs
  • Determine general eligibility for health care coverage programs
  • Evaluate and compare health insurance plans and programs
  • Provide enrollment help with Medicare
  • Speak with 1-800 Medicare on your behalf
  • Make referrals to other agencies and programs
  • Collect and report possible fraud complaints
  • (List of all local offices by county available on SHIBA website)

Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington

Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) serves seniors and vulnerable adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

  • Aging and long term care services support caregivers.
  • Home delivered meals and transportation are just a few of the senior services that enhance the quality of an individual’s life.
  • Services allow people the opportunity to live in the least restrictive environment possible.
  • ALTCEW, Public Service Area #11 (PSA #11), serves northern Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties.
  • Contact: phone: (509) 625-4801, email: action@altcew.org

Stevens County Rural Resources Community Action

Since 1965, Rural Resources Community Action has helped residents of Northeastern Washington help themselves and each other. Through education, resources, and support, we offer real hope to children, seniors and families, by working to create a stronger and more stable community for us all. Each year, 14,000 people in Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Whitman and Stevens Counties turn to Rural Resources for short-term assistance and long-term solutions to help them take control of their lives and their futures. Their contact information is- phone: (509) 684-8421, address: 956 S. Main St., Colville, WA 99114. They assist with:

  • Child abuse
  • Crime Victims
  • Domestic Violence
  • Energy Assistance
  • Head Start and ECEAP
  • Housing
  • Jobs
  • Senior Services
  • Sexual Assault
  • Transportation
  • Weatherization

Master List of Navigator (Application Assistance) Organizations

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Phone Resources

These are low-cost options for phones. If you have any questions about the following resources please feel free to bring them up with your advocate.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the cost of one phone per household. Programs through which you can access a Lifeline phone:

  • Q Link Wireless (cell)
    This provider will allow you to use the YWCA address instead of your own. On the form, you will need to specify a fake “suite” number, but any mail sent to us regarding your phone will be processed just like any other items you might receive here.   
  • Safelink Wireless (cell)
    This provider does not require you to upload any documents but you will need your DSHS ID number.
  • Centurylink (home phone)

Qualifications for Lifeline– You will need to show some kind of proof (i.e. documents, an ID number, etc) that you are receiving at least one of these services in order to qualify.

  • If your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty line (must show proof of income)
  • If you or your child participates in any of the following:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • If you live on tribal land and participate in any of the following tribal programs:
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
    • Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

No-Contract Phones

These are also known as “pay as you go” or “prepaid” phones. Many carriers provide no-contract phones* and phone plans at lower prices than a contracted phone plan. This simply means that you pay upfront for all of the text messages and minutes you want. You can renew service with the provider once those texts/minutes have been used, but you are not obligated to. These kinds of plans work best for people who do not use a phone frequently or only need a phone temporarily.

These types of plans are available through the following carriers:

  • TracFone
  • T-Mobile
  • AT&T
  • Verizon
  • Net10
  • Cricket
  • Virgin Mobile
  • Consumer Cellular

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Crisis Resources

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Children’s Resources

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one relationships that defend their potential and ignite their best possible future! We match mentors (Bigs) with youth (Littles) ages 6-15 through an interview process. Matches make a commitment to see each other 2-4 times a month for 12 months or longer. They plan their own outings filled with things that are mutually fun and low cost. They provide training, resources, and support necessary for those matches to succeed and the families that surround them to prosper. To begin this program, please contact Ken Shelton, Enrolling and Matching Specialist email: kshelton@nwbigs.org phone: (509) 328-8312 x214.

Safe Home Safety Rules for Children

The fact is, every responsible parent is concerned about their children’s safety. At the same time, it is important for kids to socialize at a young age and be able to have a certain level of freedom to grow and develop independence. It’s all about finding a healthy balance, which can be tough. While ideal, constantly keeping your eyes peeled on your kids may not always be plausible. The good news is, you can implement some basic safety rules for your children to abide by. This will help them become more aware of how they can protect themselves when you are not around. Read more about this resource here.

 

Crisis hotlines and Child Welfare Agencies in Spokane

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YWCA Help Line

You can call YWCA Spokane’s 24-hour Helpline at any point whether you are in a crisis or not. Please do not hesitate to call. If you need immediate assistance from a different organization, we will refer you. Please call (509)-326-CALL (2255), or visit the YWCA Spokane at 930 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99201 to use our front desk phone to immediately talk with a helpline advocate.

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Other Resources

Please call 2-1-1 or go to www.win211.org for a full comprehensive list of resources.

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Other Community Resources

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