Need Help?
Federal, state and local governments are working to help those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak. Be sure to check back to this page as more resources are posted.
Still need help? Email us.
Rental Assistance
If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your landlord immediately. Most landlords are working with tenants on identifying a payment plan to help pay overdue rent. Regional programs also exist to provide assistance.
Here are resources for rent assistance and emergency financial assistance:
- Issaquah Community Services – call 425-837-3125 or email; Applications form and instructions may be found here.
- St. Vincent de Paul- St. Joseph Issaquah Conference - (206) 767-6449, M-F, 8am-3pm
- United Way of King County has a rental assistance program. While this program is currently paused, additional funds are expected to become available by the end of August. Check their website periodically.
- The Governor has extended the statewide moratorium on evictions of renters until Oct. 15.
- Mayor Mary Lou Pauly also issued a Proclamation of Emergency stating landlords or owners shall not require payment of late fees or charges due to delinquent payment of rent.
- Rental assistance and counseling: 800-569-4287
Homeowner Assistance
- Homeowners with FHA, USDA, VA, or Section 184 or 184A mortgages (for members of federally-recognized tribes) and those with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac have the right to request forbearance on their payments for up to 6 months, with a possible extension for another 6 months without fees, penalties, or extra interest. Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicing company directly.
- Still need help? Call the Washington home-ownership hotline at 877-894-HOME.
Paying Utilities
If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.
- The City’s utility bill relief program can be found here. Need to contact the City’s Utility Billing team? Send us an email.
- Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees and offers payments plans.
- PSE’s Crisis Affected Customer Assistance Program (CACAP) is an $11 Million fund dedicated to assisting low income customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown.
- Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data and no disconnects or late fees.
- The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.
- The federal government also has assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.
Economic Impact Payments
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
Student Loans
If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Other Resources
- The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by COVID-19.
Food Assistance
If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, which offers weekly pre-packed boxes for pick up, or “Groceries to Go” for those who need it.
For school-aged children, learn more about meals provided by the Issaquah School District.
To maximize social distancing while shopping for groceries, try going when local stores open (many open at 6 a.m.) when there are less crowds. Some stores also offer the ability to order online, and have groceries either delivered or arranged for pick-up.
Other Resources
- Issaquah Christian Church- Weekly food boxes
- Catholic Community Services- Issaquah Meals Program
Unemployment
Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) should apply for Unemployment Insurance.
Have you been denied unemployment insurance? There has been some auto-generated denials that are not in line with the updated rules. The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) encourages you to file your weekly claim anyway.
If you’ve been denied or are a gig worker, watch this video to learn more about steps you can take to ensure your unemployment claim moves forward.
Paid Leave for Workers
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.
Workers’ Compensation
Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for Workers’ Compensation.
Other Financial Assistance
The Governor’s Office also has a helpful resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers.
Local Job Opportunities
Regional partners have created a consolidated list of opportunities for laid off or furloughed workers.
- Issaquah School District Resources
- Eastside Baby Corner (Baby supplies)
- Healthy Parenting Tips
- Parents: How to Cope at Home
- Six tips for parents during COVID-19
- Childcare Services
- Virtual "Hangouts" for teens hosted by The Garage - A Teen Cafe
- Digital Resources for Students
- Emergency Computer and Internet Hot Spot Check Out
- How to Talk to My Child about Coronavirus
- Internet Access
- Transportation Services
- Youth Crisis Support Services
- Teen Link - confidential and anonymous help line for teens. Trained teen volunteers are available to talk with you about any issue of concern. No issue is too big or too small! 866-833-6546
Insurance Issues
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.
Local Seniors
Are you feeling isolated? Call 425-392-2381 and let us know. Our Senior Center staff will call you periodically to check-in, and provide support.
Eastside Friends of Seniors- Provides assistance to seniors
Domestic Violence Help:
- Domestic Abuse Women’s Network: 425-656-7867
- LifeWire: 1-800-827-8840
- New Beginnings: 206-522-9472
Sexual Assault Help:
- King County Sexual Assault Resource Center: 1-888-998-6423
Hotlines
Peace In the Home (help available for domestic violence and sexual assault 24/7 in multiple languages): 1-888-847-7205
Mental Health
If you or a loved one are in a mental health crisis or may be suicidal, please do at least one of the following:
- Call King County Crisis Connections at 206-461-3222
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- Get help from NAMI on the Eastside, by email or call at 425-885-6264
- Get help from IKRON of Greater Seattle or call at 425-439-9101
- Get help from Terapeutic Health Services or call at 425-747-7892
- Text HELLO to 741741
- Dial 911
Additional Information
- United Way of King County has a helpful resource list.
- If you have experienced sexual assault and need support, or if you would like more information about sexual violence, call King County Sexual Assault Resource Center’s 24-hour Resource Line at 888.99.VOICE.
- WA Warm Line is a peer support line for people who might feel isolated or vulnerable at 877-500-WARM (877-500-9276).