Where to Turn in Hard Times

Steve Scher
12/04/2008 at 10:00 a.m.

Families across the state are hit hard by the recession. So are the aid agencies that serve those in need. Food banks and other social services are struggling to meet increased demand. What help is still available? What options do struggling people have? Where can you go for food, aid with utilities and housing help? And if you are stable, what can you do to help others?

Guest(s)

Kathleen Southwick is the executive director of the Crisis Clinic. The clinic's telephone service offers immediate help to people in need. It's also the King County provider of the 2–1–1 information network.

Troy Colley is the executive director of Coastal Community Action Program.

Beth Minker is the assistant director of Solid Ground. Solid Ground provides shelter, food, home care, transportation and other basic services to nearly 3,000 families in need throughout King County.

Glen Miller is the communications manager for HopeLink. Hopelink runs emergency service centers around north and east King County. Their mission is to promote self–sufficiency among homeless and low income families.

Vicki Howell is the regional chief of operations for the Everett Family Center. They serve Snohomish county as part of the Catholic Community Services of Western Washington. The center offers a variety of services for individuals, children and families in need, including shelter, housing and mental health counseling.

David Ottey is the executive director of the Emergency Food Network. The network provides 80% of all the food at Pierce County food banks.

Bill Humphreys is the vice president of Operations for Volunteers of America Western Washington. Their mission is helping others toward self–sufficiency, improving living conditions and bettering health and wellness. The VOA Emergency Services program provides vouchers for a variety of basic needs for individuals and families.

Kathy MacCaul is the director of community affairs for the YWCA of King and Snohomish Counties. The YWCA offers emergency shelter, transitional housing and affordable permanent housing in Snohomish County.