Meeting everyday needs like food, shelter, transportation, clothing, and healthcare is essential for families to thrive. Access to these resources helps parents reduce stress, strengthen their family’s security, and improve the well-being of their children.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to these critical items, making families vulnerable during times of crisis such as economic hardship, domestic violence, mental illness, substance use disorder, and other challenging situations. Help during times of need offers stability to families as they navigate hard times, allowing them time and resources to seek support and connect with helpful services.
DCYF offers several programs and services to support families with everyday needs:
Basic Needs Community Resource Directory
Explore state and community resources for families in Washington experiencing limited access to food, stable housing, transportation, clothing, healthcare, and other everyday essentials.
Concrete Goods
Short-term support through material goods and services such as gift cards, diapers, utility payments, and more.
Child Welfare Housing Program
Housing vouchers, temporary rental assistance, housing navigation, and case management supports for families with an open child welfare case when lack of adequate housing is contributing to a child’s risk of out-of-home placement or a barrier to family reunification. (See also Housing and Homelessness Prevention for Youth).
Child Welfare Continuing Child Care (CWCCC)
Up to 12 months of free child care for families with an open Child Welfare case or a Child Welfare case that closed within the past six months.