Paying bills can be difficult, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have become unemployed or face reduced hours. Households with lower incomes prior to or resulting from the COVID-19 crisis can apply to a variety of programs for assistance.
Following in information about some discounts and programs available..
WATER UTILITIES
The City of Snoqualmie offers a reduced rate on combined water utilities (water, sewer, and stormwater) for those who meet eligibility requirements. Please review the criteria and complete the Utility Rate Reduction Application on the city website at www.snoqualmiewa.gov/FormCenter. More information: info@snoqualmiewa.gov or call 425-888-1555.
ELECTRIC AND GAS SERVICE
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded block grant administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program assists low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs by applying an energy assistance grant directly to the energy provider on behalf of the household. In some situations, LIHEAP may also help repair or replace an unsafe, dysfunctional, and/or inoperative heating system. More info: www.hopelink.org/energy or 425-658-2592
The PSE Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP) provides qualified customers with bill-payment assistance beyond the Washington state LIHEAP program. Depending on income and household size, a qualified customer could receive up to $1,000. The amount of HELP aid given to a PSE electricity or natural gas customer depends on household size, income, and energy use. More info: www.hopelink.org/energy or 425-658-2592
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet Essentials from Comcast provides internet services for $9.95 per month; the option to purchase subsidized computers; and free training. Individuals and families qualify if they are eligible for public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others. More info: www.InternetEssentials.com or 1-855-846-8376
TRANSPORTATION
Snoqualmie Valley Transportation provides door-to-door and fixed-route shuttle services for the general public in the Snoqualmie Valley Monday through Friday (except holidays). Door-to-door fare is $1 per ride. The fixed-route fare is a $1 suggested donation. Riders connecting to Metro buses ride for free. ORCA cards are not accepted. More info: www.svtbus.org or 425-888-7001
King County Metro and Sound Transit offer eligible customers a subsidized annual pass allowing them to ride at no charge on King County Metro and Sound Transit services. Customers who do not qualify for the subsidized annual pass may qualify for reduced fares via the ORCA Lift program (for seniors and people with disabilities) or through the ORCA Youth Card (for youth ages 6-18). More info: www.bit.ly/KCMetroDiscounts or 1-877 501-2233
SENIOR SERVICES
The Mt Si Senior Center is providing lunches Monday through Friday to seniors who have difficulty providing themselves a healthy meal during this time. It offers both curbside pick-up and delivery. To manage our resources efficiently, the senior center asks that seniors pre-register for a week's worth of lunches. More info: www.mtsiseniorcenter.org or 425-888-3434
SHELTER SERVICES
Snoqualmie Valley Shelter Services provides overnight shelter and meals for men, women, and families in Snoqualmie with safety precautions for COVID-19. There is also a day resource center to connect people with the services they need. More info: www.svshelterservices.org or 425-773-2874
OTHER NEEDS
If you need assistance with food, children’s services, medical care, rent, transportation, mental health, domestic violence, shelter, or many other needs, resources are available on the Love Snoqualmie Valley website at www.lovesnoqualmievalley.com/gethelp. You can also call the helpline at 425-888-0096.
FOOD BANK
The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank is located in North Bend and serves residents of North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, and Preston. Currently, it offers curbside pick-up on Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More info: www.snoqualmievalleyfoodbank.org or 425-888-7382
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Contact:
Joan Pliego
Communications Manager/PIO
City of Snoqualmie
425-281-3317
jpliego@snoqualmiewa.gov