Helplines, Crisis Services & Other Resources for Spokane County Residents (2023 Update)
Posted on October 26, 2023 at 4:00 am
By Crystal Miller
Note: This is an update to a previous post.
A crisis can occur at any point in life, whether it stems from a natural disaster, a health emergency, or interpersonal trauma. It can affect many aspects of life, including financial needs, emotional health, physical health, and mental health, among others.
It is important for each of us to check in with people in our lives and who are part of social networks, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Fortunately, help exists for those in need and anyone who is vulnerable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or violence of any kind, having suicidal thoughts, struggling with addiction, struggling with their mental health, or in need of support, there are resources and people you can turn to for help during stressful and uncertain times.
If you are experiencing an emergency: Dial 911.
For help in times of crisis and need, the following helplines, crisis resources, and other support services are listed in these categories:
General Resources | Natural Disasters | Domestic Violence | Suicide, Mental Health & Addiction | Healthcare Resources | LGBTQIA+ Support | Veterans Services | Resources for Parents & Children | Resources Booklists
General Resources
County Resources
211 connects callers, at no cost, to critical health and human services in their community. To see what services are available to you in the counties of Spokane, Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens:
Call 2-1-1 from a landline or call 1-877-211-9274 (Monday–Friday, 9–5pm)
Website: https://wa211.org/
Crime Check
Crime Check is a service provided by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications for non-emergency calls. Crime Check will process reports for some local law enforcement agencies as determined by those agencies.
Call: 509-456-2233
Website: https://www.spokanecounty.org/1076/Crime-Check
Paratransit
Paratransit is a wheelchair-accessible, shared-ride transportation service for individuals whose disability prevents them from using the regular fixed-route buses.
Call: 509-328-1552
Website: https://www.spokanetransit.com/paratransit/
The Fig Tree Resource Directory
An independent, nonprofit newspaper and resource directory in the Inland Northwest
Website: http://www.thefigtree.org/connections-resources.html
Resource Center of Spokane County
The Resource Center of Spokane County provides resources and support to help ensure that all aspects of a person’s personal and professional life are addressed in order to increase their opportunities. Some of the services they provide include:
- Free cell phone programs
- Low-cost internet service and computer equipment
- Energy assistance
- SSI and SSDI assistance
- Financial Literacy, Responsible Renters, and First-Time Home Buyers classes
- Substance-Use Disorder and mental health assessments and referrals
- Counseling referrals
- Assistance signing up for state medical insurance
- Work readiness programs
Location: 130 S Arthur St, 2nd Floor, Spokane, WA 99202
Call: 509-867-8188
Email: info@spokaneresourcecenter.org
Website: https://spokaneresourcecenter.org/
Natural Disasters
2-1-1 connects callers, at no cost, to critical health and human services in their community.
Call: 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-9274 (Monday–Friday, 9–5pm)
Website: https://wa211.org/
Search these categories online for specific resources:
- Disabilities
- Domestic violence
- Education
- Employment
- Financial
- Food
- Health Care
- Personal/household items
- Shelter/transportation
Alert Spokane
ALERT Spokane is the public alert and warning notifications program that disseminates throughout the greater Spokane area. The software supporting the program is called CodeRED. CodeRED is a mass notification system that can distribute emergency notifications via landline, cellular, and/or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, as well as via email, text messages, and TTD, TTY capable phones.
Website: https://www.spokanecounty.org/3007/Alert-Spokane
Ready.Gov
Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Website: https://www.ready.gov/be-informed
FEMA Grants
Grant funds are available for pre and post emergency or disaster related projects. These funds support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and many other programs. Grants are the principal funding mechanism that FEMA uses to commit and award federal funding to eligible state, local, tribal, territorial, certain private non-profits, individuals, and institutions of higher learning.
Website: https://www.fema.gov/grants
Washington State Department of Health Preparedness Tips
Severe weather and natural disasters cause physical damage and often create health risks. Loss of power and water can make it difficult to store food or cook safely, find clean water, and safely heat homes. Get tips to prepare for whatever might happen.
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/be-prepared-be-safe/severe-weather-and-natural-disasters
Spokane County Resources for Wildfire Victims
This website contains local, state, and federal resources for those affected by wildfires.
Website: https://www.spokanecounty.org/5444/Wildfire-Resources
The Washington Emergency Management Division Human Services Program
The Washington Emergency Management Division Human Services Program works with federal, state, and local partners to support disaster preparedness and recovery for Washington’s individuals, households, and businesses.
Website: https://mil.wa.gov/for-individuals-households-businesses
Wildfire Emergency Response Fund – Eastern Washington
Innovia Foundation has opened a Wildfire Emergency Response Fund to support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by wildfires in the region.
Website: https://innovia.org/wildfire-relief/
Washington Emergency Management Division
Washington State is one of the most beautiful places in the country. This beauty is due in large part to active geologic processes. The downside is that these active geologic processes can sometimes be hazardous to our lives, buildings, and other infrastructure.
You can find resources here to make a plan and prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.
Website: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/geologic-hazards/emergency-preparedness
Domestic Violence
Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence
Crisis & Support Line, 24/7: 1-800-927-0197
Online Live Chat: https://www.resourceconnect.com/cardv/chat (Monday–Thursday, 10am–6pm, for live chat with an advocate)
Website: https://www.cardv.org/
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline, 24/7: 1-800-799-7233
Website: www.thehotline.org
Teen Dating Violence Hotline
Website & online chat: https://www.loveisrespect.org/
Call, 24/7: 866-331-9474
RAINN: National Sexual Assault Hotline
Free and confidential, 24/7.
Call: 1-800-656-4673
Website: https://www.rainn.org/
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call, 24/7: 1-800-422-4453
Website: https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
Mujeres in Action (MiA)
Somos una organización sin fines de lucro con el compromiso de apoyar e interceder por las víctimas de violencia doméstica y/o agresión sexual en el área de Spokane.
MiA – Women in Action is a non-profit organization committed to supporting and interceding victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in the Spokane area.
Email / correo electrónico: info@miaspokane.org
Call / teléfono: 509-869-0876
Website / sitio web: https://www.miaspokane.org/
YWCA
State-recognized intimate partner domestic violence program for victims and survivors
Phone Helpline, 24/7: 509-326-2255
Text Helpline: 509-220-3725
Email: help@ywcaspokane.org
Website: https://ywcaspokane.org/programs/help-with-domestic-violence/
More resources from YWCA: https://ywcaspokane.org/racialjustice/resources/
Our Sister’s Closet at YWCA
A free clothing boutique with toiletries and clothing and childcare while being served (Monday–Friday, 8–5pm)
Location: 930 N Monroe, Spokane, WA 99201
Call: 509-789-9280
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Sexual violence, non-intimate partner domestic violence, and other trauma services
Call, 24/7: 509-624-7273 (24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Line)
Text, 24/7: 509-624-7273
Website: www.lcsnw.org
myPlan app
A safety plan is an aid to help those experiencing abuse at home. Creating a safety plan can be a first step in keeping you and your family safe.
myPlan app is a tool to aid anyone—including you or someone you know—in a domestic violence situation.
- First interactive safety decision aid
- Accessible via a mobile app and website
- Designed to assist intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors in identifying and navigating their own safe path forward.
Website: https://www.myplanapp.org
Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition – End the Violence Spokane
Advocacy Helpline: 509-481-0794
Website: https://endtheviolencespokane.org/
Suicide, Mental Health & Addiction
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Support Line, 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
Live Online Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous
Website: https://www.aa.org/
Note: Some groups may meet virtually
Narcotics Anonymous
Website: https://na.org/
Resources for meetings held online or by phone: https://na.org/?ID=virtual_meetings
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has information on mental health and can help you locate treatment in your area.
Helpline: 1-877-726-4727 (Monday–Friday, 5am–5pm Pacific)
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington
Website: http://www.namiwa.org/
Crisis Text Line, 24/7: Text NAMI to 741741
National NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) (Monday–Friday, 7am–3pm Pacific)
National NAMI email: info@nami.org
Spokane Regional Service Area Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline
Call: 1-877-266-1818
Website: https://www.spokanecounty.org/4232/Spokane-RSA-Crisis-Services
Spokane County Walk-in Crisis Services
Location (during business hours): Frontier Behavioral Health, 107 S Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
Spokane County Suicide Prevention Resources
Website: https://srhd.org/media/documents/SuicidePrevResources1.pdf
Spokane County Supportive Living Program
Offers independent living skills training for adults with a mental health condition
Call: 509-477-4388
PeerSpokane Services
Peer coaching for addiction, support groups, housing coaches to help you find housing and understand your lease and act as an advocate with your landlord. Most coaches used to be addicted themselves, are sensitive to your circumstances, and know how to be helpful.
Call: 509-867-3778
Email: info@peerspokane.org
Recovery Café Spokane
For help with recovery support, housing, food, employment, medical and dental, transportation, and other programs through Community-Minded Enterprises
Text Helpline: Text HI to 509-960-8529
Website: https://community-minded.org/services/recovery-support-services/recovery-café-spokane/
Healthcare Resources
If you are experiencing an emergency: Dial 911
Washington State Department of Health
Provides a list of current hazards and issues, as well as emergency contacts and preparation tools
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies
Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)
Website: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/
Spokane Regional Health District
Spokane Regional Health District is a public health agency providing over 20 different programs and services to individuals, families, and organizations across Spokane County, including Emergency Preparedness resources.
Website: https://srhd.org/programs-and-services#-emergency-preparedness
Washington Connection
Washington Connection offers a fast and effortless way to apply for a variety of services such as food, cash, childcare, long-term care, the Medicare Savings Program, and medical assistance for individuals aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
Website: www.washingtonconnection.org
CHAS Health
CHAS Health provides medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services to families and individuals of all ages, regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay. They accept most insurance plans including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. If your household income qualifies, you may receive reduced fees based on your application and proof of income.
Services include primary care, pediatrics, women’s health & pregnancy care, urgent care, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health.
CHAS Health’s patient services coordinators are also available to help individuals identify and enroll in health insurance coverage.
Call: 509-444-8200
Website: www.chas.org
Better Health Together
Better Health Together tackles health inequities throughout eastern Washington for an integrated and anti-racist health system (regional partner for Care Connect Washington)
Location: 157 S Howard, Suite 102, Spokane, WA 99201
Call: 509-321-7500
Washington 2-1-1
2-1-1 connects callers, at no cost, to critical health and human services in their community.
Call: 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-9274 (Monday–Friday, 9–5pm)
Website: https://wa211.org/
PeerSpokane
For confidential STD Testing and quick results for HIV, Hep C, Syphilis
Hours offered: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 12–2pm
Location: 425 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Call: 509-867-3778
Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard
The Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard informs communities and helps guide their personal decision making on prevention measures such as using masks and social distancing.
LGBTQIA+ Support
National LGBT Hotline
Hotline: 1-888-843-4564 (Monday–Friday, 1–9pm Pacific, and Saturdays, 9am–2pm Pacific)
Email: help@LGBThotline.org
Website: https://www.lgbthotline.org/national-hotline.html
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth Helpline)
Lifeline, call 24/7: 1-866-488-7386
Text Helpline: Text START to 678678
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
Veterans Services
Veterans Crisis Line
Call: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
Call for support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889
Text Helpline: 838255
Online Live Chat, 24/7: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Spokane VA Medical Center
Location: 4815 N Assembly St, Spokane
Call: 509-434-7000
Regional Veterans Services in Spokane County
Location: 1101 W College Ave, Suite 401, Spokane
Call: 509-477-3690
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans
Location: 504 E 2nd Ave, Spokane
Call: 509-462-2500
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
A service provided by Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest and its partners that can provide rapid rehousing for veterans and their families
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Location: 130 East 3rd Ave Spokane, WA 99202
Call: 509-828-2449
Spokane Vet Center (Veterans Affairs)
Confidential help for veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm
Location: 13109 E Mirabeau Pkwy, Spokane Valley WA
Call: 509-444-8387
24/7 Call Center: 1-877-927-8387
Website: https://www.va.gov/spokane-vet-center/
Resources for Parents & Children
Parent Help 123
Parent Help 123 helps families in Washington state find services in their communities and apply for health insurance, food assistance, and more.
Phone: 1-800-322-2588
Website: www.parenthelp123.org
Vanessa Behan
Vanessa Behan helps parents who are having difficulty providing safe shelter and care for their children.
Their primary services are 24-hour childcare for infants and children under age 7, parent education, crisis counseling for parents, and referrals to other community agencies.
Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery: 509-535-3155
Website: www.vanessabehan.org
Child Care Aware of Washington
A nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in Washington has access to high-quality childcare and early learning programs.
Call: 1-800-446-1114
Website: www.childcareawarewa.org
Child Protective Services Hotline
Call: 1-866-363-4276
Website: https://www.atg.wa.gov/child-abuse-neglect
Children’s Home Society
Call: 509-747-4174
Website: https://www.childrenshomesociety.org/spokane
Center for Family Development
Call: 509-744-1117
Website: https://www.cffdspokane.com/
Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD)
Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program at the Spokane Regional Health District is funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority and ARCORA Foundation.
Any child under age 6 who has Apple Health (Medicaid) benefits is eligible for the program. Spokane Regional Health District program staff help eligible kids access ABCD-certified dentists that will provide fluoride varnish applications, dental exams, parent-education sessions, and restorative care as needed.
Call: 509-324-1478
Resources Booklists
The library has an OverDrive booklist full of eBooks and audiobooks to help you prepare for and navigate emergencies and disasters: Preparing for Emergencies.
You may find additional help from titles in our other booklists found in our catalog and on OverDrive:
- Purple for a Purpose: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Resources for Grief & Loss
- Addiction & Recovery
- Mental Health Matters
I hope that the resources in this post will aid you and those in your life.
If you don’t see a resource you need in this post, you can contact the library, and we will do our best to connect you to the resource that can help you.
Visit one of our libraries: https://www.scld.org/locations/
Call: 509-893-8400
Ask-a-Librarian web form: https://www.scld.org/connect/ask-a-librarian/
Crystal Miller is a Business and Career Development Librarian at Spokane County Library District as well as the Community Librarian for Cheney Library, creating library programs, connecting with the Cheney community, and supporting local businesses and job seekers. In her free time, she enjoys her daily walks with her two dogs, trying out new recipes, and listening to audiobooks on the Libby app!
Tags: agencies, children, community, crisis, domestic violence, healthcare, help, helpful, helplines, LGBT, LGBTQ, mental health, natural disaster, parents, preparedness, prevention, resources, services, suicide, veterans, websites
