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Stability and economic security often depends on access to essentials like food, housing, transportation and utilities. When one or more of these needs goes unmet, individuals and families can slide toward crisis.
Volunteers of America Western Washington is here to support South Snohomish County residents in precarious situations through its Volunteers of America Western Washington Connect program. Support from the Verdant Health Commission helps expand these services in South Snohomish County through a dedicated Community Resource Advocate position.
VOAWW Connect’s team of Community Resource Advocates (CRAs) provide clients personalized guidance to meet their most urgent needs. For longer-term support, CRAs connect them to a wide network of community partners such as food banks, housing providers and human services departments, all at no cost.
Residents in need can reach VOAWW Connect through its call center at 360-VOA-HELP or toll free at 1-800-223-8145. In addition, CRAs are embedded in trusted community locations, helping reduce barriers and build relationships in familiar community spaces, like Edmonds College, Sno-Isle Libraries, Verdant Health Commission, Edmonds Food Bank, YWCA shelter, Department of Social and Health Services, and the recently opened Lynnwood Neighborhood Center.
“Many of the individuals we serve are navigating urgent challenges and aren’t sure where to start,” said Kimberly German, operations director for VOAWW Connect. “By meeting people in trusted community spaces and offering personalized support, we’re able to address immediate needs and connect them to the right resources for longer-term stability.”
“Laura,” a Lynnwood resident, is a client who sought assistance with transportation and basic necessities, including hygiene items. She and her husband, both seniors, were living with another family to reduce housing costs and were regularly visiting the Edmonds College Food Pantry, where she became aware of VOAWW Connect.
A CRA provided her with much-needed hygiene products and linked her to the Meals on Wheels program for consistent, healthy food deliveries at home. Laura also got referrals for utility assistance and support applying for an ORCA LIFT card to maintain access to transportation. These services helped reduce her immediate stressors and improved her ability to meet daily needs more consistently. “Thank you,” she said. “You and your organization are a blessing in these hard days.”
A CRA recently helped an individual who had just received a stressful 10-day eviction notice. The CRA referred her to The Salvation Army and enrolled her in Coordinated Entry, where she could be connected with a Resource Navigator for more comprehensive support.
When hiring a CRA, VOAWW Connect looks for candidates with demonstrated experience supporting individuals experiencing complex barriers, including housing instability, food insecurity, disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance-use disorders.
“Experience providing outreach, direct support or resource navigation within community-based, housing, healthcare or social service systems is also important,” said Melissa Boyd, program manager for VOAWW Connect. “An MSW is not required, but staff are expected to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive support to individuals from diverse backgrounds.”
The program emphasizes accessibility for diverse communities and interpreter services are available in more than 100 languages. The CRA serving South Snohomish County is required to be bilingual.
“This project is designed to assist residents of South Snohomish County, although unhoused individuals seeking resources in the area would not be turned away,” Boyd said. “If someone outside the service area contacts the Verdant-funded CRA, we can either refer them to another CRA or connect them with VOA Connect for additional assistance.”
In addition, she notes that VOAWW operates an Integrated Community Services department at Community Resource Centers in Arlington, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood and Sultan, where clients can schedule appointments to explore additional support services.
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