
HELPING VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY
Many limited English-speaking families and Communities of Color in Snohomish, Whatcom and Skagit Counties have been disproportionately impacted as a result of COVID-19. They include high risk populations such as the elderly and first responders as well as those in other health related and service occupations. The lack of English fluency and the digital divide has made it difficult to access and receive unemployment benefits for which they are eligible. Others, for various reasons, do not qualify for benefits.
REFUGEES, IMMIGRANTS, MIGRANTS AND OTHERS IMPACTED BY COVID-19 CAN RECEIVE HELP FROM RISNW
As COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, RISNW began working with local funders to advocate and garner resources for the communities we serve. The result is that we have various funding streams to help our communities with weekly food boxes, emergency food, rent and utility assistance, car repair and other needed items.



Recent grants from All In WA COVID-19 Relief Fund (targeting BIPOC limited refugee, immigrant, migrant, and other limited English speakers) as well as the Evertrust Foundation have significantly increased our flexible emergency support fund. All In WA and Evertrust join the following funders who have contributed to our ability to help community members impacted by COVID-19: Census Equity fund, City of Everett, FEMA, Front and Centered, Housing Hope, Molina Healthcare of WA, North Sound ACH, Snohomish County, State of WA Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance, Unity Center for Positive Living, United Parcel Service (UPS), and one anonymous individual donor. Other new 2020 funders supporting RISNW include Edmund & Betsy Cabot Charitable Foundation and Vanguard Charitable.
Funai Farms and Farmer Frog have helped to fill our food boxes with fresh produce.
Through the generosity of the Millions of Masks for Children Initiative, we received disposable face masks for children which we distributed at a recent drive though event. In addition, we received hand sanitizers for children that can be attached to their backpacks.

With funding from the Washington State Department of Health, RISNW conducted COVID-19 related interviews with refugee and immigrant communities to inform on knowledge, practices, and impact. In addition, we are translating and distributing COVID-19 prevention flyers in multiple languages.
RISNW pandemic related services include a special project funded by Snohomish County and Workforce Snohomish targeting the Marshallese community. Through this project, laid off workers are placed in livable wage jobs. This community has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. RISNW staff also assist our limited English-speaking clients access benefits and resources.
AM I ELIGIBLE? WHAT SERVICES CAN I RECEIVE? HOW DO I APPLY?
For more information, contact Janai Williams at (425) 388-9156 (office phone) or by email. She will briefly discuss your situation, explore different options available and make a referral to the appropriate staff or program.
Possible assistance may include:
Food boxes
Emergency food assistance
Rent assistance
Utility assistance
Car Repair
Personal Hygiene needs
PPE including face masks for adults and children
Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible Refugee, Immigrant and Migrant and BIPOC community members
Other
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
COVID-19 cases including the new variants continue to occur. You can continue to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated and following preventative measures as described in the translated flyers below. Click a language to learn more.
Arabic Cambodian Chuukese Dari English French Kurdish Marshallese Nepali Russian Spanish Vietnamese
If you need help accessing vaccination appointments, contact Janai Williams jwilliams@everettcc.edu or Hema Dahal hdahal@everettcc.edu.