Register Now for Amazon Access 

Many families in our community qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) which are vital resources for underserved families. However, the cost of these resources are going up and are becoming out of reach for some families. From milk and bread to produce and healthy snacks, families must spend more to get less. If your family receives SNAP or EBT, you may qualify to receive discounts and free shipping on eligible items courtesy of Amazon.  Visit here for more information on how to register and unlock these benefits and up to 50% off of Amazon Prime. 

To help stretch funds during these difficult times, Essex Community Outreach has teamed up with Amazon to spread the word that Amazon is making grocery shopping more accessible with SNAP and EBT. Now, customers can use their benefits on Amazon to shop SNAP-eligible pantry items, fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more. SNAP recipients can also get budget-saving discounts across grocery brands, free delivery options, and free access to Amazon Fresh – no membership required. Plus, customers qualify for 50% off a Prime membership. Sign up today if you qualify and please help spread the word about this program and its benefits with your family, friends, networks, and with everyone who may qualify.

Essex Community Outreach (ECOC) is committed to fighting hunger, enabling families to access and extend their resources, and helping families thrive. As an Amazon Affiliate, ECOC earns from qualifying purchases. If you qualify, please sign up today. If someone you know qualifies, please help us spread the word.

Free access to Amazon Fresh: SNAP recipients receive access to Amazon Fresh in most metropolitan regions without Prime membership fees. Amazon Fresh is a full-service, online grocery store with produce, proteins, dairy, and more. Visit Amazon.com/AmazonFresh to see if delivery or pickup is available in your area.

Eligibility

A valid SNAP or EBT card is required to enroll. SNAP benefits can be used to shop on Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com. Look for items labeled SNAP EBT Eligible. For issues with registration, orders, or anything else, you can use Amazon’s 24/7 customer service: go to www.amazon.com/customerservice, or call 1-888-280-4331.

Visit here today for more information on how to register and unlock these benefits and earn 50% off of Amazon Prime. Feel free to share this special link with other qualified families who might benefit from this program.

 

YMCA of Greater Seattle Resources

During registration, many families asked that we make critical resources available now.  We’re pleased to share that additional programs, resources, and benefits are now available here. Click here for resources provided by the YMCA of Greater Seattle, including Financial Assistance for Membership, Swim Lessons, Diabetes Prevention, Weight Management Programs, Mental Health Support and other programs. Other resources including mental health counselling and support, rental assistance, eviction prevention support, food support, etc., can be found at YMCA Social Impact Center and FindHelp.

Energy Assistance - Courtesy of PSE

Click here to see, in multiple languages, the new Bill Discount Rate program that rolled out Oct. 1, 2023. PSE customers can apply online to receive a discount of 5% to 45% off their electric or gas bill. In addition, when they sign up for Bill Discount Rate, they will be signed up to receive a PSE Help credit of $100 to $1000 to their PSE account.

 Here are somethings to note regarding those two programs:

 Two programs, one online application.

  • Bill Discount Rate

    • 5% to 45% off PSE bill

    • Discount is valid for one year (must reapply each year)

    • Discount will appear on PSE bill the month after application is submitted

  • PSE Help

    • Credit of $100 to $1000 to PSE account

    • One time yearly payment

    • Credit will take 2 to 3 months to show up in PSE account

    • No need to contact Multi-service Center, Hopelink, or Byrd Place for appointment anymore

 There is NO need for PSE customers to upload any documents or proof of income to the application, however income does need to be noted on the application for all household members over the age of 18 and the customer must meet PSE’s income guidelines. Also, 5% of our applicants will be audited and will need to provide proof of income at that time.

Discover Pass Free Days -

Washington State Parks and the Washington Departments of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) and Natural Resources (DNR) offer several "free days" when a Discover Pass is not required to visit these lands.

  1. Following are the 2024 Free Days

    • Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day

    • Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

    • March 9 -- Billy Frank Junior's Birthday

    • March 19 — State Parks’ 111th Birthday

    • April 22  — Earth Day

    • June 8 — National Get Outdoors Day

    • June 9 — Free Fishing Day

    • June 19 — Juneteenth

    • Sept. 28 — National Public Lands Day

    • Oct. 10 -- World Mental Health Day

    • Nov. 11 — Veterans Day

    • Nov. 29 — Autumn Day

    Free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities). Free days are valid at state parks and Washington State Departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife lands. Sno-Park permits are still required on free days at designated Sno-Parks during the winter season.

    Additional Resource List -