High unemployment rates and drastic budget cuts to government assistance programs mean that more and more households struggle to meet their family’s most basic needs: a roof over their heads, food on the table, and warmth in the winter. 
Impact NW provides a safety net for families in crisis, with services that connect them to housing and energy assistance while supporting them as they move toward independence.
Impact NW’s Housing and Safety Net programs connect families with resources that empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Our staff assesses each family’s needs and helps them apply for benefit programs such as “SNAP” (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), “TANF” (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and “LIHEAP” (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Some families need help paying their rent for a few months; others require more long-term housing assistance. For families that need a higher level of support we operate a transitional housing complex called Richmond Place, a 20-unit substance-free facility where parents receive financial and literacy training, while children are supported through mentoring and activities. All families in our Housing and Safety Net programs have access to our Community Food Basket.
Impact NW’s programs take a comprehensive view of poverty. We know that unless a family has their basic needs met, securing employment and permanent housing can be a daunting prospect. That’s why we work with each family to develop individualized action plans for obtaining financial independence, and provide the tools they need to complete this plan and secure a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Every year, 12,000 households are served through Impact NW’s Housing & Safety Net Services programs.
Click here to learn more about Impact NW’s Housing & Safety Net Services: