Helpline House's Response & Resources
Frequently asked Questions
Helpline House's ongoing efforts in light of COVID-19
What are the changes to the food bank?
The changes to the services include curbside pick-up Mon - Fri, not Wed. from 12 to 4 pm.
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New shoppers welcome. No paperwork needed. Name and birthday is all that is needed. Thank you.
One shopper per household - Please just have one adult come to Helpline House to shop for the week.
Helpful Resources
Do I need to wear a mask at curbside pickup?
Yes. Please wear your mask at curbside pickup along with other suggested guidelines listed posted while waiting. Otherwise, please contact Island Volunteer Caregivers to request a Helpline House grocery delivery. Please call IVC at 206.842.4441.
Why did the agency move the in-person social work appointments to remote services?
On March 11, 2020, the agency announced all in-person social work appointments would be provided by phone on March 16. This move is being made to allow for increased social distancing in light of the spread of the COVID-19 illness in the state of Washington.
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Our priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors, donors, volunteers and staff within the context of the communities that we live in and serve, recognizing that we face a crisis of public health that has the potential to increase rapidly.
Effective
Monday, March 23
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Temporary Fare-Free Policy and Boarding Policy on Fast Ferries
What are remote services?
Remote social services include all social work appointments will be conducted via phone or video calls. We can mail vouchers or financial assistance and do what we are able over the phone. We will continue to be creative in figuring out ways to meet needs for social work clients. Mental health therapy will continue, again, via phone or video call.
A new Washington call center has been set up to answer your questions about COVID-19.
Call 1- 800-525-0127 and press # if you have questions about how the virus spreads, what is being done in Washington state, and what you can do if you have symptoms.
Is KCR Housing Solutions Center available?
Are you currently without health insurance?
Washington Healthplanfinder offers a special enrollment period (SEP) until April 8, individuals seeking a special enrollment can call Helpline House for an appointment with a certified navigator at 206-842-7621, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yes, only by remote services. You may contact an HSC Navigator for Bainbridge Island at 360.801.2564 or email BI-HSC@kcr.org
What if I need help with my rent and/or utilities?
Please call the front desk at 206.842.7621 or email helpline@helplinehouse.org
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The intake coordinator will need your
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primary contact phone number
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primary email
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availability between M-F, 9 am - 4 pm
to book a phone call appointment with a social worker.
What if I'm seeking Helpline House's services for the first time?
We're here to help make ends meet.
Call to schedule an appointment with a social worker.
Community Food Bank
Otherwise, drive up to Food Bank services:
Mon - Fri, not Weds between 12 to 4 pm.
Follow the driveway signs.
No paperwork necessary, just need your name and birthdate. That's it.
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Instructions upon arrival
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Wait for a staff person to come to your car.
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How many in your household: adults and kids?
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Do you prefer a regular or vegetarian grocery bag?
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Do you need a Kids' Pantry grocery bag?
That's it! Thanks for your patience.
Visit our updated Food Bank page
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Social Services
Do you have a list of critical needs?
You are not alone. Get professional, knowledgeable help while making a plan to get back on the pathway to stability.
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If you need social work's remote services for resources and/or referrals, case management or therapy please call Helpline House's front desk at 206.842.7621or
email helpline@helplinehouse.org with your contact information:
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primary contact phone number
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primary email
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availability between M-F, 9 am - 5 pm
to book a phone call appointment with a social worker.
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A social worker will call you upon your scheduled time to provide services via phone only.
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Here are the temporary modified food bank and social work services to help you plan accordingly.
What if nobody can shop for me and I need groceries very soon or now?
Please call our partners at Island Volunteer Caregivers
at 206.842.4441. They are ready to coordinate pick up at Helpline House's food bank and deliver to your home.
What if I am unable to call/video conference with my social worker?
Please call Helpline House's front desk at 206.842.7621or email helpline@helplinehouse.org to work a plan with your social worker.
Will clothing closet and medical equipment be open?
The clothing closet, medical equipment loan, and other non-essential needs are temporarily on hold to limit the amount of people in and out and because we will only have paid staff on-site at Helpline House (no volunteers).