Wildfires Temporary Assistance
While my biggest complaint is a bit of a sore throat from the smoky air, there are those who are dealing with so much more from the wildfires. Thursday, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation for DSHS to expand temporary assistance. The Department of Social and Health Services will be expanding benefits in response to damage from wildfires across the state. The proclamation will help families and individuals impacted by wildfires with cash assistance for immediate needs.
The assistance will be provided through the Family Emergency Assistance Program. It has been expanded to also serve individuals, and not just families. Additionally, DSHS will waive the one-time distribution limitation. Information for obtaining assistance is not yet available, but will be posted on the Washington Connection website soon. Wildfire victims can also contact their local emergency management officials about applying for the program.
Governor Inslee remarked on how the pandemic and the fires hit some families especially hard. “For families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the devastating wildfires ravaging our state, funding from the Family Emergency Assistance Program can be, quite literally, a lifesaver.” “The state will continue to look for ways to support communities as we work together to recover from multiple economic and health emergencies.”