Community Resources

The Master of Environmental Studies program recognizes the economic hardship and financial challenges COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, on our community. Listed below are some community resources to help each other through this time.

Dear MES Community,

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, our program is working to support graduate education and research, while protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and community members. As current circumstances require us to work distanced from each other, we will continue to foster connectivity and emphasize the value of our Evergreen learning community, now more than ever. Faculty have modified their course material for remote learning and will maintain regular communication with their classes via canvas.

Through this time, many of our community members may experience personal hardship. To offer additional support, MES has created a list of Community Resources for anyone confronting a variety of challenges. We'll continue to update this page and encourage folks to share resources you find valuable. MES, and our greater Evergreen community, are with you all during this pandemic, and encourage you to reach out with questions or concerns.

Stay safe and be well,

Averi Azar (averi.a.azar@evergreen.edu)

Food

Thurston County Food Bank

220 Thurston Ave NE

Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 352-8597

- Currently distributing emergency food bags Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 3pm

POP-UP FOOD BANK

The Food Bank will be available at The Evergreen State College, Olympia campus periodically. You can walk-up or drive-through the Food Bank at Evergreen's C-Lot on the days listed!

Steamboat Area Food Bank - Reservation only, call ahead.

St. Christopher's Community Church

7902 Steamboat Island Rd NW

Olympia WA, 98502

(360) 866-211

- 4th Thursday 4pm-6:30pm

- Limited home delivery to elderly residents and individuals with disabilities can be arranged

Basic Food Benefits

- Provides Washington State residents with monthly benefits to purchase food (otherwise known as SNAP)

State Food Benefits Program

- Provides legal immigrants who were not eligible for Basic Food due to immigration status, with monthly benefits to purchase food (also known as FAP)

Housing

Community Youth Services

- The Young Adult Housing Program offers individuals and families, ages 18-24, safe and stable housing, support, advocacy and guidance for those experiencing homelessness, living in unsafe circumstances, exiting an institution, or individuals who've been in the foster care system.

- Diversion funding may be available to provide temporary rent assistance to prevent youth from entering the homeless housing system

Salvation Army

- Find a location in your area through their search engine. They offer assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities bills, food, clothing and transporation

Transportation

Intercity Transit

- Operating with reduced bus routes

- Bus fare is now free to all riders

- Certified Dial-A-Lift customers can book rides by calling 360 754-9393, 8am-5pm during weekdays and 9am-4pm on weekends

Employment

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

- Provides monthly cash grants for families responsible for the care of children

Employment Security Department

- Unemployment benefits for individuals who were laid off due to COVID-19 can visit their COVID-19 Page for more information on new emergency rules which have been adopted to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and quarantine for workers and businesses.

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

- Application for emergency financial relief for bartenders experiencing layoffs

Healthcare

Free Clinic Directory

- Offers a search engine for free clinics across the United States, search by your region

Tacoma-Pierce County Drive-through COVID-19 Testing

- Drive-through COVID-19 testing for healthcare workers and first responders

King County Public Health

- Public health information regarding COVID-19 available in 16 languages on King County's website

Resources & Support for Students with Challenges at Home

- A range of support services for individuals who may be experiencing personal challenges at home

Mental Health

Stress Management Resource Page

- Purdue University Global hosts "The College Student's Guide to Stress Management." This resource discusses stress symptoms and provides strategies to help alleviate stress. Highlighted are exercise and nutritional tips along with mindfulness techniques to help students build stress management skills.

Center for Online Education

- Critical mental health resources for college students

Complete Guide to Stress Management and Time Management for Students

- University of the West of Scotland offers a web resource for college students focused on mental and physical health, self-care and preventative care. This is an in-depth study skills guide focusing primarily on time management and stress management for students.