With the holidays around the corner and all the additional expenses added to your usual bills, it can be difficult at this time of year to prioritize how to best spend your money. For tenants, rent payment should be a priority. It may be possible to negotiate payment options with utility or phone companies, but it is crucial that your rent is paid on time to avoid possible late fees, or notices such as eviction. Since rent payment often takes the largest portion of financial funds, some tenants may want to access the following resources as other options for holiday celebrations to avoid additional spending. The following list is brief and restrictive to areas within King County. For more specific resources and information closest to where you are located, contact Community Information Line by dialing 2.1.1 or for alternate numbers based on the county you reside in – or you can go to this website. If you have used holiday resources and would like to add to the list below, please feel free to add your comments about services that may be of use to others.

The following resources provide basic information. It may be necessary to contact the agencies below for more information on income guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Holiday Resources for Toys/Gifts:

Hopelink-Shoreline
206.440.7300
For residents of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park area.

Queen Anne Help Line
206.282.1540
Restricted to residents with ZIP codes 98109 and 98119.

Auburn Food Bank
253.833.8925
ZIP codes 98001, 98002, 98047 and 98092.

Salvation Army
425.452.7300
Families with children living in ZIP codes 98004, 98005, 98006, 98007, 98008, 98011, 98027, 98029, 98033, 98034, 98040, 98052, 98053, 98054, 98072, 98074, 98075 and 98083.

Holiday Resources for Food Items/Gift Baskets:

Northwest Harvest
206.625.0755
Open to anyone with no requirements.
Walk in, Mondays, 9am-5pm, December 20 or December 22, 2010

University District Food Bank
206.523.7060
Resident in ZIP codes 98102, 98103, 98105, 98112, 98115 and 98125.
May also provide toys/gifts for families with children.

West Seattle Food Bank
206.932.9023
Serves ZIP codes 98106 (north of Roxbury), 98116, 98126 and 98136.
May deliver food to homes.

Multi-Service Center-Federal Way
253.838.6810
ZIP codes 98023, 98003, parts of 98001 and parts of 98032.
May also provide gifts for children younger than 14 years old.