Our mission is to foster a healthy community by connecting Orcas Islanders with services to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. Resource Center staff are caring, confidential, and focused on helping people attain self-sufficiency. With 40% of Orcas households not earning enough to make ends meet, and 13% living below the poverty line, we provide a bridge for many to connect to critical services, such as the following:
- Housing Support (assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, and household goods)
- Health & Medical (mental health/substance abuse referrals, insurance, and financial assistance applications
- Transportation (ferry tickets, taxi fare, and other travel assistance)
- Food Access (food program referrals/applications, and hot meals)
- Education Services (kindergarten transition, identifying job training and continuing education opportunities)
- Financial (Orcas Money Smart financial literacy program)
- Bilingual Assistance
Year after year, we provide invaluable services to hundreds of island households. The Resource Center partners with local neighbors, businesses, and like-minded organizations to deliver an average of 62 essential connections daily.