The Spokane County Public Defender office protects the rights, liberties, and dignity of all persons in the County unable to afford legal counsel by providing the finest legal representation and maintain the integrity and fairness of the justice system.

Investigates workplace complaints related to the following issues: - Wages, including minimum wage rules, overtime and tips - Workplace policies such as breaks, termination, personnel records and non-compete agreements - Leave policies such as sick leave, vacation leave and bereavement leave. - Safety complaints - Workplace discrimination if it relates to safety and health Enforces Washington state labor laws. It is against the law for a business to fire or otherwise retaliate against a worker for filing a complaint about a possible violation of their workplace rights. Interpreter services are available upon request with one day notice.

Provides a variety of parent education classes from the "8-week Circle of Security" to a 24-week Nurturing Program.

Offers assistance to those in need in Cheney, WA. May help with gas gift cards, grocery gift cards, or utility bill assistance based on funding.

Investigates complaints alleging disability discrimination against a state or local government or a public accommodation (private business including, for example, a restaurant, doctor's office, retail store, hotel, etc. ). A complaint can be filed online or by mail. Those unable to write because of their disability and are unable to submit a complaint online, by mail, or facsimile, the Department can scribe the complaint by phone or, for individuals who communicate by American Sign Language, by videophone.

Investigates complaints concerning any of the facilities and agencies licensed and inspected by the Department of Health:   - Hospitals - Ambulatory surgical facilities - Child birth centers - Home health agencies - Behavioral health agencies - Behavioral health treatment facilities Does not have the authority to invoke or enforce criminal or civil penalties. Authority is limited to taking action against a health care facility license. Not able to deny, modify or suspend a license which can result in the facility having to close.

Licensed by Washington State Department of Health for Assessments, Intensive outpatient for substance use including case management, groups, individual counseling and family counseling. Substance use disorder assessments offered on walk in basis. Strongly supportive of the homeless community to provide access to services.

Provides recycling, garbage, and yard/food debris waste management services to Spokane County.

Describes many of the functions of the Executive Branch, including the Executive Cabinet, Boards and Commissions, Judicial Commissions and Internships.   Constituent services are listed, including requesting help from the governor's staff in dealing with state agencies and signing up for the governor's update on the latest initiatives and announcements.

Offers searchable online database of affordable low-income and subsidized housing properties throughout Washington state.    Offers search options of: -  Location -  Eligibility -  Rent affordability -  Amenities -  Bedrooms -  Availability, including waiting list length    Also designates housing specific to: -  Seniors -  People with disabilities -  Families -  Individuals   Includes extensive information on income qualifications for various programs and counties throughout the state.   Agency staff do NOT provide referrals or individualized housing locator services.

Operates an overnight warming shelter during cold weather. The shelter is open to anyone who needs a safe, warm, dry place to stay. Guests need to bring toiletries, change of clothes, and medications.

Active shelter bed availability for the Spokane area. Listings are updated frequently. Recommend calling ahead to confirm.

(Does not serve Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Darrington).   ALL SERVICES ARE DEPENDENT UPON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING AT THE TIME OF THE REQUEST.  Offers clothing, furniture/beds, household items, food, rent/utilities assistance, prescription medication assistance, and other expenses on a case-by-case basis. Callers are referred to the St. Vincent de Paul volunteers in their area who may do a home visit to determine need.  Financial services are provided through a vouchering system.  Not all services are offered in all areas.

Offers trained navigators who work one-on-one with Pierce County residents who are unable to access transportation. Finds transportation options such as local shuttles, volunteer driver programs, medical transportation services, transit, and more. Also helps clients navigate public transportation routes and provide suggested trip plans. Works with clients to meet a more immediate transportation need and to establish reliable, long-term transportation. Services may include - Filling out applications, - Education about available options and how they can be blended together - Access to short-term transportation Examples of transportation include medical, employment, education, food, benefits application, and errands.

The City of Spokane Public Defender’s Office represents eligible people facing a loss of liberty from criminal charges within the City of Spokane.

Provides limited rent assistance to King County residents who currently owe rent. Rent assistance funds are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Operates a statewide, toll-free telephone line providing screening for the Basic Food program (i.e. food stamps) and the supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as well as referrals to food pantries and summer meal sites. Helps clients who are enrolled in the Basic Food program submit paperwork for their six-month and annual reviews. Provides guidance on when and where clients can go to complete annual interview with DSHS, what documents may be needed for verification, and explains options for in-person versus over-the-phone services. Can also provide guidance on how to cancel their out-of-state food benefits. Provides referrals to locations of the Summer Meals Program. Also provides similar information via the website. Website includes a "Benefit Finder" for determining eligibility and applying for food programs.

Clean and sober transitional housing offered to adults recovering from substance use disorders (SUD).

The program targets existing residential and multifamily housing occupied by qualified low-income residents. Provides a wide variety of energy-efficiency measures that encompass the building as a whole, its heating and cooling systems, its electrical system, and electricity consuming appliances.

Provides financial assistance for, electric/heat, water/sewer and gasoline. Also provides emergency food and hygiene supplies. Assistance to be determined upon scheduled intake.

Monitors the charity care policies of hospitals in Washington state. Charity Care covers medically necessary treatment, including inpatient hospital stays and emergency room visits. Every hospital that offers Charity Care must: -  Post a notice about Charity Care in the Emergency Room and the admissions area -  Provide a patient with Charity Care info at intake or discharge -  Provide a patient with Charity Care info in every billing statement   Charity Care may not cover services by medical workers who are not considered part of the hospital’s medical staff or visits to a hospital’s outpatient clinics.

Coordinates disaster relief efforts among faith-based, community-based, and other non-profit organizations. Provides central location for volunteers to sign up to assist with disaster relief. Does not provide direct assistance - households seeking assistance must contact local organizations.

Allows for treatment of COVID-19 when work-related activity has resulted in probable exposure to the virus and certain criteria are met. In these cases, the worker's occupation must have a greater likelihood of contracting the disease because of the job. There must also be a documented or probable work-related exposure, and an employee/employer relationship. Before helping a worker file a workers' compensation claim, the treating provider should consider if the following criteria are met: - Was there an increased risk or greater likelihood of contracting the condition due to the worker's occupation? - If not for their job, would the worker have been exposed to the virus or contracted the condition? - Can the worker identify a specific source or event during the performance of his or her employment that resulted in exposure to the new coronavirus? If the above criteria are not met, it is not necessary to file a workers' compensation claim; however, a claim may still be filed if requested by the worker or if the provider is uncertain if the case meets the criteria.

Offers year-round enriching experiences to meet the unique needs and interests of girls. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities such as strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Programs include career exploration, creative arts, science and technology, travel, environmental education and leadership development.

Allows people with disabilities who are working to purchase medical coverage by paying a monthly premium that is based on their income. Benefits include: -  Medicaid benefit package, including Medicaid personal care services -  Greater personal and financial independence -  Members can earn and save more without the risk of losing their healthcare coverage