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- COVID-19: Community Resources
COVID-19: Community Resources
**Updated July 19, 2021**
This page contains information and links for programs and services that may be helpful for Bremerton residents impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus). We will continue updating this page as more resources develop. Please see our disclaimer here. For City of Bremerton updates and action in response to the coronavirus, please visit the City’s COVID-19 Information page.
Please be prepared to support and help one another in these difficult times.
This page contains information and links for programs and services that may be helpful for Bremerton residents impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus). We will continue updating this page as more resources develop. Please see our disclaimer here. For City of Bremerton updates and action in response to the coronavirus, please visit the City’s COVID-19 Information page.
Please be prepared to support and help one another in these difficult times.
City, Community, County, State & Federal Resources
- + Rental & Housing Support
- + Worker Support
- + Food Support
- + Healthcare Support
- + Utility Bills
- + Internet Access
- + Small Business Support
- + Mental Health Support
- + Volunteer or Donate
Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
The City of Bremerton is offering temporary rental support through the Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program for lost income or job losses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents must live within Bremerton boundaries to be eligible. To learn about eligibility and income requirements, visit bremertonhousing.org.
Rental Assistance for Residents Outside of Bremerton
Kitsap Community Resources is assisting households with emergency short-term rental assistance outside of Bremerton. Kitsap Community Resources is accepting applications through the Housing Solutions Center to assist households throughout the county, outside the city limits of Bremerton, and those not living in Housing Kitsap units. Housing Kitsap is accepting applications to assist households currently living in Housing Kitsap properties.
Bremerton Housing Authority Looking for Landlords to Participate in Section 8 Program
Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) is looking for landlords in the area to participate in the Section 8 rental assistance program. Are you a landlord or know someone that might be interested in participating? For information, please contact 360-616-7142, LReisinger@bremertonhousing.org or visit www.bremertonhousing.org.
State Unemployment Benefits for Workers
The Washington State Employment Security Department is offering information to help individuals and employers impacted by COVID-19. Find frequently asked questions for workers and businesses, an easy-to-read comparison guide on benefits with common scenarios, and more here: esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19.
Food Support for Bremerton School District Students
UPDATE: The Bremerton Public Schools (BSD) FREE Summer Meals program begins on Monday, June 21. For days of the week, locations and information, visit the BSD website.
Bremerton Food Banks, Free Meal Services Remain Open
The Bremerton Foodline (BFL) and St Vincent De Paul (SVDP) food banks remain open on a drive-up basis to serve residents in this time of need. For more info, please call the BFL office at (360) 479-6188 and SVDP at (360) 377-2929. Organizations are also offering free to go meals in Bremerton and Kitsap County due to the impacts of COVID-19 and a list of providers is available here.
Free and Reduced Health Insurance Coverage
You may be eligible for free or reduced health care coverage in Washington state if you are uninsured, lost your job or have reduced income due to COVID-19. Visit Washington Health Plan Finder to apply or get help with enrollment. Find due dates and information on coverage here.
CHI/Harrison Suspends Billing for COVID-19, Offers Virtual Urgent Care Visits
CHI Franciscan, which includes Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton and Silverdale, has suspended billing for testing and treatment of patients that test positive for COVID-19. From the website, “The last thing our patients should worry about if they experience symptoms characteristic of this coronavirus is the cost of seeking care.” The health system is also offering virtual urgent care visits for mild to moderate COVID-19 illnesses to assess symptoms at home. For details, visit CHI Franciscan’s website here.
Blood Donations Still Being Accepted During Outbreak
Local blood donations are still considered critical during this time. Many safety measures are in place to protect donors who would like to give blood. If you are a healthy Bremerton resident, please consider making an appointment to donate at the Silverdale center here: https://schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/Default.aspx.
City of Bremerton Water and Sewer Services will not be Shut Off During This Outbreak
Electric Service will not be Disconnected During This Outbreak, Help for Past-due Bills Available
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will keep utility services on due to the impacts of COVID-19. PSE is also waiving late fees for customers and they can find more information at PSE's COVID-19 Response page. In addition, PSE is offering COVID bill assistance to help pay past-due bills. For more information on assistance, see the flier here or visit: pse.com/assistance.
Financial Assistance Offered for Natural Gas Bills
Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) is offering grants and other financial assistance for those with past-due balances and those in need. For details on aid available, visit CNG's Assistance Programs page.
Federal Program Offering Aid for Internet Access
The federal government’s new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a temporary assistance program designed to help low-income households connect to the Internet and stay connected during the COVID-19 crisis. Comcast is participating in the program and assistance for internet service is available for qualified individuals. For more on the EBB program, see the flier here or visit: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/ebb.
Xfinity WiFi is Currently Free for Everyone
Xfinity is offering free WiFi hotspots to anyone in the community who needs them, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. WiFi sites are currently available across Bremerton. To find a Xfinity WiFi hotspot and setup instructions, visit https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots.
City Suspends Late Payment Fees, Interest on Delayed Business Tax Filings
Effective immediately, the City of Bremerton Tax and Licensing Division is waiving late payment fees and interest for businesses that fail to file taxes and renew their license as a result of the coronavirus. This will provide businesses flexibility during a time of increased financial burden caused by COVID-19. To seek a waiver of penalties due to COVID-19, please call (360) 473-5311 or (360) 473-5298 or email: taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us.Pathway to Recovery Playbook
The Kitsap Pathway to Recovery Playbook provides the state’s Safe Start health guidelines and phases for reopening for businesses and organizations in one location.
NEW! Are you Offering Take-out and Delivery? Get on the map!
The City of Bremerton has developed an interactive map to help residents find small businesses in Bremerton offering takeout and delivery. Please access the map here. If you are a business owner that would like to be added to the map, contact supportsmallbiz@ci.bremerton.wa.us.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has resumed accepting applications in response to the signing of the program’s extension legislation. The PPP is part of the CARES stimulus package provided by the federal government in response to COVID-19. Businesses with less than 500 employees (subject to limited exceptions), including some non-profits and veterans organizations, are eligible. View lenders participating in the program (check their websites for the most updated information.) The program closed on August 8, 2020.
Mental Health, Domestic Violence and Crisis Assistance
Resources are available for those experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health conditions.
Kitsap County Crisis Line 1-888-910-0416
National 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
The Coffee Oasis Teen Crisis Text Line 360-377-5560
Text line is for any youth age 13-25 years old who is experiencing a crisis or just needs to talk.
YWCA 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.500.5513
or Text Line 360.277.7607
Scarlet Road’s Survivor Support Line 360-362-5143
Survivor’s Support Line for anyone who is or has experienced sexual exploitation.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Unity in the Community - Kitsap's COVID-19 Response Fund
Kitsap Community Foundation and United Way of Kitsap County have partnered to assist local non-profits and individuals facing extreme economic hardship and need in the community. Grants will provide emergency financial support to help unemployed workers, non-profits who have lost revenue due to the stay-at-home order, and staffing for agencies who are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for services. Donate to the fund online or join as a partner in the effort: https://www.kitsapcovid19response.org/unity-in-the-community.
BremerBond for Bremerton Small Businesses
The BremerBond campaign helps support small local businesses that are being impacted by the coronavirus shutdown. Bonds will be valid for redemption after the resumption of normal business' activities, Purchasers may choose to redeem all, part or none of the Bond's value. For more on the BremerBond campaign, visit brembuilt.com.