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COVID-19: Community Resources
**Updated April 7, 2020**
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.
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.
UPDATE: Beginning Monday, March 30, the Bremerton Public Schools (BSD) FREE "Grab-n-Go" program will be distributing meals on Monday and Wednesday only (students will still receive all breakfast and lunch weekly meals: 2 days of meals on Monday and 3 days of meals on Wednesday). Meals will only be available for pick-up at Bremerton High School; Armin Jahr Elementary; and West Hills STEM Academy. All locations are open to all children. Bus times may be changing for meal delivery. Updates and guidelines can be found on the BSD website.
The Bremerton Foodline (BFL), St Vincent De Paul (SVDP), and The Salvation Army (TSA) 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. TSA can be reached at (360) 373-5550. 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.
Beginning Wednesday, March 25, the City of Bremerton will offer 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.
The COVID-19 Temporary Relief Fund has been put together by Kitsap Community Resources to address needs of eligible individuals, families and small business owners in Bremerton and Kitsap County facing financial hardship due to impacts from the coronavirus. The temporary program can provide short-term funds to feed a family, pay for housing, among other assistance. To learn more about help available or to donate to the fund, visit www.kcr.org.
Kitsap County has temporarily extended this spring’s property-tax deadline to May 31, 2020 (from April 30) due to impacts of the coronavirus on the financial lives of residents and businesses. The extension is for both individual and commercial taxpayers but does not apply to prior year delinquent taxes. The County is encouraging “property owners who are financially able to pay first half or full year property taxes early to fund essential services needed now and in the months to come”. For more info, visit the webpage of the Kitsap County Treasurer.
Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced a temporary statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants through April 17, 2020 as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Information on the Governor’s order can be found here.
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 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 free virtual urgent care visits for mild COVID-19 illnesses to assess symptoms at home. For details, visit CHI Franciscan’s website here.
As an essential health service, local blood donations are still considered critical during the stay-at-home order. You can continue to give blood during this time and safety measures are in place to protect donors. 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 shutoff due to the impacts of COVID-19. Bremerton utility customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus can request information on setting up payment plans and waiving late fees on their bills. Bremerton utility billing has also automatically suspended credit card fees If paying online. Customers are encouraged as soon as possible to contact 360-473-5316 or billing@ci.bremerton.wa.us for information on payment plans and waived fees.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) will keep utility services on due to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. PSE is waiving late fees for customers and they can find more information at PSE's COVID-19 Response page. View CNG’s COVID-19 page for more information on its service.
Internet Essentials
Effective Monday, March 16, Comcast is offering 2 months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit www.internetessentials.com for more information.
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 www.xfinity.com/wifi.
Washington State Grants for Small Businesses
NEW! The state has started the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to offer help for small businesses with up to 10 employees. A limited number of grants (up to $10,000) is now available. To learn more and apply, visit the information page here.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the new 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. Many financial institutions that serve Bremerton businesses are participating in the program. Check with lenders on their website or call their main information line for information. You can also search and contact Washington banks by name here and credits unions here to see if they are taking part in the Paycheck Protection Program and if you may be eligible.
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.
Small businesses in Bremerton and Kitsap County are now eligible to apply for low interest Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans to reduce economic injury resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Eligible small businesses can receive loans to pay debt, payroll, and other bill payments that can't be made because of loss in revenue due to COVID-19. To apply for the federal SBA loan and to find other information, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Resources are available for those experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health conditions. Find a list of health and crisis support for teens, adults, domestic violence, suicide prevention, and other help in Bremerton and Kitsap County here.
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.
On April 8, the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce is launching the BremerBond campaign to help support small local businesses that are being impacted by the coronavirus shutdown. Purchase a BremerBond for $100, and 100% of the funds will be distributed to small businesses that are closed or have lost revenue due to the outbreak. Bonds can be redeemed for local gift cards after normal business resumes or kept as a show of support for local businesses. To purchase a BremerBond, visit www.bremertonchamber.org.
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.
Worker Support
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
Food Support for Bremerton School District Students
UPDATE: Beginning Monday, March 30, the Bremerton Public Schools (BSD) FREE "Grab-n-Go" program will be distributing meals on Monday and Wednesday only (students will still receive all breakfast and lunch weekly meals: 2 days of meals on Monday and 3 days of meals on Wednesday). Meals will only be available for pick-up at Bremerton High School; Armin Jahr Elementary; and West Hills STEM Academy. All locations are open to all children. Bus times may be changing for meal delivery. Updates and guidelines can be found on the BSD website.
Bremerton Food Banks, Free Meal Services Remain Open
The Bremerton Foodline (BFL), St Vincent De Paul (SVDP), and The Salvation Army (TSA) 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. TSA can be reached at (360) 373-5550. 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.
Rental and Housing Support
Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
Beginning Wednesday, March 25, the City of Bremerton will offer 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.
KCR Temporary Relief Fund for Individuals and Families
The COVID-19 Temporary Relief Fund has been put together by Kitsap Community Resources to address needs of eligible individuals, families and small business owners in Bremerton and Kitsap County facing financial hardship due to impacts from the coronavirus. The temporary program can provide short-term funds to feed a family, pay for housing, among other assistance. To learn more about help available or to donate to the fund, visit www.kcr.org.
Kitsap County extends property tax deadline
Kitsap County has temporarily extended this spring’s property-tax deadline to May 31, 2020 (from April 30) due to impacts of the coronavirus on the financial lives of residents and businesses. The extension is for both individual and commercial taxpayers but does not apply to prior year delinquent taxes. The County is encouraging “property owners who are financially able to pay first half or full year property taxes early to fund essential services needed now and in the months to come”. For more info, visit the webpage of the Kitsap County Treasurer.
Governor Temporarily Halts Evictions Due to Delayed Rent Payments
Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced a temporary statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants through April 17, 2020 as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Information on the Governor’s order can be found here.
Healthcare Support
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 Free 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 free virtual urgent care visits for mild COVID-19 illnesses to assess symptoms at home. For details, visit CHI Franciscan’s website here.
Blood Donations Still Being Accepted During Outbreak
As an essential health service, local blood donations are still considered critical during the stay-at-home order. You can continue to give blood during this time and safety measures are in place to protect donors. 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.
Utility Bills
City of Bremerton Water and Sewer Services will not be Shut Off During This Outbreak
City of Bremerton water and sewer services will not be shutoff due to the impacts of COVID-19. Bremerton utility customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus can request information on setting up payment plans and waiving late fees on their bills. Bremerton utility billing has also automatically suspended credit card fees If paying online. Customers are encouraged as soon as possible to contact 360-473-5316 or billing@ci.bremerton.wa.us for information on payment plans and waived fees.
Electric and Gas Service will not be Disconnected During This Outbreak
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) will keep utility services on due to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. PSE is waiving late fees for customers and they can find more information at PSE's COVID-19 Response page. View CNG’s COVID-19 page for more information on its service.
Internet Access
Internet Essentials
Effective Monday, March 16, Comcast is offering 2 months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit www.internetessentials.com for more information.
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 www.xfinity.com/wifi.
Assistance for Businesses
Washington State Grants for Small Businesses
NEW! The state has started the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to offer help for small businesses with up to 10 employees. A limited number of grants (up to $10,000) is now available. To learn more and apply, visit the information page here.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the new 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. Many financial institutions that serve Bremerton businesses are participating in the program. Check with lenders on their website or call their main information line for information. You can also search and contact Washington banks by name here and credits unions here to see if they are taking part in the Paycheck Protection Program and if you may be eligible. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
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.
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Small businesses in Bremerton and Kitsap County are now eligible to apply for low interest Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans to reduce economic injury resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Eligible small businesses can receive loans to pay debt, payroll, and other bill payments that can't be made because of loss in revenue due to COVID-19. To apply for the federal SBA loan and to find other information, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Mental Health Support
Mental Health and Crisis Assistance
Resources are available for those experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health conditions. Find a list of health and crisis support for teens, adults, domestic violence, suicide prevention, and other help in Bremerton and Kitsap County here.
Volunteer or Donate
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
On April 8, the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce is launching the BremerBond campaign to help support small local businesses that are being impacted by the coronavirus shutdown. Purchase a BremerBond for $100, and 100% of the funds will be distributed to small businesses that are closed or have lost revenue due to the outbreak. Bonds can be redeemed for local gift cards after normal business resumes or kept as a show of support for local businesses. To purchase a BremerBond, visit www.bremertonchamber.org.