International Resource Center & Community Services
Resource Navigation & Community Assistance
You Don't Have to Navigate Everything Alone.
Finding help is not always as simple as knowing that a resource exists.
Different organizations have different programs, eligibility requirements, applications, processes, and points of contact. Language barriers or unfamiliarity with local systems can make the process even more difficult.
Resource Navigation & Community Assistance helps individuals and families understand available options and connect with appropriate resources.
How we can help
Practical Support. Matched to Your Situation.
Our team starts by listening to what you need and helping identify an appropriate next step. Assistance may include:
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Resource Identification
Helping identify organizations, programs, and community resources that may address your needs.
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Referrals
Connecting you with appropriate nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare resources, community partners, or other service providers.
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SSA Program Connections
Connecting you with other SSA programs and services when they may be helpful.
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Applications & Forms
Providing basic assistance understanding application requirements, organizing information, and completing eligible non-legal forms.
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Correspondence
Helping with basic letters, emails, and other communications related to accessing community services.
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Communication With Organizations
Helping identify the appropriate organization or point of contact and, when appropriate, assisting with communication.
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Appointments
Providing basic assistance with identifying contacts, requesting appointments, or understanding appointment-related information.
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Follow-Up
When appropriate, helping determine whether additional resources or next steps may be needed.
Connecting You With the Right Organization
SSA does not need to provide every service directly.
Spokane and surrounding communities have many organizations with specialized programs, resources, and professional expertise.
When another organization is better equipped to address a particular need, our role may be to help you understand where to go and make that connection easier.
Depending on the situation, we may connect individuals with resources related to areas such as:
- Food and essential needs
- Housing resources
- Healthcare access
- Employment
- Education
- Family and children's services
- Transportation resources
- Public benefits and community programs
- Language assistance
- Other community services
Availability and eligibility are determined by the organizations providing those services.
How it works
How Resource Navigation Works
Start by describing the situation or resource you are looking for. You do not need to know the name of a program or organization.
Our team reviews available SSA services and community resources that may be relevant.
Depending on the situation, we may provide information, make a referral, help with basic communication or documentation, or connect you with another SSA program.
Some situations may require additional steps or another connection. Follow-up may be available depending on the type of assistance and staff capacity.
What Resource Navigation Is — and Is Not
Resource Navigation is designed to help people find, understand, and connect with available resources.
SSA does not guarantee eligibility, acceptance, funding, appointments, or services provided by another organization.
We also do not provide legal, immigration, tax, medical, financial, or other regulated professional advice unless a particular service is being provided by an appropriately qualified professional.
When specialized professional assistance is needed, we may help identify an appropriate provider or organization.
Language Shouldn't Be a Barrier to Finding Help
SSA has deep experience working with multilingual and newcomer communities.
Depending on staff availability and the type of request, assistance may be available in English, Russian, Ukrainian, and other languages.
Interpretation or translation may also be available through SSA's Language & Document Services.
Start With a Conversation
Sometimes you know exactly what you need. Sometimes you only know that something isn't working and you aren't sure where to begin. Both are okay. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will help determine whether SSA or another community resource may be an appropriate next step.