Resources: Where to go, how to help mudslide victims
Herald staff Below is a list of verified ways to help those affected by the Oso mudslide. Be careful if you are approached to give money to organizations you haven't heard of. State officials warn that scam artists might try to take advantage of the situation by posing as legitimate charities. The Secretary of State has more advice on donating wisely on its website. Where to donate
Other fundraisers Government assistance
Herald staff Below is a list of verified ways to help those affected by the Oso mudslide. Be careful if you are approached to give money to organizations you haven't heard of. State officials warn that scam artists might try to take advantage of the situation by posing as legitimate charities. The Secretary of State has more advice on donating wisely on its website. Where to donate
- Red Cross: If you wish to help victims of the Oso mudslide, cash donations are preferred. The American Red Cross is no longer collecting items. Go to the Red Cross of Snohomish County at www.redcross.org/snoco to donate. People also can text "RedCross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
- United Way has established a community-wide recovery fund to assist those affected by the mudslide. Information on how to donate is at www.uwsc.org. Checks may be sent to: United Way of Snohomish County, Attn: Finance Dept., 3120 McDougall Ave., Ste. 200, Everett, WA 98201.
- The Salvation Army is collecting donations for local disaster relief efforts. Donate by phone at 800-725-2769, online at www.salvationarmynw.org or by mail to the Salvation Army, Northwest Divisional Headquarters, 111 Queen Anne Avenue N. #300, Seattle, WA, 98109. Designate your gift as "disaster relief."
- A special Mudslide Relief Campaign has been organized by the Community Fund Drive, state government's workplace giving program that invites state and higher education employees to give to the charity of their choice. For information, go to www.cfd.wa.gov.
Other fundraisers Government assistance
- The Department of Social and Health Services is bringing services to those in need via its Mobile Community Services Office. Hours on Wednesday are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Operations began Tuesday in Darrington to support clients who need basic assistance and are unable to get to Everett or Smokey Point DSHS offices. For information, call 877-501-2233.
- The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering help to businesses and property owners in the Oso mudslide area. Businesses affected by the slide that cannot file and pay their excise tax returns on time should contact Revenue to request a filing extension before the filing deadline. Revenue can also offer a penalty waiver for qualified businesses who were unable to file an extension request before the taxes were due. Revenue has prepared a property tax webpage with more information for property owners.
- UnitedHealth Group is offering free counseling to anyone affected by the mudslide. The service is open to anyone, regardless of insurance. Mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters. The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary.
- Free counseling is available from the Red Cross around the clock at 800-985-5990, or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.
- The Volunteers of America Care Crisis line is 800-584-3578.
- The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Distress Line is 800-985-5990.
