Babies In Need helps new parents and families in Cowlitz and Clark Counties who may be struggling to afford essential items for their newborn. They provide newborn layette gift packs with clothing, blankets, diapers, wipes, baby-care supplies, books, and other necessities, as well as infant car seats for families in need. They also operate a Diaper Bank providing diapers and wipes for children of all ages living in Washington State.
For families delivering at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, parents can ask their Birth Center nurse or social worker about receiving a newborn layette or car seat. There are no financial requirements or forms required for this assistance.
Call 📞 360-573-8106 directly for assistance 📍 Longview Donation/Contact Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Ave., Longview, WA 98632 📞Diaper Bank/Appointments: 406-439-6694
CORE Health provides mental health, substance use, and supportive services for youth, adults, and families in Cowlitz County. Services include individual counseling, substance use treatment, medication management, emotional and peer support, and assistance with housing and employment. Both in-person and telehealth options are available, and a referral is not required to get started.
Ascent Youth Activity Center provides a safe, welcoming space for youth in Cowlitz County to connect, participate in recreational and social activities, and explore new interests. The center also provides access to mental health counseling, substance use counseling, peer support, wellness services, educational support, life skills, and other community resources. Youth do not have to be a CORE Health counseling client to participate in many of Ascent’s recreational activities.
Columbia Wellness is a local nonprofit behavioral health organization providing mental health, substance use, and crisis support services for children, youth, adults, and families. Services include individual and family counseling, psychiatric medication services, substance use treatment, youth and family programs, case management, and 24/7 mobile crisis support. They also offer specialized programs such as WISe and a Wellness & Recovery Center for withdrawal management and behavioral health stabilization.
Through United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides FREE, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age 5. Once registered, children receive a new book mailed directly to their home each month, helping families build a love of reading and prepare children for kindergarten. There is no cost to families, and children living in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum County are eligible.
Ethnic Support Council helps immigrants, refugees, people of color, and individuals with limited English proficiency access services and resources in the community. They provide interpretation and translation, help navigating housing, employment, education, healthcare and legal resources, referrals, and basic-needs assistance.
Longview Parks & Recreation provides affordable recreational activities, classes, camps, sports, and community events for children, teens, adults, and families. Programs include youth activities, before- and after-school care, seasonal camps, sports, enrichment classes, and special events. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families, including a 75% scholarship discount on eligible youth programs.
Longview Public Library provides free and low-cost educational, recreational, and community resources for children, teens, adults, and families. Families can access books, eBooks and audiobooks, computers and Wi-Fi, homework and learning resources, story times, kids and teen activities, reading programs, and community events. The library also offers unique resources such as a Library of Things, Mobile Library, and outreach services.
Family Promise supports local families with children who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Services include homelessness prevention, rental assistance, emergency family shelter, case management, transportation assistance, housing stabilization, and connections to community resources. Their goal is to help families achieve safe, stable housing and long-term independence.
FISH enables people to get food and meet a variety of other emergency needs, such as : filling a prescription, paying a portion of overdue utility bills, getting clothes and shoes needed for a job, and buying propane to heat an RV or mobile home.
Lower Columbia CAP is a nonprofit community organization serving individuals and families throughout Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. CAP helps community members meet basic needs, improve stability, and access resources that can support greater independence. Services may include energy and utility assistance, housing and rental support, homelessness services, food assistance, employment services, weatherization, transportation, Meals on Wheels, senior services, and other basic-needs programs. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program, and some assistance is based on income, age, household circumstances, or available funding.
Love INC is a faith-based community organization that connects individuals and families in need with local churches, volunteers, programs, and other community resources. Assistance may include furniture and household goods, medical equipment, wheelchair ramps, bicycles, firewood, financial education, practical assistance, and referrals to other local services. Families can call their Clearinghouse to discuss their needs and learn what assistance may be available.
Love Overwhelming is a local nonprofit that helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or other difficult circumstances. They provide peer support, housing and resource navigation, recovery support, basic-needs assistance, and connections to community services. Their team works alongside individuals to help them overcome barriers and build greater stability and self-sufficiency.
RiverCities Transit provides affordable public transportation throughout Longview and Kelso, helping families and individuals get to work, school, appointments, shopping, and other community services. They offer fixed-route bus service, accessible buses, LIFT paratransit for eligible individuals with disabilities, and travel training for those who need help learning to use public transportation. Youth 18 and under can ride fixed-route buses free with proper identification.
The Salvation Army provides a variety of services to individuals and families in the Longview/Kelso community who are experiencing hardship. Resources include food assistance and hot meals, social services, showers and laundry through their Hygiene Center, housing support through Hope House, and connections to additional assistance.
St. James Family Center serves children and families in Wahkiakum County with a variety of supportive programs. Services include childcare, preschool and ECEAP early learning, before- and after-school care, parenting education, home visiting, developmental screenings, play groups, and connections to community resources. The organization also supports individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault through advocacy and Charlotte House shelter services.
📍 1134 Columbia St., Cathlamet, WA 98612 📞 360-795-8612
YMCA of Southwest Washington provides recreation, fitness, childcare, and youth and family programs for people of all ages. Programs include swim lessons and aquatics, youth sports, camps, preschool and after-school care, fitness classes, open gym, and family activities. Financial assistance and scholarships are available for qualifying individuals and families to help make memberships and programs more affordable.
We are a local nonprofit serving children, youth, and families throughout the Cowlitz County community. We provide free programs and supportive services focused on helping families access resources, meet basic needs, build healthy relationships, succeed in school, and participate in positive activities. Programs include Outreach & Engagement, after-school and summer programs, youth mentoring, teen prevention and leadership programs, community activities, and recreational opportunities through our Community Gymnasium.