Bellevue offering ‘navigators’ for those needing COVID-19 resources

The free public service is offering consultations in several languages including English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese and Somali

Bellevue Mini City Hall is offering a new COVID-19 Resource Navigator program. The program has “navigators” to help residents locate and understand available resources during the pandemic. The resource navigators are highly experienced in navigating different systems and knowledgeable about various organizations that provide help during these difficult times.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Bellevue, human service needs also increase in the community. For many who are not familiar with the resources available to them, or those who had never needed financial and other assistance before the pandemic, it can be overwhelming to sort through the government resources and application processes. The COVID-19 Resource Navigator will provide personalized assistance and customized recommendations to help residents make sense of all the programs and community resources.

Here are just some of the referral topics and information the COVID-19 Resource Navigator program can help find the best resources for:

  • Food assistance programs
  • Small business loans
  • Unemployment claims
  • Housing or rent assistance programs
  • Healthcare resources and COVID testing sites
  • Immigration issues and legal referrals

What residents can expect when calling the COVID-19 Resource Navigator Program:

  • A live person who will listen
  • Someone who is patient and empathizes with concerns
  • Someone who will research questions and customize solutions to best fit each situation
  • Someone who can connect residents to the best resources to help solve problems

The COVID-19 Resource Navigator Program is a free public service through Mini City Hall. Phone consultations are available by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A typical appointment is 30 minutes and follow-up appointments may be longer depending on needs.

Appointments are available in English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese, Somali and many other foreign languages. Call 425-452-2800 or email minich@bellevuewa.gov to get started.