Opportunity Council - Island County Resource Center

08/31/2026

An unexpected financial hardship can quickly lead to overdue utility bills and the risk of service disconnection. For many households, losing heating, cooling, or electricity can create serious health and safety concerns.

During LIHEAP Action Month, we're highlighting how LIHEAP helps eligible households avoid utility disconnections and, in some cases, restore service when it has already been disconnected. This critical assistance helps families maintain safe, healthy, and stable homes while easing financial stress.

If you're struggling to keep up with energy costs, don't wait until a shutoff notice arrives. LIHEAP is just one of several energy assistance programs we offer, with varying income guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Call us today to learn about available programs and find out what assistance may be available for your household or visit oppco.org/utilities/ for more information.

Island County: (360) 639-8876
Monday-Thursday 9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM

08/28/2026

Know a child or family who could use a hand with backpacks or school supplies? We have a limited supply of extra backpacks at our backpack distribution event on Sunday, August 30th. Spread the word to help kids walk in on the first day of school feeling confident and with their heads held high.

📍 Boys & Girls Club of Oak Harbor, 30 SE Ely St.
📅 Sunday, August 30th, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

08/25/2026

Rising energy costs can strain any household budget.

LIHEAP provides critical assistance that helps eligible households manage heating and cooling costs, reducing financial hardship and keeping homes comfortable year round.

During month, remember that LIHEAP is just one of several programs available. If you need help with your energy bills, don't assume you won't qualify.

Contact us today to learn about the variety of energy assistance programs available for different income levels and household situations or visit oppco.org/utilities

Island County: (360) 639-8876
Monday-Thursday 9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM

08/21/2026

No one should have to choose between paying an energy bill and buying groceries or medicine.

Every year, LIHEAP helps households facing financial hardship stay connected to the energy services they need.

During , we're raising awareness about programs that help families stay safe, healthy, and financially stable.

Not sure if you qualify? We offer multiple energy assistance programs with different income guidelines and eligibility requirements. Call us to learn more about the options available and find the program that's right for your household or visit oppco.org/utilities.

Island County: (360) 639-8876
Monday-Thursday 9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM

08/12/2026

https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/2026/08/11/back2basics-fills-backpacks-for-students/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTpkVJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6VZmopEMDS-Bpz2ePkCECNIbOBvlrHsokVN7BlVjjoZI6Vu0yHKloJE150ig_aem_1oqVLGi5g2j1iCSVVwuPaA

The school-supply drive is accepting signups through Aug. 24 for kids in kindergarten to 12th grade.

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

Save the Date!
Join us for the Island County Emergency Preparedness Fair. Whether you're just getting started with emergency planning or looking to strengthen your family's preparedness plan, this event has something for everyone.

08/11/2026

We invite you to join us! DSHS is hosting a summer webinar series on recent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program changes resulting from federal legislation called H.R. 1. The second takes place Wednesday, Aug. 19.

SNAP H.R. 1 Work-Requirement Changes: 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 19, 2026, on Zoom.
SNAP H.R. 1 Noncitizen Eligibility: 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 9, 2026, on Zoom.
SNAP H.R. 1 Changes Overview Webinar: July 15 recording and presentation materials will be posted soon.

The informational portions of these webinars will be recorded. Each webinar will have an American Sign Language interpreter. A link to more details, including how to request accommodation, is in the comments.

08/08/2026

📚 **Back2Basics Supply Drive Update!** 🎒

TODAY & TOMORROW, we’ll be at our local Safeway collecting school supplies, handing out flyers, and signing up participants for our back-to-school program from 10am to 2 pm

For the first time in **26 years**, we were unable to secure the location we have traditionally used for our supply drive. While this was an unexpected change, we’ve adjusted—and we’re grateful to have partnered with many wonderful local agencies and organizations to continue making this effort possible.

🚌 **Supply collection will continue through August 24th** at participating locations.

Beginning **Monday, August 10th**, collection boxes will be available at:

📍 Keybank
📍 Housing Authority of Island County
📍 Skagit farmers
📍 Ace Hardware
📍 Prisim Laser & Aesthetics
📍 Ozell & Julie Jackson at CMG Home Loans
📍 Blue Fox Drive In

We are incredibly thankful to our community partners and everyone who continues to donate, share information, and help local students get ready for the new school year.

**Every backpack, notebook, pencil, and donation makes a difference. Thank you for helping us make back-to-school brighter for our local kids!** 💙📓✏️

To shop from our Amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/26MEO6UDZKJBK?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_WXXMQHTPMQ0TY0C0GJ9P

Or Donate and get invloved at www.oppco.org/b2b