Family and Emergency Services

Community Referrals

ROOF provides referrals to a wide range of services provided in Thurston County, including clothing, housing, counseling, health care, and other emergency services. We also have a Resource Book with information on a variety of community resources clients can access.

Parenting Classes and Resources

ROOF offers parenting classes in both Spanish and English. The classes are free, and may include a family dinner and childcare. Classes cover topics such as developmental stages, family communication, and community resources. Check the ROOF calendar to find out about scheduled classes.
ROOF also offers head lice shampoo, emergency supplies of diapers, and baby formula through the Food Bank.

For more information, contact ROOF at 273-6375.

Income Tax Preparation

Income Tax Preparation Help is sponsored by the AARP. Trained tax specialists from Lewis and Thurston Counties volunteer to help prepare federal income tax forms for Rochester community members from February through April each year. Appointments are scheduled starting in January. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, call ROOF January-April at 360-273-6375. Appointments do book quickly.

Energy Assistance

ROOF helps make energy assistance available to the Rochester community through two programs:
The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties (CAC) distributes federal energy assistance funds to low-income households each fall who have difficulty paying for winter heating costs. The exact date becomes available in late September or early October each year. CAC sets one day to come to ROOF and enroll Rochester community members. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling CAC at 438-1100.

ROOF also offers energy assistance as the Salvation Army Service Extension Site in Rochester. Usually starting in January, funds are available through Puget Sound Energy’s Warm Home Fund. This program is designed to help Rochester residents who have received a disconnect notice and need help to keep power in their homes. For more information, please call ROOF at 360-273-6375.

Rental Assistance

From time to time emergency rental assistance has been offered at ROOF through funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To learn if rental assistance is available, call ROOF at 273-6375.

Well Water Sample Drop-off

ROOF is a drop off site for Thurston County well water sampling. Individuals can use this service to check the quality of residential, business, or school well water. Sample bottles may be picked up during business hours at ROOF Community Services at 10140 Highway 12 SW in Rochester. Filled bottles may then be returned to ROOF on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, or they may be returned directly to the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia.