Giving immediate help to people in need
Photos show some of the emergency services FISH of Cowlitz County provides. Churches distribute food weekdays and telephone volunteers help people with a variety of emergencies. Click on other pages to learn more.
Helping People in Need for Half a Century
Beginning in 1971, FISH of Cowlitz County has been fulfilling its mission of giving immediate help to people in need.
FISH enables people to get food, fill prescriptions, see a dentist, pay overdue water or PUD bills, get footwear or clothing required for a new job or fill a variety of other emergency needs.
FISH is an all-volunteer nonprofit. Salary costs over the decades total $0.00. Administrative costs average less than 4% of annual spending.
All services begin with a phone call to a friendly volunteer on the FISH line (360-636-1100).
FISH provides only goods and services. It does not hand out cash.
We partner with 18 churches in Longview and Kelso to give away food five days a week.
We work with local businesses and agencies that bill FISH for goods and services, such as medications, propane, work attire, dental care and eye exams and glasses.
FISH has no “means test” People are not required to document their need. We trust callers who say they need help. That’s why FISH can provide help immediately — no paperwork.
Do the same people continually hit up FISH for freebies? No! FISH has limits on all services it provides. Volunteers monitor frequency of use. Abuse is rare. When it occurs, clients are denied services for a period of time.
Written comments from “FISH Fans”
Here are comments from people who have received help from FISH. Some come from notes and emails. Others were written on surveys FISH gave to food recipients.
“My daughter needed a prescription that cost $130. I don’t have insurance due to losing my job. Your program is covering it for me! I’m in tears. I’ve never been treated so kindly or helped so easily.”
“I am so very thankful for all that FISH has to offer. It helps so much. I love the volunteers at the churches.”
“I have always been grateful for your services. I don’t use them often, but when in need very appreciative. Between jobs now.”
“We are very grateful for helping our family in our hardship.”
“I think FISH is wonderful. My grandchildren are always excited to see what they got (in our food boxes).”
“Thanks a million for your fast and friendly aid in my time of need — God bless you all at FISH!”
“I want to thank you for going out of your way to make sure I got the prescription I need (available only in Olympia). It may seem like a simple thing, but the list of symptoms my doctor gave me shows how serious this is.”
“I have always been grateful for your services. I don’t use them often, but when in need very appreciative. Between jobs now.”
“We are very grateful for helping our family in our hardship.”
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