The Essential Needs Program is a community-grown solution to a challenge that many safety-net programs can’t fully solve: how to quickly meet urgent, everyday needs that fall outside the bounds of traditional assistance. Whether it’s helping a neighbor cover an unexpected utility bill, replacing stolen work tools, or providing bedding for a family fleeing domestic violence, this program ensures no one falls through the cracks.
The program was launched in spring 2021, following early pandemic responses by the Whidbey Community Foundation and the Goosefoot Community Fund. After a year of parallel work, the two organizations came together with a shared goal: to pool their resources and create something greater than the sum of their parts. They partnered with the Opportunity Council to design and administer a flexible, responsive program that could complement government aid sources like CARES and ARPA—filling the crucial gaps left in between.
Since its inception, the Essential Needs Program has supported over 616 households across Whidbey Island, with a focus on those living below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Over $600,000 has been raised and distributed, made possible by the collective support of the Whidbey Community Foundation, Goosefoot Community Fund, Island Thrift, The Goose Community Grocer, and many generous individuals in the community.
Administered by the Opportunity Council’s Island County office—headquartered in Oak Harbor and now celebrating its 60th anniversary—the program also partners with organizations like the South Whidbey Community Center to maintain a regular, in-person presence throughout the island.
Importantly, insights from this program are now helping shape broader solutions. In 2025, Opportunity Council received a significant award from the Washington State Department of Transportation to develop the DRIVE Program (Delivering Resilient Investments in Vehicle Equity), which helps income-eligible residents with improvements to their vehicles to remain safe on the road such as tire repairs. The award was made possible due to findings from the Essential Needs Program, where transportation consistently emerged as a barrier to economic stability. Learn more about DRIVE →
As of August, we’re excited to share that we’re less than $10,000 away from reaching our $100,000 fundraising goal for this year! Every dollar raised helps our neighbors stay housed, stay safe, and stay connected—especially in moments of crisis.
This visit was a reminder that when community partners come together with trust, flexibility, and shared purpose, we can meet people where they are and help them move forward.
Support the Essential Needs Program
The Essential Needs Program was created to ensure that Whidbey Island residents have access to timely, flexible support in moments of crisis—especially when traditional assistance falls short. By funding things like rent, utilities, transportation, and other urgent basic needs, this program helps individuals and families maintain stability, dignity, and connection to community.
Whidbey Community Foundation is able to support programs like this one thanks to the generosity of local donors and partners. If you are interested in contributing to the Essential Needs Program, we invite you to make a gift to WCF’s Essential Needs Program Fund or round-up when shopping at The Goose during the month of August.
Whidbey Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn more here.