Local Resources
Explore support services trusted by the Columbia Ability Alliance community.
Helping You Navigate Support with Confidence
Finding the right help can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’ve compiled a trusted list of local and statewide resources often used by our clients and families. Whether you’re looking for disability services, housing support, healthcare, or crisis care, this guide is here to help you take the next step.
Columbia Ability Alliance does not endorse any particular organization. We share these resources to help you explore options that may meet your needs.
Quick Resource Hotline
Disability Services & Government Agencies
- Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS): Provides oversight of many programs to support individuals with disabilities and barriers.
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA): Provides support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Services include personal care, respite, employment assistance, residential support, and more. The Kennewick DDA office serves Benton/Franklin Counties.
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. DVR offers individualized vocational counseling, job training, adaptive technology, benefit planning, and employer support.
- Housing Resource Center (Coordinated Entry System: For those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Benton/Franklin Counties.
Local Disability Resources
- Arc of Tri-Cities: Local chapter of The Arc, advocating for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. It promotes inclusion and community participation and sponsors recreation and social programs.
- Children’s Developmental Center: Children’s Developmental Center empowers families and improves children’s lives through comprehensive early intervention services, education, and therapeutic services.
- Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-Columbia: DSAMC aims to enhance the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome by providing support, resources and information to families and community members and by promoting a heightened awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down Syndrome.
- Responding to Autism: A local nonprofit dedicated to providing individuals of all abilities with pathways to opportunity and empowerment. Offering resources, support, and programs to help individuals with autism and their families thrive.
- Tri-Cities Residential Services: Tri-Cities Residential Services is a Person-Centered organization that teaches essential life skills and provides support to individuals with disabilities. TCRS maximizes their ability to function independently and effectively by promoting an environment that enhances the individual’s self-esteem, personal growth and self-sufficiency.
- TROT (Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities): TROT promotes physical, psychological and social well-being of people with special needs by providing animal-assisted therapies and activities.
- Beautiful Day Learning: Continued education for adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Autism Resources: At Columbia Ability Alliance, we believe every individual deserves access to the tools, services, and support they need to thrive. Families navigating autism often face a maze of questions: where to find local programs, who to contact for specialized services, and what resources are available across Washington State.
Transportation
- Local Transportation Guide: Explore transportation options available in Benton and Franklin Counties for individuals with disabilities, including Dial-A-Ride, BFT CONNECT, Medicaid transport, and more. Learn how to apply, schedule rides, and find the best fit for your needs.
- Transportation Access Planner: A quick, printable checklist to help you plan your next ride with confidence. Includes helpful tips on how to prepare, what to bring, and who to call.
- Dial-a-Ride: Door-to-door transportation for people whose disabilities prevent their ability to use the fixed-route bus system.
Housing
- Benton-Franklin CAC Housing Programs: The local Community Action Agency offers housing assistance (rental/utility help, rapid rehousing) for low-income residents. Their Permanent Supportive Housing program serves chronically homeless individuals with a disabling condition.
- Housing Authority City of Kennewick: (Serves Kennewick, Richland & Benton County). Manages public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. Also operates a Veteran Supportive Housing program.
- Low-Income Housing: Find affordable housing options in Tri-Cities, WA, including Section 8 vouchers, rental assistance programs, and low-income apartments for individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Learn how to apply and access support services.
Health Care
Basic Needs
- Basic Food (SNAP): Get help buying groceries with Basic Food (SNAP) and WASHCAP in Kennewick, WA. Find out how to apply, check eligibility, and access food assistance programs.
- Tri-Cities Food Bank: Offers food to those in need living in Benton County.
- Tri-City Union Gospel Mission: Those who find themselves in need of a safe and welcoming place to land can find it at the Union Gospel Mission. They provide basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and hygiene. The Mission offers separate facilities for men and women/children.
Mental Health & Crisis Services
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
- Benton Franklin Crisis Response Unit: 24/7 mental health crisis center for our counties. Offers emergency intervention, referrals, grief counseling, and crisis management. Available anytime for acute mental health crises.
- Catholic Charities: Provides counseling and therapy for individuals, couples, and families (all ages). Services include individual & family therapy, group counseling, and crisis intervention. (Fees are income-based; no one turned away.)
- Lutheran Community Services: Community-based counseling and behavioral health services for youth and families. LCSNW partners with youth under 21 (and their families) to address mental health and behavioral challenges.
- Greater Columbia Behavioral Health: The county authority for Medicaid mental-health services in Benton/Franklin Counties. GCBH operates the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-544-9986.
- Canyon Lakes Family Counseling Center: Private clinic offering professional counseling/therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Their mission is to “help you thrive” through mental health support and behavioral health therapies.
Service Animals
- National Network: Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals Information and resources on service animals and emotional support animals.
- Heritage Service Dogs A national breeder/trainer of AKC-registered standard poodles for service and therapy. Heritage provides puppies and training for dogs serving medical, mobility, psychological, or emotional support roles.