OLYMPIA -- Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offices are reopening as flood waters recede and power is restored. DSHS has continued to provide essential services to clients by stationing staff in offices not affected by the storm.

The offices help clients to access food and cash assistance, provide services for vulnerable adults, services for abused and neglected children, and services for individuals with disabilities. Some of the offices may have limited staff, services or access.

Also, several businesses have had power restored and are able to process the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used by DSHS clients to purchase food. Those businesses are listed on the DSHS Web Site.

Businesses that are open, but unable to process EBT cards, can handle the transactions manually by having store personnel write down customer purchases.

Offices that were reopened as of Friday December 7 include:

• Aberdeen Offices - 415 West Wishkah Street and 503 West Heron Street(Except the Division of Children and Family Services)
• Forks Office - 71 North Spartan
• Long Beach Office - 2601 Pacific Highway (limited services)
• Neah Bay Office - 1001 Bay View Avenue
• Shelton Office - 2505 Olympic Highway
• South Bend Office - 307 East Robert Bush Drive
• Neah Bay Office - Bayview Avenue, Community Building

The Chehalis Office at NE Hampe Way remains closed. However, the Community Services Office, which provides food and financial benefits, has been relocated to 3401 Galvin Road in Centralia. Chehalis clients can get services there.

DSHS clients normally served by one of the above offices, but are unable to access them, can contact the regional call center at 1-877-980-9180.

Callers are urged to report abuse to local numbers or 1-866-EndHarm (1-866-363-4276).

Foster parents and relative caregivers of children under state care can call 1-866-940-DSHS (3747), if they are displaced or adversely affected by the storm.

"The work that staff – some of whom experienced their own loss and destruction in the storm – is nothing short of amazing," said Robin Arnold-Williams, DSHS. "During all the upheaval, our workers have ensured that high-risk clients are transported to medical facilities for treatment, that prescriptions are filled, that nursing home residents are relocated to care facilities, and that foster families are contacted. The list is endless."

"Again, I urge friends, family and neighbors to check in with one another. Many vulnerable people in the disaster areas remain without power and other amenities that keep them safe and comfortable," she said.