Resource Center invites islanders to help identify unmet legal needs

A housing dispute, a confusing medical bill, a family breakup, or questions about a parenting plan can leave someone unsure where to turn. On Orcas Island, the cost of legal help – and the challenge of traveling off island to get it – can make a difficult situation even harder.

The Orcas Community Resource Center is inviting island residents to complete a short civil legal needs survey to help identify where legal support is most needed in the community.

Civil legal issues often affect everyday stability, including housing, family matters, debt, immigration, health-related expenses, and more. Residents do not need to know whether their situation officially “counts” as a legal issue in order to take the survey

“Sometimes people are dealing with a problem that affects their housing, income, or family without realizing that legal help may be available,” said Erin O’Dell, Executive Director of the Resource Center. “We want to better understand those experiences. Hearing from our neighbors will help us plan services that respond to the needs of this community.”

The survey builds on the Resource Center’s partnership with Skagit Legal Aid, which brings free civil legal services directly to Orcas Island through regular clinics. Those clinics currently take place every other month and are expected to expand to monthly in 2027. The partnership helps connect residents with legal assistance on a wide range of issues, including housing and eviction prevention, family law, medical and other debt, wills, advance directives, immigration, and more.

Survey responses, along with interviews with local organizations and community partners, will help the Resource Center better understand where gaps remain and what additional services may be needed.

“Getting help with a legal problem can ease tremendous pressure on a household,” O’Dell said. “Our goal is to make that help available before a difficult situation becomes a deeper crisis.”

Residents are encouraged to participate by visiting orcascrc.org and clicking the banner at the top of the page, or by stopping by the Resource Center office to complete a paper survey.

A $5 incentive is available for the first 100 participants. To receive it, participants may show a screenshot of their online submission or turn in a completed paper survey.

For more information or help connecting with legal assistance, contact the Orcas Community Resource Center at 360-376-3184.

About the Orcas Community Resource Center

The Orcas Community Resource Center fosters a healthy community by connecting Orcas Islanders with services and support to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. The Resource Center provides practical assistance and trusted guidance related to housing, health care, transportation, food access, financial literacy, and other essential needs.