Most communities have a local American Red Cross chapter and that is one place to turn for help. Many times they can provide emergency financial assistance. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society also works with the Red Cross. Before you begin your transfer, check with the Relocation Counselor on your base and learn what other military bases may be along your route. The emergency aid organizations (Air Force Aid, Army Emergency Relief) will help any service members. American Red Cross: 877-272-7337.

Military One Source: 800-342-9647 is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any and all needs, emergency or otherwise to help any active duty, family member, or retirees at any time for any information. You can also log onto their website for information at www.militaryonesource.com. 

Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Duty Office: 360-627-4024. 

There are relief agencies in Kitsap County that can be contacted for emergency and other family financial or food and shelter needs.

Food Banks and other emergency assistance resources:

• Bainbridge Island Helpline 206-842-7621
• Belfair Food Bank 360-275-4615
• Bremerton Food Line 360-479-6188
• Central Kitsap Food Bank 360-692-9818
• Poulsbo Fishline 360-779-4191
• Kingston ShareNet Food Bank 360-297-2266
• Kitsap Community Resources 360-478-2301
• Salvation Army and Family Services 360-373-5550
• Saint Vincent de Paul 360-479-7017
• South Kitsap Helpline 360-876-4089

Information and Referral is available at the Fleet and Family Support Center or by dialing 360-396-4115.

The American Red Cross for Military: 877-272-7337 can also help in times of emergency. Quick communications with home about family emergencies is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including verification of death or serious illness of immediate family, birth announcements to fathers deployed and health and welfare reports resulting from a lack of communication over a long period of time.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: Bangor office, 360-396-6704 or Bremerton office, 360-627-2187 can provide emergency assistance based upon need, through either loans or, when there is a particular hardship, grants. Categories of financial assistance may include: Basic living expenses (food, shelter, utilities), medical not covered by TRICARE, dental not covered by TRICARE Dental Plan (TDP), funeral expenses, emergency transportation, essential car repairs, pay and allotment problems, disasters, and assistance for widows.

Emergencies may occur while in transit to Naval Base Kitsap. One way to be prepared if you need help in an emergency is to have hard copies of your orders, and important papers with you, not packed in your shipment! This would include medical records, birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, copies of driver licenses, school records & immunization records to name a few. Contact your local legal office Bremerton  360-476-1003 or Bangor 360-396-6003 or relocation specialist for additional information.