The Washington State Diaper Bank Coalition
In 2017, WestSide Baby formed the Washington State Diaper Bank Coalition by conducting phone calls and informational interviews with diaper banks across the state. We more formally convened via regular email communication shortly after that. The coalition primarily served as a connection point for diaper banks of different sizes, serving different populations, to occasionally connect and ask questions. In 2019, the coalition more regularly communicated regarding important advocacy goals including exempting diapers from sales tax, and engaging legislators around a diaper subsidy program for low-income working families. All diaper banks reported an increase in distribution in 2020 continuing into 2021.
The coalition consists of the 10 diaper banks recognized by the National Diaper Bank Network:
Eastside Baby Corner (1990) serving East King County, South Snohomish County, and Pierce, Mason and Kitsap Counties, Baby Basic Bellevue (2012) serving Bellevue and nearby areas, Babies of Homelessness (2016) serving Snohomish County, Battle Ground Adventist Community Services servicing North Clark County, Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes (2014) serving Thurston, Lewis, and Mason County, Help me Grow Pierce County (2020) serving Pierce County, Inland NW Diaper Bank (2009) serving the Spokane area, the Diaper Bank of Skagit County (Program of United Way 2021) serving Skagit County, the Tri-Cities Diaper Bank (2011) serving the Tri-Cities, Benton and Franklin Counties, and WestSide Baby (2001) serving South and Western King County, including Seattle.