Phone assistance program: Stay connected for $8/mo.

Residents who participate in or are eligible for certain public-assistance programs, such as Food Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families from the state Department of Social and Health Services, are entitled to receive local telephone service for about $8 per month plus taxes and fees. The Washington Telephone Assistance Program also provides a reduced or no-cost service installation for qualifying households that do not currently have telephone service.

To apply for benefits, contact the local landline telephone company (CenturyLink for Odessa customers) and provide your client...