CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR SEATTLE, KING CO, & WA STATE
WHAT: Solid Ground has helped our community overcome crises for over 45 years – and we’re here now to help people and our community during the pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Resources webpage with regularly updated resources and information for Seattle, King County, and Washington State, or call our main phone line at 206.694.6700.
NEW THIS WEEK:
- City of Seattle Utility Discount Program – Eligibility and application information for discounted utilities for Seattle residents.
- DSHS Resources (Department of Social and Health Services, WA State) – COVID-19-related information such as child care resources available to families, new rules to protect older adults in nursing homes and living facilities, Paid Family Medical Leave information, and more.
- Eviction & Late Fee Moratoriums (Federal & WA State) – A graph of information on Federal and State evictions and late fee moratoriums.
- Food Safety & COVID-19 & Flyer – Information on food safety from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and USDA (US Department of Agriculture).
- Food, Cash, & Medical Support (WA State) – Find out if you are eligible for expanded food, cash, and medical supports available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Free Grab-and-Go Meals (Puget Sound area) – A King 5 News listing of places to find free grab-and-go meals for kids at Puget Sound schools during the coronavirus shutdown.
- Free Meals Sites During School Closures (WA State) – United Way’s statewide listings for free meals.
- Legal help to get or keep WA State public benefits – Solid Ground’s Benefits Legal Assistance attorneys are open for business as usual during the COVID-19 crisis. They can be reached at 206.694.6742 or at benefitslegalhelp@solid-ground.org.
- Seattle & King County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Information – Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home/Stay Healthy order and what to do if you are ill, including:
- Steps to take if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you may be infected with coronavirus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance)
- Information on getting tested (Washington State Department of Health)
- What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 (Washington State Department of Health)
- Online Coronavirus Assessment Tool (developed by Providence and Microsoft)
- Unemployment Benefits (WA State) – Employment Security Department information on eligibility and how to apply for WA State unemployment.
Recursos en Español:
- Siga estos enlaces para obtener recursos (Español) – Scroll to the bottom of the page for the following COVID-19 health information and resources in Spanish:
- Aprenda sobre el coronavirus (COVID-19) – Learning about Coronavirus
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Instrucciones de cuidado – Coronavirus Care Instructions
FREE COVID-19 TESTING FOR HIGH-RISK PEOPLE WITHOUT ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
WHEN: Walk-up/drive-through hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm; no appointment needed
WHERE: Downtown Public Health Center (2124 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121)
WHAT: Free COVID-19 testing is now available from Public Health – Seattle & King County for people with symptoms of COVID-19 who are at highest risk for severe illness from the disease and don’t have regular access to healthcare. Symptomatic healthcare providers, workers in congregate care settings, and people working in critical infrastructure occupations will also be served.
Any staff or resident of a shelter with any of the following symptoms are eligible for testing:
- A new fever (100.4°F or higher), or a sense of having a fever*
- A new cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition*
- New shortness of breath that you cannot attribute to another health condition*
- A new sore throat that you cannot attribute to another health condition*
- New muscle aches (myalgias) that you cannot attribute to another health condition – or that have not been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)*
This clinic will specifically serve people with symptoms in the following categories:
- Individuals in high-risk groups (e.g., elderly, underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and people living homeless)
- Healthcare workers or workers in congregate care settings (including: hospitals, department of corrections, juvenile detention centers, mental/behavioral health clinics, long-term care facilities, permanent supportive housing, and shelters)
- People working in critical infrastructure occupations (e.g. congregate settings such as homeless shelters)
*Please note: When you arrive, please remain at least 6 feet away from others. We may ask you to wear a mask while you are screened and awaiting testing.
KING COUNTY COVID-19 CALL CENTER
WHEN: Open daily, 8am-7pm, PDT
WHAT: King County has opened a call center to answer COVID-19 questions. The best source of information for you and your family during this evolving situation is Public Health- Seattle & King County.
QUESTIONS? Who to call:
- If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact the Novel Coronavirus Call Center: 206.477.3977.
- For general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State’s response, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800.525.0127.
- If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving your home. Do not go to the emergency room; emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
- If you are having a medical emergency, call 9.1.1.
MORE INFO: Visit www.kingcounty.gov/COVID and alert.seattle.gov for the most up-to-date information, and sign up for @AlertSeattle, the City of Seattle’s emergency notification system, to receive customized alerts via text, email, voicemail, Facebook, or Twitter (message and data rates may apply).
WASHINGTON HEALTHPLANFINDER SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD
WHEN: Tuesday March 10 – Wednesday, April 8, 2020 (call Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm)
WHAT: In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is offering a limited-time special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This SEP allows uninsured people 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.
Individuals seeking special enrollment must contact the Customer Support Center or a local certified broker or navigator, request the SEP, and select a plan by April 8 for coverage start date beginning April 1, 2020. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost. Customers who experience another qualifying event (such as marriage, birth of a child or a move) are also eligible to shop for coverage. For those who qualify for Medicaid through Washington Apple Health, it is available year-round on Washington Healthplanfinder. Note: Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.
TO ENROLL: Until April 8, contact the Customer Support Center Monday-Friday between 7:30am-5:30pm, at 1.855.923.4633 | TTY: 1.855.627.9604.
** JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES **
VIRTUAL EFFECTIVE RÉSUMÉ WORKSHOP
WHEN: Monday, April 6, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Zoom Video Conference
WHAT: WorkSource is hosting an online workshop on creating effective résumés. You will need access to a computer, internet, and microphone for this workshop. Video camera is preferred but not required. Free and open to the public.
We will explore:
- Different résumé formats and when to use them
- The difference between a “master” and “targeted” résumé
- Online applications and beating the robots
QUESTIONS? Contact Rhonda Knuckey at 206.487.5457 or RKnuckey@hopelink.org.
WorkSource Seattle-King County partners are equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.
JOBS WITH ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
WHAT: Essential businesses are currently recruiting and hiring for multiple entry level job openings in King County, WA. Also, see the Critical Job Opportunities webpage on the WorkSource Seattle-King County website.
ABM Industries: Facility/Building Cleaner Jobs
- $15.55-$19.97/hr DOE and Location
- Multiple locations
QUESTIONS? Contact recruiter Megan Ryan at Megan.Ryan@abm.com.
Amazon: Warehouse, Delivery Driver, Prime Now Fresh Jobs
- $15+/hr, plus $2/hr extra through April 30, 2020
- Multiple locations
- Start in as soon as 7 days
- No résumé or previous work experience required.
Bartell Drugs: Cashier/Clerk, Order Picker (Warehouse), Pharmacy Assistant Jobs
- Multiple Locations
- Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check
Domino’s: Delivery Driver, Store Customer Service Rep Jobs
- Multiple Locations
- Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check
King County Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD): Corrections Officer (entry level) Jobs
- Must: ⇒be 21+ year old, ⇒have a HS diploma or equivalent certificate, ⇒have a valid WA State driver’s license, ⇒pass extensive drug and background tests
- Entry level starting at $64,180/year plus $5,000 hiring incentive for entry-level hires
- Located at King County corrections facilities in Downtown Seattle or Kent
QUESTIONS? Contact blake.bennett@kingcounty.gov.
Fred Meyer: Retail Store, E-Commerce Clerk (order picker) Jobs
- Multiple locations
Pacific Building Services: Environmental Services (EVS), Commercial Janitorial, & Floor Technician Jobs
- $17-$20/hr DOE and location
- Multiple locations
QUESTIONS? Contact HR Manager, Anthony Macfarlane at anthony@pacificbuildingservices.com.
QFC: Retail Store, E-Commerce Clerk (order picker) Jobs
- Multiple locations
Safeway & Albertsons: Retail Store, Grocery Delivery, Warehouse Jobs
- Multiple locations
MORE INFO ABOUT ESSENTIAL JOBS: Visit the Critical Job Opportunities webpage on the WorkSource Seattle-King County website, or contact Dan Bernard, Communities of Opportunity Employment Manager, King County Department of Community & Human Services at dan.bernard@kingcounty.gov.
CLEANERS – MERCER ISLAND
WHEN: Posted through 6/10/2020
WHERE: Apply online
WHAT: MGR Construction Services Inc. is looking for Cleaners on Mercer Island, WA. Compensation is $15-$16 per hour depending on experience.
Responsibilities:
- Cleaning tables, wiping down surfaces
- Cleaning restrooms
- Mopping and sweeping floors
- Changing garbage cans
Qualifications:
- Cleaning experience an asset
- Ability to work independently
- Must have access to company mobile app on an electronic or data enabled device
APPLY NOW: Please apply online at WorksourceWA.com (Job ID: 216665897).
** ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES **
BE COUNTED! 2020 CENSUS
WHEN: Thursday, March 12 – Friday, July 31, 2020
WHERE: Everywhere in the United States!
WHAT: The census is a count of every single person in the country – regardless of immigration status – conducted by the US Census Bureau (a nonpartisan government agency, similar to the US Postal Services). It’s important, because it’s a tool to create more equity in our country! Census information is a critical component of how the government allocates funds for things like food stamps and affordable housing. Census data helps determine public transportation routes, where to build new homes and improve neighborhoods, and where to build businesses to create new jobs. And the results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets – so your response directly influences our political power!
Timeline/How to be counted:
- Starting March 12, people will receive invitations in the mail to respond to the census.
- After April 1, census takers will visit residences to help count anyone who hasn’t responded.
- You have three ways to participate: 1) phone, 2) mail, or 3) online.
- The easiest way to be counted is online – and you can complete it online up until July 31.
Everyone counts: Your safety & privacy
- The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.
- The 2020 Census does count everyone living in the country, including noncitizens.
- The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement.
- Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country – they cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits.
- The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.
MORE INFO: Visit www.2020census.gov for lots of information, including Census 2020 Language Guides in many different languages. You may also call one of these toll-free language lines to be counted and/or ask questions about the census.
- Arabic: 844.416.2020
- Chinese (Cantonese: 844.398.2020; Mandarin: 844.391.2020)
- English: 844.330.2020 (Puerto Rico residents: 844.418.2020)
- French: 844.494.2020
- Haitian Creole: 844.477.2020
- Japanese: 844.460.2020
- Korean: 844.392.2020
- Polish: 844.479.2020
- Portuguese: 844.474.2020
- Russian: 844.417.2020
- Spanish: 844.468.2020 (Puerto Rico residents: 844.426.2020)
- Tagalog: 844.478.2020
- Vietnamese: 844.461.2020
- Telephone Display Device (TDD): 844.467.2020
SEATTLE DACA SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE
WHEN: Until funds run out
WHERE: No walkins; apply online or by phone; must have capacity to video chat
WHAT: Through a partnership with the City of Seattle Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) and Facebook, El Centro de la Raza will administer DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) scholarship funds on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Successful DACA scholarship grantees will receive a check made out to the Department of Homeland Security to submit with their DACA renewal application.
There is no minimum or maximum income requirement. While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends filing for renewal between 150 and 120 days from when your DACA expires, requests received earlier than 150 days and up to 365 days in advance are currently being accepted. However, this could result in an overlap between your current DACA and your renewal.
Scholarship funds are available to individuals who:
- Have or previously had DACA status AND
- Have a completed DACA renewal application AND
- Who reside, work, or go to school in Seattle
TO APPLY:
1) Complete your DACA Scholarship Application (download in Word or PDF)
- Note that the address on your scholarship application must be the same as the address on your DACA renewal application.
- You must have a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)available during your appointment.
2) Schedule a Phone Appointment (no walkins, and you must have the capacity to video chat)
- Go to El Centro’s DACA scheduling webpage OR
- Call Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez at 957.4605x 305 OR
- Email dgvasquez@elcentrodelaraza.org
DACA Renewal Resources:
- USCIS page for DACA forms
- NWIRP’s free DACA renewal clinics
- City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs website
QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Contact Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez at dgvasquez@elcentrodelaraza.org or 206. 957.4605x 305 or visit El Centro’s DACA webpage.
PCC CENTRAL DISTRICT JOB FAIRS
WHAT: PCC Community Markets is Seattle’s original – and the nation’s largest – certified organic, community-owned food market. We’re a passionate community that believes in the power of good food and the potential of good people; a place where the best of the Northwest comes together, from the produce we stock to the people we hire – and we’re now hiring at multiple Seattle-area locations.
Benefits include:
⇒Competitive wages ⇒Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance ⇒Paid vacation and sick time ⇒15% staff discount ⇒Free membership in the co-op ⇒Reduced rate on ORCA cards ⇒Retirement plans ⇒Free PCC Cooks classes
QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Please do not hesitate to connect! Contact Alyssa Moore, Recruiting Specialist at Alyssa.Moore@pccmarkets.com or 206.717.6527.
WA STATE PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE
WHAT: New Washington state legislation means Paid Family & Medical Leave is available when you need time off to care for yourself or a family member. There are three main types of paid leave available: Medical Leave, Family Leave, and Military Leave. Each one is related to a different type of “qualifying event” – the thing that happens to you or a family member that qualifies you for paid leave.
MORE INFO/TO APPLY: Visit the Washington state Paid Family & Medical Leave website to find out how it works and to apply, or email paidleave@esd.wa.gov with your questions.
FAMILY MATTERS CLINIC FOR LGBTQ+ FAMILIES
WHEN/WHERE: Ongoing; meeting times and locations are set when families are matched with attorneys
WHAT: QLaw Foundation supports all of the ways that our community makes families. We serve parents who are low income, QTPOC, formerly incarcerated, trans/nonbinary, poly, immigrant/refugee, and/or living with disabilities. We have no limitations based on citizenship or income level.
The Family Matters clinic for LGBTQ+ families in King County is a full-representation clinic for:
- people who are parenting, but who don’t have legal recognition of their role
- families recognized under Washington law who want an adoption or parentage order just to be safe
- families parenting kids from their partner’s prior relationship
- parents not married to the kids’ other parent who want to make sure their relationship with the children is protected in a worst-case scenario
- families with three or four (or more!) people parenting children who want to make sure each parent has legal recognition
MORE INFO: Contact info@qlawfoundation.org or 206.483.2725.
WA GET PROGRAM OPEN ENROLLMENT
WHEN: 2019-2020 enrollment runs through May 31, 2020
WHAT: The Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program is Washington state’s 529 prepaid tuition program that helps families save today for future college costs. It offers a guarantee tied to in-state tuition prices, backed by state law. It also offers tax benefits, flexible payments and a nationwide choice of colleges. GET provides families the opportunity to start saving for future college costs while their children are young. While GET account values keep pace with in-state tuition, beneficiaries have the freedom to follow their ambitions wherever they choose, as GET can be used at nearly any public or private university, community college, or technical school in the country.
MORE INFO: The unit purchase price is $121. GET’s website offers details, charts, planning tools and answers for questions that families may have about the program. Washington residents who want to help a student save for future education costs can open a GET account online with no enrollment fee.
CONTACT: GET Contact Center staff at GETInfo@wsac.wa.gov or 800.955.2318.
COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS
WHAT: Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is the largest, most comprehensive, and most successful broadband adoption program in the nation. It provides low-cost internet ($9.95/month) to low-income families and individuals within the Comcast service area.
Eligibility: To qualify, applicants simply need to show they participate in one of more than a dozen different government assistance programs, including: ⇒Medicaid, ⇒Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and ⇒Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Comcast also accepts applications from households that: ⇒have a student eligible for the National School Lunch Program, ⇒live in public housing, ⇒receive HUD Housing Assistance (including Section 8 vouchers), or ⇒participate in the Veterans Pension Program, as well as low-income seniors in select pilot markets.
MORE INFO/TO APPLY: Visit the Internet Essentials website for eligibility information and an application – or call 1.855.846.8376.
HAS YOUR FAMILY LOST ACCESS TO TANF?
If you were kicked off TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) due to:
- sanctions that led you to be permanently disqualified OR
- the 60-month limit, and you and your family are currently homeless
… you are again eligible for TANF, due to changes in the law effective July 28, 2019.
To reapply for TANF, you must submit an application either in person, by mail, or online. Visit washingtonconnection.org for an online application, or bit.ly/dshs-offices for a list of DSHS offices throughout the state.
If you’re being denied these new benefits, here are some legal support resources:
- King County residents: Contact Solid Ground’s Benefits Legal Assistance: 206.694.6742.
- Residents outside of King County: Contact CLEAR Legal Hotline: 1.888.201.1014.
OPEN ORIENTATION FOR CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM
WHEN: Every Tuesday, promptly at 9:30am
WHERE: FareStart (700 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Ring the buzzer at the Virginia Street entrance for receptionist.
WHAT: FareStart is a free culinary training and placement program. Our job placement rate is currently 90%! No referral or appointment needed; simply attend an orientation to get started.
Students receive:
- 16 weeks of hands-on culinary training in working professional kitchens
- Coaching to become successful in your work and help finding a job
- Support services for personal needs, including housing assistance
QUESTIONS? Visit the FareStart website or contact them at 206.267.6218.
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