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Category: Resource Wire

Jobs and Community Resources – 03/01/23

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Welcome to Resource Wire for March 1 through 8, 2023! This is your source for the latest news and updates about community resources and opportunities for folks living with low incomes in Seattle and King County.

This week we’ve got a variety of upcoming opportunities for young people looking to get their start in a new job or career, including several paid internships and training programs. That’s in addition to our weekly collection of upcoming job fairs and hiring events in Seattle and King County. And if you’re not in the market for a new job, make sure you check whether you’re eligible for the new Working Families Tax Credit and Washington Family Relief Fund – you could get hundreds of dollars for your family.

Want to get the latest edition of Resource Wire emailed directly to you each week? Sign up for the Resource Wire newsletter now! You can also share any new community resources or upcoming opportunities by emailing resourcewire@solid-ground.org.

~NEW THIS WEEK~

LEARN ABOUT SKILLED TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

WHEN: Monday, March 6, 2023, 3-6pm 

WHERE: South Seattle College Georgetown campus, Building C, 6737 Corson Ave S., Seattle 98108 

WHAT: In-person event focused on welcoming interested individuals into the skilled trade fields. Community members and potential students can hear from instructors, participate in hands on demonstrations, and explore pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in: 

  • Aerospace & Machining 
  • Boilermakers 
  • Cement Masons 
  • Drywallers 
  • Electricians 
  • Glaziers 
  • Lineworkers 
  • Masonry Trades 
  • Meatcutters 
  • Painters 

TO REGISTER: Go to Discover Seattle Colleges. 

MORE INFO: Download the Skilled Trades Open House flyer for March 2023 or email Stephanie.Guy@seattlecolleges.edu. 

ENTRY-LEVEL COUNTY JOBS & INTERNSHIPS 

WHEN: Thursday, March 9, 2023, 3-4:30pm 

WHERE: Zoom. Register for link. 

WHAT: An online event for youth/young adults interested in learning about some entry-level jobs and youth internships at King County, including: 

  • Regional Animal Services of King County 
  • King County Elections 
  • King County Dept of Natural Resources & Parks 
  • King County Dept of Local Services 
  • Inside Panel of King County employees 

MORE INFO: Download the King County Job Launch flyer for March 2023.

TO REGISTER: Go to Job Launch: Pathways to Working at King County for Young Adults Ages 16-24.

PAID BARISTA TRAINING PROGRAM 

WHEN: 6-week program starts July 3, 2023

WHAT: Fare Start is offering a 6-week Barista and Customer Service Program for people ages 15 ½ to 24 years old. The program is designed to give participants valuable job and life skills to help them on their path towards personal stability and financial independence. Participants are paid $20 an hour (8 hours a week) and receive a Chromebook and Food Workers Card. 

QUESTIONS: Download the Fare Start 2023 Barista Training flyer or email ebonyf@givinggiftsofhope.org. 

PAID MARITIME INTERNSHIP & CAREER PATHWAY 

WHEN: 3-month program starts fall 2023 

WHAT: The Youth Maritime Launch Program is a paid internship ($18.50/hr) and pathway to permanent employment that connects young adults ages 18-24 to employers in the maritime industry 

MORE INFO/APPLY TODAY: Download the Maritime Career Launch flyer for March 2023, go to https://youthmaritimecollaborative.org/youth-maritime-career-launch or contact Fynniecko Glover Jr. at 206.852.1095 or info@yusprouts.com 

 PAID CAREER PREP PROGRAM FOR SEATTLE YOUTH 

WHEN: Applications accepted through March 24, 2023. 

WHAT: The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) supports young people (ages 16 to 24) from qualifying-income households and communities that experience racial, social, and economic disparities. The goal is to increase youth and young adults’ ability to pursue careers that pay well and are meaningful to them. 

SYEP has two components designed to help you develop skills for life and work that will help you achieve your future goals: 

  • Learn & Earn Programs (Foundations / Pathways): Participants identify professional interests, gain marketable skills, are exposed to various career fields, and build their social network. Students receive stipends based on their quarterly participation during the school year. 
  • Internship Program: Young people are placed in structured, paid work settings within city departments and local nonprofit agencies to apply their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, develop professional connections, and build their resume. 

MORE INFO: Download the SYEP flyer, call 206.386.1375 or email SYEP@seattle.gov. 

REMINDER: FOOD BENEFITS DECREASE THIS MONTH

WHAT: If you receive SNAP benefits for food, you will see your monthly allotment decrease in March 2023 due to the end of pandemic-related federal funding. Here are a few things you can do to stretch your benefits: 

  • If circumstances in your life have changed, you may qualify for a different benefit amount. Go to Washington Connection or call 877.501.2233 to find out.  
  • You may be able to make your SNAP benefits go further by taking advantage of one of Washington state’s SNAP Match Programs. 
  • Go to Find a Food Bank to learn about food banks and other food programs in Seattle. 

MORE INFO: Go to the state’s Basic Food page. 

 COLD WEATHER HELP  

WHEN: Through Thursday, March 9, 2023   

WHAT: With nighttime temperatures expected in the 20s and 30s for the next week, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority will continue to offer expanded hours and capacity at day centers and overnight shelters through Thursday, March 9.   

MORE INFO:  Go to Cold Weather Shelter, February 21 – March 9 or download the Seattle Cold Weather Shelters February 21 – March 9, 2023. 

UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS   

WHEN:  Saturday, March 4, 2023, 9:30-11:30am

WHERE: Zoom – Register below to receive invitation  

WHAT: Join us for Welcome to Medicare and learn how to navigate the system. We’ll cover…  

  • Medicare A, B, C, and D  
  • Enrollment  
  • Understanding your Medicare benefits and options  
  • Medigaps (supplemental plans) and Medicare Advantage plans  
  • Help paying for Medicare  
  • Medicare fraud  

This class will be taught by Solid Ground SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) volunteer, Karla Starr, in partnership with North Seattle College. SHIBA provides free, unbiased, and confidential assistance with health care choices.

TO REGISTER: Go to Welcome to Medicare.

~UPCOMING/CURRENT COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~

FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS 

WHEN: Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 10am-2pm

WHERE: Real Change, 96 S Main St, Seattle

WHAT: King County’s Mobile Medical Program provides walk-in care for people who are living homeless (or were recently homeless) only. Please try to arrive at least one hour before the scheduled end time for the clinic. On rare occasions the clinic will close earlier than the scheduled time. Call the Mobile Van nursing lines if you would like to confirm the clinic end time for a particular day.

Please note: Sites and available services are subject to change due to Mobile Medical’s involvement in the COVID-19 response. Please check King County’s Mobile Medical Care webpage for the latest information, including upcoming dates in September.

Upcoming Seattle dates:

Upcoming South King County dates:

MORE INFO: Go to King County Mobile Medical Care or call 206.330.6775 for the Seattle Medical Van or 206.549.5562 for the South King County Medical Van.

JOB FAIRS & HIRING EVENTS

WHAT: A variety of employers are holding hiring events over the next week, with some making on-the-spot offers with no experience required.

King County Parks

SSP America 

  • When: Thursday, March 2, 2023, 10am-12pm 
  • Where: Airport University classroom at SEA Airport – Start at the Starbucks on the ticketing level, behind the Alaska Airlines and Frontier/Sun Country ticketing counters. Go down the hallway on the left of the Starbucks counters and take the elevator to Floor 2. Exit to your right for the Airport University classroom and the event. 
  • Positions: Food Service Worker ($20.31/hr + tips), Bartender ($19.54 + tips), Utility ($20.85/hr), Line Cook ($22.81/hr- $23.81/hr), Cashroom Attendant ($20/hr-$24/hr). 
  • More info: Download the SSP America flyer for March 2. 

Gate Gourmet 

  • When: Friday, March 3, 2023, 10am-12pm 
  • Where: Airport University classroom at SEA Airport – See directions above 
  • Positions: CDL and non-CDL Drivers, Driver’s Helpers, Food Prep, Cooks, Flight Finalizers, Meal Ordering Assistants, etc. 
  • More info: Download the Gate Gourmet flyer for March 3. 

Cruise jobs  

American Airlines 

  • When: Tuesday, March 4, 2023, 10am-12pm 
  • Where: Airport University classroom at SEA Airport – See directions above 
  • Positions: Part-time Ramp Agents ($19.82/hr) 
  • More info: Download the Alaska Airlines flyer for March 4. 

MORE INFO: To find additional job openings and events, go to WorkSource Workshops & Hiring Events or Port Jobs Hiring Events.

FREE & LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE

WHEN: Friday, March 3, 2023, 11am-2pm

WHERE: SODO: Evergreen Treatment Services, 1700 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA

WHAT: Seattle Veterinary Outreach provides veterinary care for free to people experiencing homelessness and at a reduced cost for people living on low incomes. The organization is also currently partnering with Public Health – Seattle King County to provide free COVID vaccinations and booster shots to anyone regardless of income.

Veterinary care is provided on a first-come, first-served service. Pet owners are encouraged to arrive between 10-10:30am to secure a place in line.

This service is reserved for those experiencing homelessness or living with a low income, which is verified at clinics. Pet owners should bring their SNAP, EBT, WIC, SSI, or TANF cards. Alternatively, a letter confirming that the pet owner is living in subsidized housing or receiving housing vouchers is also acceptable.

Additional upcoming clinics:

MORE INFO: Visit the Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic Calendar.

LEARN HOW TO OVERCOME BARRIERS TO HOUSING

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 3-4:45pm

WHERE: Zoom. Register for link.

WHAT: This second of a three-part series on your housing search focuses on overcoming barriers that prevent tenants from successfully getting into rental housing. Topics include:

  • tenant credit information
  • evictions and orders of limited dissemination
  • dealing with past debt
  • criminal history on tenant record
  • landlord discrimination

A visiting attorney from the Tenant Law Center will also be on hand to help with answering questions. 

If you are currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 206.267.7069 or hjpstaff@kcba.org. 

TO REGISTER: Go to Rent Smart: Housing Search Part 2 – Overcoming Barriers to Housing on the King County Library System website. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Julia Gibson at jgibson@kcls.org.

CASH FOR FAMILIES IMPACTED BY PANDEMIC

WHEN: Applications due by March 31, 2023. 

WHAT: Washington state families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive up to $250 per child through the new Washington Family Relief Fund. 

To be eligible, families must: 

  • Live in Washington state 
  • Have at least one child under the age of 18 
  • Have a household income that is less than 200% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Limit 

TO APPLY: Go to How to apply to the WA Family Relief Fund 

QUESTIONS: Email support@wafamilyrelief.org or call or text 206.590.8348.

NEW ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICARE SAVINGS 

WHAT: Additional Medicare subscribers are now eligible to receive $148 per month or more in savings under new rules that went into effect in January 2023. Eligibility for the Medicare Savings Programs is now based solely on income, not personal assets, like savings. 

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) may cover:  

  • Part A and B premiums 
  • Medicare co-pay costs 
  • Medicare deductibles 

Extra Help for Part D (prescription drugs) may cover:  

  • Premiums 
  • Some co-pay costs 
  • Deductibles 
  • Donut hole/coverage gap 

Want to find out if you’re eligible for Medicare Savings Program and/or Extra Help? Contact Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) at 206.753.4806, 1.800.562.6900, or shiba@solid-ground.org. SHIBA can also help you: 

  • Find Medicare options that meet your personal needs. 
  • Learn about your Medicare rights and options. 
  • Compare Medicare plans and prices. 
  • Report health care fraud and abuse. 

SHIBA offers free, unbiased Medicare education and assistance through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. 

MORE INFO: To learn more about SHIBA, go to www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba. To learn more about MSP and Extra Help, go to Medicare Savings Programs | Medicare, Find your level of Extra Help (Part D) | Medicare. Applying is easy. You can have either standard Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Contact SHIBA to get help on applying. 

HELP WITH STOLEN EBT BENEFITS 

WHEN: Stolen benefits must be reported by March 31, 2023. 

WHAT: If your cash benefits were either cloned or skimmed between March 1 and December 31 of 2022, your household may be eligible for a one-replacement benefit of $300.  

If you noticed any unauthorized charges on your EBT account during that period, change your PIN number immediately and contact the Department of Social and Health Services by calling 888.328.9272 or by going to an in-person DSHS office. This one-time replacement benefit is only for Washington state cash benefits (TANF, ABD, SFA, RCA), meaning federal programs (SNAP, LIHEAP, TCA, and SSP) are not eligible. 

MORE INFO: Go to EBT Card Skimming and Phishing Scams Are On The Rise – Protect Your Account Information

FREE HELP WITH TAX FILING 

WHEN: Help is available through April 20, 2023. Tax returns for 2022 are due April 18, 2023. 

WHERE: Multiple locations in King County. Go to In-Person Assistance for a map of locations. 

WHAT: United Way of King County’s IRS-certified volunteers are available virtually and in person at multiple locations across King County to offer you free tax preparation assistance. An appointment is not necessary for in-person services. 

MORE INFO: To learn more about your options, go to Get Free Tax Help, download Multi-Service Center’s Free Tax Help flyer, or email freetax@uwkc.org.

TAX REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORKING FAMILIES 

WHEN: Applications accepted now through December 2023.

WHAT: Low- to moderate-income families may be eligible to receive up to $1,200 under Washington state’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC). You must file a federal income tax return before you can apply for WFTC, so you should start your return as soon as possible. The IRS encourages you to take simple steps at the end of the year to make filing your 2022 federal tax return easier. 

MORE INFO: Go to the state’s Working Families Tax Credit website. 

FREE VISION, DENTAL, & MEDICAL CARE 

WHEN: April 27 – 30, 2023. Daily ticket distribution begins in person at 5:30am. 

WHERE: Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, corner of 2nd Ave N & Lenny Wilkens Way 

WHAT: The Seattle/King County Clinic is open to anyone in need who struggles to access and/or afford help. Dozens of providers will be on site to provide a wide range of vision, dental, and medical services for free. You do not have to live in Seattle or King County and do NOT need to provide ID or immigration status. Interpreters will be available. 

MORE INFO: Download the Seattle/King County Clinic flyer, go to Seattle/King County Clinic – Patient Information, email SKCClinic@seattlecenter.org, or call 206.684.7200. 

RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES!

WHEN: All English sessions held twice monthly on Wednesdays, 2-4pm. Spanish sessions held monthly on Thursday, 5:30-6:45pm.

WHERE: Zoom

WHAT: Virtual Renters’ Rights Workshop Series 

Rent Smart Webinars in English 

¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Talleres Virtuales en Español

NEED MORE HELP? / ¿NECESITA MÁS AYUDA?

  • King County residents being threatened with eviction can contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 253.234.4204 or hjpstaff@kcba.org.
  • Si actualmente vive en el Condado de King y está siendo amenazado con el desalojo, comuníquese con el Proyecto de Justicia de Vivienda para obtener asistencia legal 253.234.4204 o hjpstaff@kcba.org.
  • Washington State residents can visit Solid Ground’s For Tenants website for self-help information, or call Solid Ground’s message-only Tenant Services Message Hotline, currently open Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am – 1:30pm (hours and days are subject to change): 206.694.6767 | TTY: 7.1.1
  • Los Residentes del Estado de Washington pueden visitar el sitio web Para Inquilinos de Solid Ground para obtener información de autoayuda, o llamar a la línea directa de mensajes de Servicios para Inquilinos de Solid Ground cual es abierta los lunes, martes, y jueves de 10:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m. (las horas y los días están sujetos a cambios): 206.694.6767 | TTY: 7.1.1

Rent Smart is offered in partnership with Solid Ground’s Tenant Services and the King County Library System (KCLS). / ¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! se ofrece en asociación con los Servicios para Inquilinos de Solid Ground y La Sistema Biblioteca del Condado de King (KCLS).

~JOBS WITH SOLID GROUND~

DRIVE FOR GOOD! WEEKLY JOB FAIR FOR SOLID GROUND DRIVERS 

WHEN: Every Thursday, 8am-5pm 

WHERE: Solid Ground Transportation, 8100 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 

WHAT: Be a part of making life easier for those living with disabilities in our communities. Join our team of drivers who provide ACCESS bus services to people who can’t use Metro’s fixed-route system, helping people get to critically needed health and human services resources, and connecting people with their communities.  

Solid Ground Transportation offers: 

  • $18.94 per hour with $2,000 Hiring Bonus
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Part-time & Full-time options
  • No CDL requirement
  • Paid Training
  • Opportunities for long-term career growth beyond driving!
  • Full Benefits (Paid Leave, Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401k Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Account, and Life Insurance)

TO APPLY NOW: Go to the Solid Ground Bus Operator job description and application.

QUESTIONS? Call 206.694.6817 or email jobs@solid-ground.org. 

SOLID GROUND JOB BOARD

WHAT: Join the Solid Ground team and help us fight poverty and dismantle systems of oppression! We are currently seeking candidates for these positions:

QUESTIONS? Learn more about Solid Ground and see other open positions on the Solid Ground Careers page.

~ONGOING JOB OPPORTUNITIES~

JOB HELP FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM 

WHAT: TRAC Associates provides funding for training, help with job searches and resume writing, work-related supplies, peer and group counseling, expungement services, and transportation. Services are available to residents of King County who have been recently released, recently charged, or pre-released from the criminal legal system.

MORE INFO: Contact Anu Waku at anu@tracassoc.com or 206.498.3522 or download the TRAC Associates flyer.

HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT HELP 

WHAT: Are you currently homeless? Unemployed? African Community Housing & Development offers employment opportunities, interview prep, job training, housing assistance, and more!

MORE INFO: Contact Shirwa Aden 425.436.8134 or shirwa@achdo.org.

PAID JOB TRAINING FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES & MANUFACTURING 

WHEN: Tours and info every Monday at 9am

WHERE: Orion Industries, 1590 A Street NE Auburn, WA 98002

WHAT: Orion Training & Employment offers skills training and assessment in our aerospace business, janitorial, office skills and customer service programs. We support individuals to achieve their goals through our job placement and job retention services. Participants receive:

  • Paid training
  • Hands-on mentorship
  • Self-esteem building
  • One-on-one support from counselors & job developers

MORE INFO: Download the Orion aerospace flyer or Orion janitorial flyer.

QUESTIONS? Contact cindy.arnold@orionworks.org or 253.661.7805.

~ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~

HELP WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE 

WHAT: The Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation (PDAF) helps Washington State residents whose prescription drug coverage is inadequate, even if they have private insurance, Medicaid, or a plan on the healthcare exchange. PDAF’s mission is to make medications available to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Washingtonians at no or reduced cost.

MORE INFO: Contact Rod Shutt at 206.518.0839 or rods@prescriptiondrugassistance.org.

FREE BIKES & HELMETS

WHAT: Bike Work’s Bikes-For-All program provides free rebuilt bicycles and helmets to youth, adults, and families living in Southeast Seattle who are facing barriers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and fulfilled on a first come, first serve basis. Income limits apply.

MORE INFO: Go to the Bikes-For-All page.

FREE LYFT RIDES IN KING COUNTY

WHAT: Crisis Connections is now offering FREE Lyft rides for medical, job, housing, food, legal, and other purposes through the Ride United program. To qualify, rides must originate within King County but outside of Seattle. Ride United covers fares up to $22 each way, for a total of $44 round trip.

Requirements:

  • Rides must be for non-emergency medical, job, housing, food, and other transportation needs
  • Rides must originate in King County but outside Seattle
  • Rider must able to get to and from the designated pick-up location
  • Rider must live in an area where Lyft is available
  • Rider must be 18+ years old or accompanied by a guardian
  • Everyone in the vehicle MUST wear face coverings, leave the front passenger seat empty, and keep windows down when possible.

MORE INFO: Visit the Crisis Connections Ride United page.

TO SIGN UP: Call 2.1.1.

FREE ADULT HELMETS 

WHERE: All City of Seattle Customer Services Centers except the downtown location.

WHAT: The City of Seattle is handing out free helmets at six of its Customer Service Centers . Limited sizes are available. One helmet per adult. 

MORE INFO: Go to How do I get a helmet?, download the Free Adult Helmets flyer, email ScooterShare@seattle.gov, or call 206.375.2344. 

HELP PAYING ENERGY BILLS IN KING COUNTY 

WHAT: Your family’s monthly income may qualify you for free or low-cost energy services. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by Byrd Barr Place that helps low-income households to meet their immediate home energy needs.

LIHEAP assistance is now available year-round. You may now be eligible to receive assistance once every 12 months.

  • Customers in Seattle: Call 800.756.5437 (Public Health — Seattle & King County CHAP Line) for assistance.
  • Customers in South King County: Call Multi-Service Center at 253.517.2263.
  • Customers in North King County (north of NE 145th St) and East King County: Call Hopelink at 425.658.2592.

DISCOUNTS ON UTILITY BILLS 

WHAT: The Utility Discount Program (UDP) helps you get current and stay current on utility payments by offering a discount of up to 60% on your Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on your Seattle Public Utilities bill. This program is available for residential City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers only.

You may be eligible: 

  • If you have a City of Seattle light bill
  • If you are the homeowner or renter (If your landlord pays all utilities, qualifying low-income tenants may still be eligible for utility financial help)
  • If you meet certain requirements for household size, gross monthly income, and gross yearly income.

Go to King County’s Energy Assistance webpage for details on eligibility.

To apply, gather and complete the following documents:

  • Signed and dated City of Seattle application.
  • Gross income documentation from all sources for all household members age 18 or older for the last month prior to the date of your signature on your completed application.
  • Monthly housing expenses including:
    • Lease/Rental agreement and current rent payment receipt – required; or
    • Mortgage (payment coupon) or tax statement – required
  • Copy of state driver(s) license or state identification card for everyone in household 18 years and over.
  • Financial aid award(s); grants and loans verification:
  • Check stubs from work-study employment

Send your completed application to:

QUESTIONS? Contact the Access and Outreach Team or call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP) at 1.800.756.5437.

HELP PAYING FOR MEDICARE 

WHAT: You could save $148 or more under two savings programs for eligible Medicare subscribers. Eligibility is based on income and personal resources, including savings.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) may cover: 

  • Part A and B premiums
  • Medicare co-pay costs
  • Medicare deductibles

Extra Help for Part D (prescription drugs) may cover: 

  • Premiums
  • Some co-pay costs
  • Deductibles
  • Donut hole/coverage gap

Want to find out if you’re eligible for Medicare Savings Program and/or Extra Help? Contact Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) at 206.753.4806, 1.800.562.6900, or shiba@solid-ground.org. SHIBA can also help you:

  • Find Medicare options that meet your personal needs.
  • Learn about your Medicare rights and options.
  • Compare Medicare plans and prices.
  • Report health care fraud and abuse.

SHIBA offers free, unbiased Medicare education and assistance through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

MORE INFO: To learn more about SHIBA, go to www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba. To learn more about MSP and Extra Help, go to Medicare Savings Programs | Medicare, Find your level of Extra Help (Part D) | Medicare. Applying is easy. You can have either standard Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Contact SHIBA to get help on applying.

CHILD CARE AWARE OF WASHINGTON FAMILY CENTER

WHAT: The Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center is a statewide call center assisting families in finding licensed child care providers, navigating child care financial assistance options, finding alternative forms of care, and connecting families to COVID-related resources in their community. We also assist families to navigate the state subsidy system, including connecting families experiencing homelessness with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Working Connections Homeless Grace Period (HGP), which may authorize 12 months of child care subsidy without a copay.

What this means for families:

  • Experiencing homelessness and income verification are the only eligibility criteria to obtain child care subsidy.
  • DCYF will authorize the family for full-time care.
  • Families will have 12 months to participate in employment activities to reauthorize for Working Connections after the grace period ends.
  • No copay will be required during the grace period.

MORE INFO/HELP: We are able to assist families over the phone in multiple languages! Call 1.800.446.1114 for assistance Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm or email familycenter@childcare.org.

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. New customers who apply before Dec. 31, 2021, receive their first two months of Internet Essentials for free.

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)
  • 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)
  • 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.

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

REGISTER NOW!

MORE INFO: Contact info@qlawfoundation.org or 206.483.2725.

FINANCIAL AID VIA WA STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT COUNCIL

WHAT: The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington State. Apply for financial aid for the 2021-22 school year to get education or training to expand your options during uncertain times. Given the ongoing economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19, education after high school is more important than ever. Filing a financial aid application gives people more options for the future.

APPLY NOW! Fill out 2021/2022 WAFSA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) and/or a 2021/2022 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online form as soon as possible. Don’t wait to find out if you’ve been admitted!

CONTACT: Katie Tallman, Senior Communications Consultant, at 360.753.7859 or katiet@wsac.wa.gov.

JOB SEEKERS’ VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS – MULTILINGUAL

WHAT: WorkSource hosts free virtual workshops for job seekers in multiple languages on topics such as Financial capabilities, Interviewing Techniques, Job-Search Strategies, Perfecting Applications, Résumé and Cover Letters, Skills and Abilities Analysis, Strategies for Success, and more.

MORE INFO: See all upcoming free workshops for job seekers in King County on the WorkSource workshop calendar.

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS

WHAT: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) has funds to provide financial assistance to eligible veterans at risk of experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. Veterans must meet the following criteria and be able to provide verification to qualify for assistance.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Income: 50% AMI max (see chart below)
  • Military Service: 1 day active duty, any discharge except Dishonorable (Reserves/National Guard ineligible, unless federally activated)
  • Housing Loss: Documented risk of housing loss within 30 days (does not need to be COVID-19-related)

Current AMI income monthly limits by family size:

  • 1 person = $3,483
  • 2 people = $3,983
  • 3 people = $4,479
  • 4 people = $4,975
  • 5 people = $5,375
  • 6 people = $5,775
  • 7 people = $6,170
  • 8 people = $6,570

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Please reach out any of the following agencies for assistance.

  • SSVF (a program of SOUND): 206.545.2344
  • Catholic Community Services (CCS): 206.858.1148 or 253.850.2507
  • YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish: 425.264.1426

KING COUNTY HOMELESSNESS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

WHAT: TRAC Associates is a leader in providing employment services for job seekers and employers since 1983. We assist job seekers with the changing needs of employers and the labor market through programs designed to assist people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and disadvantageous/disabling conditions – and we’re adapting our meeting protocols and spaces to keep both our clients and staff safe and healthy.

Employment barriers we assist with include: Obtaining Driver’s Licenses, IDs and Birth Certificates; Transportation; Phone and Email; Job Searches and Applications; Interview and Work Clothes; Hygiene Items; Haircuts; Classes and Trainings; Résumés and Cover Letters; Interviewing Skills; Workplace Issues; Life Skills; Advocacy; Financial Coaching; Connecting to Housing Case Management; Finding any other resource you need to be successful!

TRAC programs for job seekers include:

  • Supported Employment – Vulnerable Populations, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Health (MH), folks in Recovery – Foundational Community Support / Medicaid
  • TRAC to Work – Homeless Employment Program – United Way JobsConnect
  • BFET – Basic Food, Employment, and Training – for people receiving food benefits
  • ORIA – Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
  • WIOA – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act – for unemployed adults, dislocated workers, seniors, and caregivers
  • Ticket To Work – SSI / SSDI recipients
  • CLEVER – Career Ladder for Educated and Vocationally Experienced Refugees
  • Healthcare Workforce for the Future
  • Community Jobs – for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients

MORE INFO: Contact Carrie Lewis, TRAC Associates Employment Specialist, at carrie@tracassoc.com or 206.466.7432.

ORCA LIFT SUBSIDIZED ANNUAL PASS

WHAT: Freedom and possibilities through transit! King County Metro and Sound Transit have partnered to create a new, subsidized annual pass program, allowing qualified riders to travel on select transit in our region with subsidized fares.

Eligibility – Customers who reside in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County and are enrolled in one of the six state benefit programs:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/State Family Assistance (SFA)
  • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
  • Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash Assistance (ABD)
  • Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Housing & Essential Needs (HEN)

APPLY NOW! For more information or to see if you qualify, visit Washington Connection or call 877.501.2233. Expansions are expected in 2022 to serve more customers that have household incomes at or below 80% of the federal poverty level.

NEW HOTLINE FOR EVICTION HELP 

WHEN: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm 

WHAT: The new King County Tenant Resource Line is available for any low-income tenant in King County with an eviction notice, an eviction summons, or subsidy termination notice, or who requires a reasonable accommodation due to a disability. 

Tenants will be screened when they call and provided with legal advice from attorneys on the line, self-help resources, or legal representation as available. Interpretation services are available. 

CONTACT: Call 206.580.0762 or 1.855.485.8767 for help. 

SAFELINK WIRELESS SMARTPHONES & DATA PLANS

WHAT: Coordinated Care of Washington, Inc. is proud to be working with SafeLink Wireless/ LifeLine program at no cost to eligible customers receiving unemployment benefits. Customers may qualify for SafeLink service by submitting a notice of unemployment benefit payments that at a minimum includes: 1) Name, 2) Household’s current income information, 3) Dated within the last 3 months.

With SafeLink Health Solutions®, eligible customers will get:

  • A free smartphone, 3GB of data, and 350 monthly minutes*
  • Unlimited text messages with health tips and reminders
  • Calls to Coordinated Care Member Services will not count toward your 350 minutes
  • Note you must make at least one phone call or send a text message each month in order to keep your LifeLine benefits.
  • Already have your own phone? Choose the keep your own smartphone** program and receive a sim card at no cost.

APPLY/MORE INFO: Enroll in the Coordinated Care Phone Program or call SafeLink at 1.877.631.2550.

*Unused minutes and data will not carry over from month-to-month. A month equals 30 days.

**To keep your own smartphone, you must have a compatible Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) phone (which includes T-Mobile and AT&T compatible phones). Your phone must also be unlocked. Several other carriers also use GSM networks. To confirm yours is included, call your carrier.

TECH JOB SKILLS TRAINING IN SEATTLE-KING CO.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION PROGRAMS (free )

  • Ada Developers Academy – Nonprofit coding bootcamp offering women and gender diverse people ages 18+ training in Software/Web/Mobile App Development. Length/Frequency: 11 months (6-month class/5-month internship), full-time M-F
  • Apprenti – WTIA nonprofit offers diverse, underrepresented populations ages 18+ training and apprenticeships in: Web/Software Development, Network Security, Windows or Linux Systems Administration, and IT Tech Support or Cloud Tech Support. Length/Frequency: 10 months (4-month class/6-month paid apprenticeship), full-time M-F
  • Digital Skills for All – Nonprofit initiative offering multiple programs to provide underserved youth ages 16-24 with the computer science skills they need to succeed in entry-level technology job opportunities. Length/Frequency: 12-18 months, depending on program
  • Generation USA Training Accelerator – In partnership with South Seattle College, offering residents ages 18+ in King County job training in two tech career pathways: IT Help Desk Technician and Junior Web Developer. Length/Frequency: 11-12 weeks, Full-time M-F
  • Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle InfoTech program – Nonprofit offers long-term unemployed adults ages 18+ job training to become certified in Cloud Computing via the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. Length/Frequency: 6 weeks, Full-Time M-F
  • Year Up Puget Sound – Nonprofit offering low-income, young adults ages 18-26 job training and internships in three different tech career pathways: Software Development and Testing/QA, IT/Network Support, and Business Operations and Project Management Support. Length/Frequency: 12 months (6-month class and 6-month internship), Full-Time M-F

TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAMS (reduced/free tuition might be available for qualifying individuals through the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ Workforce Transitions Support programs)

MORE INFO/QUESTIONS? Visit the Communities of Opportunity (COO) website or contact Dan Bernard, Communities of Opportunity Employment Manager, at dan.bernard@kingcounty.gov.

9.8.8 FOR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES 

WHAT: You can now call, text, or chat 9.8.8 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  

Services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 7.1.1 then 1.800.273.8255. 

You can dial 9.8.8 if you are having: 

  • Thoughts of suicide 
  • Mental health crises 
  • Substance use crises 
  • Any other kind of emotional distress 
  • Concerns about a loved one who may need crisis support

9.8.8 doesn’t replace any crisis call centers in Washington state – it’s an addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers. The current NSPL number, 1.800.273.TALK (8255), remains active along with 9.8.8. 

MORE INFO: Download the 9.8.8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline flyer. 

WA STATE RECOVERY HELP LINE: 1.866.789.1511

WHAT: The Washington Recovery Help Line is a free, confidential 24-hour, statewide helpline for substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health. Visit www.waRecoveryHelpLine.org for resources (a service of Crisis Connections and the WA State DSHS). We offer: 1) Free and confidential support, 2) Connection to local treatment providers, 3) Medication for opioid use referrals, 4) DSHS benefits application assistance.

CONTACT/MORE INFO: Email us at recovery@crisisconnections.org. Crisis Connections (9725 3rd Ave NE, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98115)

WA STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) ELIGIBILITY

WHAT: WA State Employment Security has new information to help you find out if you’re eligible for unemployment benefits. Here are the steps:

1) Find out what you’re eligible for.

2) Eligible for regular UI? Apply as soon as possible! Before you apply:

  • Download the Unemployment Benefits Application Checklist
  • Gather all the info you’ll need for your application.
  • Make sure you read and understand all the materials.
  • Can’t get regular UI? You might be eligible for expanded benefits under the federal CARES Act (see below).

3) Set up your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account.

  • Watch Creating a SAW Account for Unemployment Insurance: This 9-minute video tutorial may save you a lot of time – especially if there’s a chance you may already have a SAW account. That can cause issues that are tricky to fix down the road.

‘YOUR NEXT JOB’ SERVICE

WHAT: Your Next Job is a service at The Seattle Public Library that can help job seekers: 1) Get started with unemployment, 2) Search​ for jobs, 3) Apply for jobs, and 4) Learn new job skills. Through one-on-one appointments via phone, text, or online conferencing, we can help job seekers to be successful on career and educational pathways, including job seekers with little or no digital literacy skills and those with limited English proficiency in Mandarin and Russian (and hope to add additional in-language services in July).

We can help people with:

  • computer basics, such as using email
  • creating a SAW (Secure Access Washington) account to start an unemployment claim
  • navigating online resources

Please note, we cannot help troubleshoot devices, fill out unemployment applications, or answer questions about existing claims.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: To make a Your Next Job appointment for yourself or someone you are assisting, please call 206.386.4636, email ask@spl.org, or complete the intake form on our website. We can answer questions by phone in the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin, Oromo, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.

MORE RESOURCES:

**Your Next Job is offered in partnership with King County Library System and Seattle Jobs Initiative.**

JOB TRAINING FOR UNEMPLOYED VETERANS

WHEN: Deadline to apply is December 11, 2022, or whenever funding runs out. 

WHAT: If you’re a veteran and have lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VA may have a solution for you. The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for a variety of high-demand jobs so you can get back to work.  

Qualifying veterans can receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees along with a monthly housing allowance. To be eligible for VRRAP, you must be between 22 and 66 years of age, unemployed due to COVID-19, able to work, and not eligible for education or unemployment benefits. 

TO APPLY: Go to Apply for the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program. 

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