Welcome to Resource Wire for May 31 through June 7, 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.
If you’ve received P-EBT benefits for your kids in recent summers, you’ve probably been wondering when this summer’s allotment will be available. Well, DSHS says they’re still working on it, but now you can sign up for text notifications to get updated as soon as there’s news. We’ve got info about signing up in this week’s Resource Wire, along with a load of upcoming resource and job fairs. Check it out!
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~
FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR KIDS
WHAT: The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is currently working on a plan to distribute Pandemic EBT benefits (also known as P-EBT) for summer 2023. This program is meant to help families buy food for children who have limited onsite meals at their school or child-care center due to the COVID-19 pandemic
It’s not yet known when additional P-EBT benefits would be distributed, but you can sign up for text alerts to get updates as soon as they are available. To sign up, go to Get P-EBT info sent right to your phone.
MORE INFO: Go to Pandemic EBT (P-EBT).
FEDERAL JOB FAIR
WHEN: Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 9am-2pm
WHERE: Seattle Federal District Court House – 19th Floor Conference Room,
700 Stewart St., Seattle, WA 98101
WHAT: Meet representatives from more than 25 federal agencies & learn about federal job careers and opportunities. This will be an open forum for job-seekers to talk to agencies they are interested in and learn about current or future job openings. State or federal ID required to enter courthouse.
QUESTIONS: Email SFEBJobFair@gmail.com.
MORE INFO: Download the Federal Job Fair flyer for June 6.
RENTON CAREER FAIR
WHEN: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 3-6pm
WHERE: Renton Technical College Cafeteria, Robers Campus Center (Building I), 3000 Northeast 4th St., Renton, WA, 98056
WHERE: This career fair will bring together students, alumni, and community members to meet 60+ employers from a variety of industries, including business, childcare, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Employers will be looking to recruit and interview, and some are hiring immediately!
Free on-the-stop resume review provided by Employment Security Department – ESD.
MORE INFO: Download the Renton Career Fair poster for June 7.
INFO ON EVICTIONS & LEASE TERMINATIONS
WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 3-4:45pm
WHERE: Zoom. Register for link.
WHAT: Are you being threatened with eviction by your landlord or property manager? Join Solid Ground Tenant Counselors and legal advisors to get information and insight on tenants’ rights under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. We’ll answer these questions and more:
- How does one get evicted?
- What are the reasons and causes for an eviction?
- What’s an unlawful detainer?
- How can I terminate my lease?
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: Evictions and Terminations on the King County Library System website.
QUESTIONS? Contact Julia Gibson at jgibson@kcls.org.
~UPCOMING/CURRENT COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~
FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
WHEN: Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Transform Burien, 156th & Des Moines Mem Dr, Burien
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:
- Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 9:30am-3pm, Navos Dental, 1210 SW 136th St, Burien (Dental only: Walk-ins accepted 9:30-11:30am)
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.
FREE & LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE
WHEN: Friday, June 2, 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.
MORE INFO: Visit the Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic Calendar.
JOB FAIR FOR YOUNG ADULTS
WHEN: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 3-5pm
WHERE: Steve Cox Memorial Park 1321 Southwest 102nd Street Seattle, WA 98146
WHAT: The Peace N The Hood Job Fair is a free, in person event for young adults 16-24. Participating employers include King County Parks, Taco Time, Fred Meyer, and Boys & Girls Club of King County.
QUESTIONS? Contact Jody Addicks at 206.477.2095 or jody.addicks@kingcounty.gov.
FAMILY RESOURCE FAIR
WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 2023, 12-4pm
WHERE: 1900 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98144
WHAT: Housing Stability Specialists will be on-site to help you get direct access to services and resources including:
- Move-in assistance
- Utility assistance
- Diapers, wipes & more
- Employment assistance
For housing-related services, please bring your ID, landlord contract information, and the following documents for each service needed:
- Rental assistance: Lease and ledger
- Move-in assistance: Move in cost sheet
MORE INFO: Go to Wellspring Family Services Resource Fair.
UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS
WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 5:30-7:30pm
WHERE: Lake Hills Library, 15590 Lake Hills Boulevard, Bellevue, WA 98007
WHAT: Join us for a free Welcome to Medicare webinar 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 Don. SHIBA provides free, unbiased, and confidential assistance with health care choices.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request. Email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.
TO REGISTER: Go to Welcome to Medicare Workshop for June 20.
QUESTIONS? Contact Sam Stones, SHIBA Program Coordinator, at sams@solid-ground.org or 206.694.6750.
FREE HELP WITH BAD CREDIT
WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 6-8pm
WHERE: Online. Register to get link.
WHAT: Is your credit preventing you from obtaining a job, making a large purchase, or securing stable housing? This Credit Counseling workshop may be for you!
This is a free two-hour workshop to help you improve and understand your credit standing. Credit Counseling workshops are available for all ages and genders! Participants can expect to:
- Receive a copy of your credit report
- Learn how to read and understand your credit report
- Understand why a credit report is needed for financing and how it can effect your spending
- Learn what items impact your credit score rating and how to use them to your benefit
- Learn about the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act
- Find ways to improve your credit score
TO REGISTER: Go to Urban League of Seattle Financial Empowerment.
CHANGES TO TANF
WHEN: July 1, 2023
WHAT: After June 30, 2023, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) time limit extensions granted due to hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic will end. Starting July 1, 2023, the state will no longer offer a broad hardship extension for TANF cases past 60 months. Some families may still qualify for other extensions, but many may not
If you are on a hardship extension, talk to your DSHS Case Manager as soon as possible to figure out how to keep getting the help you need. You can also contact Solid Ground Benefits Legal Assistance at 206.694.6742 or benefitslegalhelp@solid-ground.org.
MORE INFO: Download the TANF Hardship Time Limit Extensions flyer from Statewide Poverty Action Network.
CASH FOR YOUR FAMILY: GET YOUR WORKING FAMILIES TAX CREDIT
WHEN: Apply by December 31, 2023
WHAT: Washington State has already paid out more than $62 million to 84,000 individuals and families under the new Working Families Tax Credit. Individuals and families can receive up to $1,200 if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Applications will be accepted through the end of the year.
Get help filing your application:
- Check out free application events to find out if there is one near you.
- Get help from a partner organization in your area.
- Or check out additional free resources such
You can also check on the status of your application using the using the “Where’s my Refund?” Tool.
QUESTIONS? If you need additional help, call 360.763.7300 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, or visit one of 12 field offices.
RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES!
WHEN: All English sessions held twice monthly on Wednesdays, 2-4pm. Spanish sessions held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm.
WHERE: Zoom
WHAT: Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series
Rent Smart Webinars in English
- 6/14/23: Rent Smart: Evictions & Terminations
- 7/28/23: Rent Smart: I can’t pay full rent. What are my options?
¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Talleres Virtuales en Español
- 05/25/23: ¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Información sobre moho y sus derechos como inquilino
- 06/29/23: ¡Inquilinos Inteligentes!: Qué hacer con las plagas e infestaciones en un alquiler
- 07/27/23:¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Desalojos y terminaciones del arrendamiento
- 08/31/23: ¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Cargos y depósitos
NEED MORE HELP?
- King County residents being threatened with eviction can contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 253.234.4204 or hjpstaff@kcba.org.
- Washington State residents can visit Solid Ground’s For Tenants website for self-help information, or call Solid Ground’s Tenant Services Voice Message Line, currently open for messages Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am – 1:30pm (hours and days are subject to change): 206.694.6767 | TTY: 7.1.1
¿NECESITA MÁS AYUDA?
- 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.
- 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 mensajes de voz de servicios para Inquilinos de Solid Ground cual es abierta los lunes o 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:
- Regional Access Point (RAP) Assessment & Diversion Specialist
- DV Children’s Advocate
- Tenant Counselor ($1,000 Hiring Bonus)
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:
- Mail: Access & Outreach, Public Health – Seattle & King County, 401 5th Ave #1000, Seattle, WA 98104
- Fax: 206.296.0881
- Email: chap@kingcounty.gov
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
MORE INFO: Contact info@qlawfoundation.org or 206.483.2725.
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.
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)
- Bellevue College – Institute for Business and Information Technology
- Green River College – Information Technology Programs
- Highline College – Computer Science Programs
- North Seattle College – IT Programs
- Renton Technical College – IT Programs
- Seattle Central College – IT and Web Programs
- South Seattle College/Year Up – Business Operations and Project Management Support Program
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.
- 866.789.1511 (1.206.461.3219 TTY)
- waRecoveryHelpLine.org
- Help for teens: 866.TEENLINK (1.866.833.6546)
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.
- Visit Employment Security’s Unemployment Benefits webpage.
- Download the Eligibility Checker.
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:
- For access to job resources, visit The Seattle Public Library Job Resources webpage.
- For assistance with unemployment claims, contact the Employment Securities Department.
- For assistance finding shelter, food resources, or other help with basic needs, contact our Community Resource Specialist.
**Your Next Job is offered in partnership with King County Library System and Seattle Jobs Initiative.**
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