Welcome to Resource Wire for January 24 – 31, 2024!
It’s tax season again, and that means it’s time to do a bunch of complicated math just to figure out what the government already knows. But we’ve got good news! You can get FREE help to make doing your taxes easier this year AND make sure you get the biggest possible refund. Read on to find out where to get help, plus learn about upcoming workshops, hiring events, resource fairs, and more!
NEW THIS EDITION | HAPPENING THIS WEEK | UPCOMING | ONGOING RESOURCES
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~NEW THIS EDITION~
MAXIMIZE YOUR REFUND: FREE HELP WITH TAXES
WHEN: Walk-in help available through Sunday, April 21, 2024. Virtual Tax Assistance available online starting Thursday, February 1, 2024.
WHERE: Locations across King County. Check out this map of United Way In-Person Tax Sites and this list of Seattle Public Library Branches offering Free In-person Tax Help.
WHAT: Get free help filing your taxes from the United Way of King County (UWKC) and AARP so you can get back more of your hard-earned money. Their IRS-certified volunteers can help you understand your tax situation, plus take advantage of credits like the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Working Families Tax Credit to maximize your refund.
- UWKC: If you make less than $80,000 a year (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers), UWKC’s volunteers are ready to meet with you in person at locations across King County, including libraries, community centers, and food banks. Appointments are not required, but please aim to arrive no later than 45 minutes before closing time. Virtual Tax Assistance available starting February 1, 2024.
- AARP: The Seattle Public Library is collaborating with AARP to offer free tax assistance at nine branches through Tax Day, Monday, April 15, 2024. Hours vary and appointments are preferred in some locations.
MORE INFO: Go to UWKC’s Get Free Tax Help or SPL’s Tax Help pages.
~HAPPENING THIS WEEK~
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT APARTMENT
WHEN: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5-6:30pm
WHERE: Zoom; register for link.
WHAT: This is the first of a three-part series on your housing search. We’ll focus on…
- where to search
- how tenants are screened
- best tips for finding a rental
- tax credit housing
- holding deposits when applying for a rental
A visiting attorney from the Tenant Law Center will also be on hand to help with answering questions. If you’re 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 1-Looking for Housing on the King County Library System website. Contact Julia Gibson at jgibson@kcls.org for help with registration.
UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS
WHEN: Friday, January 26, 2024, 1-4pm
WHERE: Virtual on Zoom. See registration link below.
WHAT: Learn about all the parts of Medicare so you can make an informed decision about your Medicare choices. We’ll discuss…
- Medicare A, B, C, and D
- Enrollment
- Medicare benefits and options
- Medigaps (supplemental plans) and Medicare Advantage plans
- Help paying for Medicare
- Medicare fraud
This event will be presented by Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Program volunteers. SHIBA provides free, unbiased, and confidential assistance with Medicare health care choices.
Additional workshops:
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 1-3:30pm, Kenmore Senior Center, 6910 NE 170th St, Kenmore, WA 98028. Go to Welcome to Medicare Workshop to learn more and register.
TO REGISTER: Go to Welcome to Medicare on the Seattle Central College website.
QUESTIONS? Contact Sam Stones at sams@solid-ground.org or 206.694.6750.
HEALTH & RESOURCE EVENTS
WHAT: A variety of organizations are holding events this week to help connect people with basic needs and services, including things like cell phones, bus passes, vaccines, health care screenings, employment resources, legal assistance, and more!
Redmond resource center
- When: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 2-4pm
- Where: Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85th St Redmond WA 98052
- What: Social Service representatives are here to help you with cash assistance, employment and training, education, housing, food assistance, health/medical care, legal assistance, mental health and substance use treatment, transportation, etc.
- More info: Go to Redmond Community Resource Center.
Bellevue resource fair
- When: Thursday, January 25, 2024, 11am-1pm
- Where: Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Avenue NE Bellevue WA 98004
- What: Get help with housing, employment, transportation, food, and more.
- More info: Go to Bellevue Resource Fair.
DSHS in Federal Way
- When: Monday, January 29, 2024, 10am-2pm
- Where: Multi-Service Center, 1200 South 336th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
- What: Visit the DSHS Mobile Community Services Offices for applications, reviews, changes, ID vouchers, and help with Basic Food Assistance, Cash Assistance, Medicare Savings, and Disability Medical Assistance.
- More info: Go to DSHS CSO in Federal Way.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES: For additional events hosted at King County libraries, search for “Social Services Help” on the KCLS website.
FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
WHEN: Various times and locations – See below
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:
- Thursday, January 25, 2024, 10am-2pm, Seattle Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle
- Friday, January 26, 2024, 10am-2pm, Rainier Valley Food Bank, 9021 Rainier Ave S, Seattle (No van, clinic located inside)
- Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 11am-3pm, Uplift Northwest, 2515 Western Ave, Seattle
Upcoming South King County dates:
- Thursday, January 25, 2024, 3-6pm, Salvation Army, 720 S Tobin St, Renton (Dental van available)
- Monday, January 29, 2024, 3-7pm, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 2nd Ave S, Kent (Dental van available)
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 11am-3pm, Transform Burien, 156th & Des Moines Mem Dr, Burien (Dental van available)
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: Various times and locations – See below
WHAT: Seattle Veterinary Outreach and Washington Health Outreach provide veterinary care for free to people experiencing homelessness and at a reduced cost for people living on low incomes.
Veterinary care is provided on a first-come, first-served service. Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early to secure a place in line.
Services are 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.
Upcoming dates:
- Friday, January 26, 2024, 10am-2pm, Village on Casino Road, 14 E Casino Rd, Everett, WA
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 10am-2pm, Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Blvd SE, Monroe, WA
MORE INFO: Visit the Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic Calendar and Washington Health Outreach Schedule and Services.
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.
Rainier Valley job fair
- When: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 1:30-4:30pm
- Where: WorkSource Rainier Affiliate, 2531 Rainier Ave S, Seattle , WA 98188
- Positions: More than a dozen employers in a variety of fields.
- Register: Go to WorkSource Rainier Job-Fair & Networking Event.
Solid Ground Transportation
- When: Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 10am-3pm
- Where: Solid Ground Transportation, 8100 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
- Position: Bus operator ($22.87/hr + $2,000 hiring bonus)
- More info: Go to Bus Operator ($2,000 Hiring Bonus)
MORE INFO: To find additional job openings and events, go to WorkSource Workshops & Hiring Events or Port Jobs Hiring Events.
~UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~
FREE MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION CLINIC
WHEN: Monday, February 15, through Thursday, February 18, 2024. Admission tickets handed out each day starting at 5:30am.
WHERE: Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
WHAT: The Seattle/King County Clinic is a four-day event providing free medical, dental, and vision care for anyone who needs it. Patients do not need to living in Seattle or King County to get care. No ID, documentation, or insurance required.
Tickets are required to attend and are handed out each day starting at 5:30am at Fisher Pavilion in Seattle Center.
MORE INFO: Download the Seattle/King County Clinic 2024 flyer, go to seattlecenter.org/patients, email SKCClinic@seattlecenter.org, or call 206.684.7200.
FREE COLLEGE TUITION FOR SEATTLE STUDENTS
WHEN: Applications are available now and due by Friday, February 16, 2024.
WHAT: Seattle Promise is a college tuition and success program available to all graduating Seattle public high school students regardless of grade point average (GPA), income, ability, or country of birth.
Under the Seattle Promise program, you may be eligible for:
- Free tuition at any of the Seattle Colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College or South Seattle College for up to two years, 90 college credits or a student’s first degree, whichever comes first.
- Equity scholarships, which provide flexible funding to students, for books, transportation, housing, etc. for those with financial need.
- Student support and advising beginning in the junior year of high school and lasting through completion of a degree, certificate, credential or transfer to a four-year institution.
High school seniors planning to attend college in the fall of 2024 must apply to Seattle Promise and the college of their choice by February 16, 2024
TO APPLY: Go to Fall 2024 Applications.
MORE INFO: Download the Class of 2024 poster or the Get Started Bookmark.
RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES!
WHEN: English sessions are held twice monthly (once in November and December) on Wednesday afternoons. Spanish sessions are held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm.
WHERE: Zoom
WHAT: Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series
Rent Smart Webinars in English
- 1/24/24: Housing Search Part 1 – Looking for Housing
- 2/14/24: Housing Search Part 2 – Overcoming Barriers to Housing
- 2/28/24: Housing Search Part 3 – Renting with an Eviction on Your Record
- 3/13/24: Info for Domestic Violence Survivors
- 3/27/24: Breaking a Lease
¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Talleres Virtuales en Español
- 1/25/24: Información General: Aprender los conceptos básicos
- 2/22/24: Desalojos y terminaciones del arrendamiento
- 3/28/24: Información sobre moho y sus derechos como inquilino
- 4/25/24: No puedo pagar la renta completo
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, 206.694.6767 | TTY: 7.1.1, currently open for messages Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am – 1:30pm (hours and days are subject to change).
¿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, 206.694.6767 | TTY: 7.1.1, 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).
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~
NEW WAGES FOR SOLID GROUND DRIVERS!
WHEN: Job fair every Wednesday, 10am-3pm — Call ahead to confirm
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 critical health and human services resources, and connecting people with their communities.
Solid Ground Transportation offers:
- $22.87/hr (new rate!) 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 scroll down to How to Apply for application materials.
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’re currently seeking candidates for these positions:
QUESTIONS? Learn more about Solid Ground and see other open positions on the Solid Ground Careers page.
~ONGOING COMMUNITY RESOURCES~
When you need help, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we put together lists of Ongoing Community Resources in King County for help with things like housing, food, childcare, transportation, employment, and more. Click on the topics below to jump to these ongoing resources posted on our Resource Wire webpage.
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