SEATTLE SEVERE WEATHER SHELTERS

WHEN: February 9-15, 2021, 8pm-8am each night

WHERE: Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center (305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109)

WHAT: The City of Seattle has opened a severe weather overnight shelter daily from Tuesday, February 9, through the morning of Monday, February 15.

MORE INFO/UPDATES: Visit Seattle’s Homelessness Response Blog: City of Seattle to open severe weather shelter in response to forecasted subfreezing temperatures, snow.

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COVID-19 VACCINE INFO (KING CO./WA STATE)

WHAT: As of January 18, 2021, all older adults in Washington State over the age of 65 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. People 50 and older who live in multigenerational households are also eligible if they meet certain conditions. Due to limited supply of vaccine, not everyone will be able to access a vaccine right away. Access will improve as the supply chain widens and providers in King County receive more doses.

Vaccination locations and information:

• WA State Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine info
  • WA State Vaccine Locations
• King County vaccination info
  • King County COVID-19 Vaccination Screener

Vaccination phase information:

• WA State Phase Finder
• King County Phase 2 Guidance in multiple languages:

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RELATIONSHIP GROUP FOR YOUTH

WHEN: Mondays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2021

• Middle School: 4-4:45pm
• High School: 5:30-6:15pm

WHERE: Virtual via Zoom (RSVP to get link)

WHAT: Did you know that most victims of intimate partner violence (69% of females, 53% of males) first experienced intimate partner violence before the age of 25 (CDC, 2011)? Join our free 5-week virtual group to learn about signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to help friends, and more!

RSVP/MORE INFO: Interested? To sign up, email Joanna at joannat@solid-ground.org.

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**UPCOMING/CURRENT COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES **

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.

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CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES FOR SEATTLE, KING CO, & WA STATE

WHAT: Solid Ground has helped our community overcome crises for over 45 years – and we’re here now to help people and our community during the pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus Resources webpage with regularly updated resources and information for Seattle, King County, and Washington State, or call our main phone line at 206.694.6700.

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COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS

WHAT: Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is the largest, most comprehensive, and most successful broadband adoption program in the nation. It provides low-cost internet ($9.95/month) to low-income families and individuals within the Comcast service area.

Eligibility: To qualify, applicants simply need to show they participate in one of more than a dozen different government assistance programs, including: ⇒Medicaid, ⇒Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and ⇒Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Comcast also accepts applications from households that: ⇒have a student eligible for the National School Lunch Program, ⇒live in public housing, ⇒receive HUD Housing Assistance (including Section 8 vouchers), or ⇒participate in the Veterans Pension Program, as well as low-income seniors in select pilot markets.

MORE INFO/TO APPLY: Visit the Internet Essentials website for eligibility information and an application – or call 1.855.846.8376.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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KING COUNTY HOMELESS 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 & Birth Certificates ⇒Transportation ⇒Phone & Email ⇒Job Searches & Applications ⇒Interview & Work Clothes ⇒Hygiene Items ⇒Haircuts ⇒Classes & Trainings ⇒Résumés & 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 Disordoer (SUD) & Mental Health (MH), folks in Recovery – Foundational Community Support / Medicaid
• TRAC to Work – Homeless Employment Program – United Way JobsConnect
• BFET – Basic Food, Employment & Training – for people receiving food benefits
• ORIA – Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance
• WIOA – Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act – for unemployed adults, dislocated workers, seniors, & 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.

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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.

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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: ⇒Name ⇒Household’s current income information ⇒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.

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TANF: HAS YOUR FAMILY LOST ACCESS TO TANF?

If you were kicked off TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) due to:

• sanctions that led you to be permanently disqualified OR
• the 60-month limit, and you and your family are currently homeless

… you are again eligible for TANF, due to changes in the law effective July 28, 2019.

To reapply for TANF, you must submit an application either in person, by mail, or online. Visit washingtonconnection.org for an online application, or bit.ly/dshs-offices for a list of DSHS offices throughout the state.

If you’re being denied these new benefits, here are some legal support resources:

• King County residents: Contact Solid Ground’s Benefits Legal Assistance: 206.694.6742.
• Residents outside of King County: Contact CLEAR Legal Hotline: 1.888.201.1014.

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WA STATE PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE

WHAT: Paid Family & Medical Leave is available for Washington State residents when you need time off to care for yourself or a family member. There are three main types of paid leave available: Medical Leave, Family Leave, and Military Leave. Each one is related to a different type of “qualifying event” – the thing that happens to you or a family member that qualifies you for paid leave.

MORE INFO/TO APPLY: Visit the Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave website to find out how it works and to apply, or email paidleave@esd.wa.gov with your questions.

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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: ⇒Free and confidential support ⇒Connection to local treatment providers ⇒Medication for opioid use referrals ⇒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)

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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.

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‘YOUR NEXT JOB’ SERVICE

WHAT: Your Next Job is a new service at The Seattle Public Library that can help job seekers: ⇒Get started with unemployment, ⇒Search​ for jobs, ⇒Apply for jobs, and ⇒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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YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION – FREE COACHING FOR STUDENTS

WHAT: Crisis Connections is excited to offer free trainings in partnership with local cities. Our qualified trainers encourage students to talk openly about stress, coping, depression, and suicidal behavior. These trainings can also be delivered virtually; please call to see if you are in an eligible area.

Trainers include information on:

• youth suicide
• an overview of local resources
• help for teens to identify warning signs
• how to support themselves and others who may be dealing with mental health challenges

MORE INFO: Please contact Crisis Connections at 206.204.9520 or training@crisisconnections.org to schedule a training or get more information.