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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NEW THIS WEEK:

FREE COVID-19 TESTING FOR HIGH-RISK PEOPLE WITHOUT ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

WHEN: Walk-up/drive-through hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am– 3:45pm; no appointment needed

WHERE: Downtown Public Health Center (2124 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121)

WHAT: Free COVID-19 testing is now available from Public Health – Seattle & King County for people with symptoms of COVID-19 who are at highest risk for severe illness from the disease and don’t have regular access to health care. Symptomatic health care providers, workers in congregate care settings, and people working in critical infrastructure occupations will also be served.

Any staff or resident of a shelter with any of the following symptoms are eligible for testing:

• A new fever (100.4°F or higher), or a sense of having a fever*
• A new cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition*
• New shortness of breath that you cannot attribute to another health condition*
• A new sore throat that you cannot attribute to another health condition*
• New muscle aches (myalgias) that you cannot attribute to another health condition, or that may have been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)*

This clinic will specifically serve people with symptoms in the following categories:

• Individuals in high-risk groups (e.g., elderly, underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and people living homeless)
• Healthcare workers or workers in congregate care settings (including: hospital, department of corrections, juvenile detention centers, mental/behavioral health clinics, long-term care facilities, permanent supportive housing and shelters)
• People working in critical infrastructure occupations (e.g. congregate settings such as homeless shelters)

*Please note: When you arrive, please remain at least 6 feet away from others. We may ask you to wear a mask while you are screened and awaiting testing.

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WA STATE COVID-19 FOOD, CASH, & MEDICAL SUPPORT

To find out if you are eligible for expanded food, cash, and medical supports available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Food, Cash, Medical webpage.

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KING COUNTY COVID-19 CALL CENTER

WHEN: Open daily, 8am-7pm, PST

WHAT: King County has opened a call center to answer COVID-19 questions. The best source of information for you and your family during this evolving situation is Public Health- Seattle & King County.

QUESTIONS? Who to call:

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact the Novel Coronavirus Call Center: 206.477.3977.
• For general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State’s response, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800.525.0127.
• If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving your home. Do not go to the emergency room; emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9.1.1.

MORE INFO: Visit www.kingcounty.gov/COVID and alert.seattle.gov for the most up-to-date information, and  sign up for @AlertSeattle, the City of Seattle’s emergency notification system, to receive customized alerts via text, email, voicemail, Facebook, or Twitter (msg and data rates may apply).

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WEBINAR: FILING ONLINE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS IN WA STATE

WHEN: Repeats daily March 25, 26, & 27, 3-4pm (you need to only participate in one session)

WHERE: Your computer or phone

WHAT: Due to the extremely high demand for Unemployment Insurance (UI) services at this time, WA State Employment Security Department (ESD) is offering a new option for customers to get help with setting up a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account and filing their UI claim via eServices online. To respect individual confidentiality, it is important to point out that this webinar is not an opportunity to answer questions about individual or personal situations; it will be facilitated using slide presentations and audio instructions. For that reason, it would be best if customers could be at a computer when joining the meeting.  However, a phone option is available as well.

The webinar will discuss:

• Setting up a SAW account
• Filing a new UI Claim
• Filing a weekly claim
• Guidance on standby and work search requirements
• General UI requirements and information
• Services and programs offered through the WorkSource Offices

HOW TO JOIN WEBINAR:

• Join by phone: Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only): 397.1516 or 877.309.3457 US Toll Free.
• Join from a video system or application: Dial 967345490@esd.webex.com – or dial 243.2.68 and enter your meeting number:
  -Meeting number (access code): 967 345 490
  -Meeting password: gVmfpbgx336
• Join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business: Dial esd@lync.webex.com.

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SEATTLE DACA SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE

WHEN: Until funds run out

WHERE: No walkins; apply online or by phone; must have capacity to video chat

WHAT: Through a partnership with the City of Seattle Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) and Facebook, El Centro de la Raza will administer DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) scholarship funds on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Successful DACA scholarship grantees will receive a check made out to the Department of Homeland Security to submit with their DACA renewal application.

There is no minimum or maximum income requirement. While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends filing for renewal between 150 and 120 days from when your DACA expires, requests received earlier than 150 days and up to 365 days in advance are currently being accepted. However, this could result in an overlap between your current DACA and your renewal.

Scholarship funds are available to individuals who:

• Have or previously had DACA status AND
• Have a completed DACA renewal application AND
• Who reside, work, or go to school in Seattle

TO APPLY:

1) Complete your DACA Scholarship Application (download in Word or PDF)

• Note that the address on your scholarship application must be the same as the address on your DACA renewal application.
• You must have a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)available during your appointment.

2) Schedule a Phone Appointment (no walkins, and you must have the capacity to video chat)

• Go to El Centro’s DACA scheduling webpage OR
• Call Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez at 957.4605x 305 OR
• Email dgvasquez@elcentrodelaraza.org

DACA Renewal Resources:

• USCIS page for DACA forms
• NWIRP’s free DACA renewal clinics
• City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs website

QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Contact Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez at dgvasquez@elcentrodelaraza.org or 206. 957.4605x 305 or visit El Centro’s DACA webpage.

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WASHINGTON HEALTHPLANFINDER SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

WHEN: Tuesday March 10 – Wednesday, April 8, 2020 (call Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm)

WHAT: In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is offering a limited-time special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This SEP allows uninsured people 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Individuals seeking special enrollment must contact the Customer Support Center or a local certified broker or navigator, request the SEP, and select a plan by April 8 for coverage start date beginning April 1, 2020. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost. Customers who experience another qualifying event (such as marriage, birth of a child or a move) are also eligible to shop for coverage, and for those who qualify for Medicaid through Washington Apple Health, it is available year round on Washington Healthplanfinder. Note: Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

TO ENROLL: Until April 8, contact the Customer Support Center Monday-Friday between 7:30am-5:30pm, at 1.855.923.4633 | TTY: 1.855.627.9604.

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BE COUNTED! 2020 CENSUS

WHEN: Thursday, March 12 – Friday, July 31, 2020

WHERE: Everywhere in the United States!

WHAT: The census is a count of every single person in the country – regardless of immigration status – conducted by the US Census Bureau (a nonpartisan government agency, similar to the US Postal Services). It’s important, because it’s a tool to create more equity in our country! Census information is a critical component of how the government allocates funds for things like food stamps and affordable housing. Census data helps determine public transportation routes, where to build new homes and improve neighborhoods, and where to build businesses to create new jobs.  And the results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets – so your response directly influences our political power!

Timeline/How to be counted:

• Starting March 12, people will receive invitations in the mail to respond to the census.
• After April 1, census takers will visit residences to help count anyone who hasn’t responded.
• You have three ways to participate: 1) phone, 2) mail, or 3) online.
• The easiest way to be counted is online – and you can complete it online up until July 31.

Everyone counts: Your safety & privacy

• The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.
• The 2020 Census does count everyone living in the country, including noncitizens.
• The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement.
• Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country – they cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits.
• The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.

MORE INFO: Visit www.2020census.gov for lots of information, including Census 2020 Language Guides in many different languages. You may also call one of these toll-free language lines to be counted and/or ask questions about the census.

• Arabic: 844.416.2020
• Chinese (Cantonese: 844.398.2020; Mandarin: 844.391.2020)
• English: 844.330.2020 (Puerto Rico residents: 844.418.2020)
• French: 844.494.2020
• Haitian Creole: 844.477.2020
• Japanese: 844.460.2020
• Korean: 844.392.2020
• Polish: 844.479.2020
• Portuguese: 844.474.2020
• Russian: 844.417.2020
• Spanish: 844.468.2020 (Puerto Rico residents: 844.426.2020)
• Tagalog: 844.478.2020
• Vietnamese: 844.461.2020
• Telephone Display Device (TDD): 844.467.2020

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YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2020

WHEN: Application deadline: Monday, March 30 at 11:59pm; Program dates: Sunday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 15, 9am-5pm (+ evening activities)

WHAT: The University of Washington Foster School of Business is offering a unique opportunity for rising high school seniors interested in studying business. During this 3.5-day academic /residential immersion program, young women will take their first steps into the business world at one of the top public universities in the nation. The Foster Young Women’s Leadership Summit focuses on leadership development, networking to create student and alumni connections, team building activities, and faculty lectures in the areas of finance, information systems, and operations and supply chain management. In the evening, the fun continues with exploration activities around the residence halls and the university. Join us and connect with other like-minded young women while exploring the world of business through faculty and current student interactions!

Student Program Fee = $250: The cost of the 3.5-day program includes accommodations, meals, activities, and program materials. A scholarship application is available for students with demonstrated financial need. First generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

• Be a rising high school senior (Class of 2021)
• Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale (unofficial transcripts are required). Note that a lower GPA does not automatically disqualify you; please take the opportunity to share why your GPA may be lower in your application.
• Participate in extracurricular activities (as showcased through your activities and achievements submission in the application)
• Have a demonstrated interest in learning more about business (either through activities, coursework, or as exhibited through the personal statement)
• Submit a fully completed online application before the deadline (this includes a parent/guardian permission form, if applicable)

TO APPLY: Complete the online application at wlsfoster2020, and submit your unofficial transcripts.

QUESTIONS? Contact Andrea Pesola, Student Engagement Program Manager, at 206.543.4625 or pesola@uw.edu.

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PCC CENTRAL DISTRICT JOB FAIRS

WHEN: April 4 & 6, 2020

WHERE: Douglass Truth Branch – The Seattle Public Library (2300 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122)

WHAT: Join PCC at one of our upcoming job fairs. Meet with our hiring team about full- and part-time positions at our Central District location, opening this year. Applications will be accepted from candidates ages 16 and over.

• Saturday, April 4: 10:30am – 1:30pm
• Monday, April 6: 3:30 – 6:30pm

PCC Community Markets is Seattle’s original – and the nation’s largest – certified organic, community-owned food market. We’re a passionate community that believes in the power of good food and the potential of good people; a place where the best of the Northwest comes together, from the produce we stock to the people we hire – and we’re now hiring at multiple Seattle-area locations.

Benefits include:

⇒Competitive wages ⇒Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance ⇒Paid vacation and sick time ⇒15% staff discount ⇒Free membership in the co-op ⇒Reduced rate on ORCA cards ⇒Retirement plans ⇒Free PCC Cooks classes

APPLY NOW! Save time by applying in advance at pccmarkets.com/jobs.

QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Please do not hesitate to connect! Contact Alyssa Moore, Recruiting Specialist at Alyssa.Moore@pccmarkets.com or 206.717.6527.

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CLEANERS – MERCER ISLAND

WHEN: Posted through 6/10/2020

WHERE: Apply online

WHAT: MGR Construction Services Inc. is looking for Cleaners on Mercer Island, WA. Compensation is $15-$16 per hour depending on experience.

Responsibilities:

• Cleaning tables, wiping down surfaces
• Cleaning restrooms
• Mopping and sweeping floors
• Changing garbage  cans

Qualifications:

• Cleaning experience an asset
• Ability to work independently
• Must have access to company mobile app on an electronic or data enabled device

APPLY NOW: Please apply online at WorksourceWA.com (Job ID: 216665897).

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** ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES **

POSTPONED until further notice! TENANT SERVICES DROP-IN CLINIC

WHEN: Every 3rd Wednesday (except holidays), 5:30-7:30pm

WHERE: Solid Ground (1501 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103)

WHAT: Drop in for an informative Rent Smart workshop geared to renters facing issues that could result in eviction (presented by Solid Ground & the Tenant Law Center of Catholic Community Services).

Learn about:

1) Pre-eviction notices
2) Lease terms
3) Terminations
4) Court process
5) Order of limited dissemination (overview)

Attorneys will address the following issues in 10-minute sessions:

1) Housing subsidy terminations
2) Repairs
3) Deposits
4) Lease terms

MORE INFO: Visit solid-ground.org/tenant for more info on tenant rights in Washington state. Can’t drop in? Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via our Tenant Services message-only line, 206.694.6767. Call with your questions during current message line open hours, M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PST, and they will respond as soon as possible.

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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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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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OPEN ORIENTATION FOR CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM

WHEN: Every Tuesday, promptly at 9:30am

WHERE: FareStart (700 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Ring the buzzer at the Virginia Street entrance for receptionist.

WHAT: FareStart is a free culinary training and placement program. Our job placement rate is currently 90%! No referral or appointment needed; simply attend an orientation to get started.

Students receive:

• 16 weeks of hands-on culinary training in working professional kitchens
• Coaching to become successful in your work and help finding a job
• Support services for personal needs, including housing assistance

QUESTIONS? Visit the FareStart website or contact them at 206.267.6218.