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.
New this week:
WA WORKER RELIEF FUND UPDATES
WHAT: In response to the urgent needs facing undocumented immigrant workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic impacts in Washington State, a broad coalition has formed to demand immediate action by the State and Governor Jay Inslee, Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins. In a hard-fought win for undocumented communities, WA State has finally moved to provide COVID-19 relief.
The WA Worker Relief Campaign demands include:
1) Create a “Washington Worker Relief Fund” through the Governor’s office with an allocation of at least $100 million. The Fund will be administered by community-based organizations to provide emergency economic assistance to undocumented Washingtonians.
2) Create a permanent system to provide wage-replacement protection to workers who lose their jobs and are excluded from the current unemployment insurance system, including undocumented immigrants.
SIGN UP FOR UPDATES: Sign up here to be updated on next steps for the fund, forms to continue taking action, and application instructions when they are ready. (Note: There will be a separate sign-up process to apply for funding, and applications are not yet open; we will post information when an application is available.)
**UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES **
RENT SMART WEBINAR: REPAIR ISSUES
WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 2-4pm (please register by 1pm)
WHERE: via Zoom
WHAT: This workshop covers how to handle issues with: ⇒Repairs ⇒Mold ⇒Landlord duties ⇒Deposits. If you are currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 253.234.4204 or hjpstaff@kcba.org.
REGISTER NOW! Space is limited to 25; register by 1pm on September 30.
QUESTIONS? Contact Julia Gibson at jgibson@kcls.org.
Tenant Services – Rent Smart 2020 Webinar Series (all dates are Wednesdays from 2-4pm)
- September 30 – Repair Issues: Mold, landlord duties, deposits
- October 14 – Domestic Violence: Protections to break lease without liability, making a report with a qualified 3rd party, orders of limited dissemination, deposits
- October 28 – Violencia doméstica (Domestic Violence: Protections to break lease without liability, making a report with a qualified 3rd party, orders of limited dissemination, deposits)
- November 18 – General Tenant Information: Move-in process, tenant screening, overcoming barriers to housing, how does your credit report affect move-in?
- December 9 – Lease Terms: Términos de alquiler inteligente / arrendamiento (Rental agreements, illegal actions of landlords, landlord entries, discrimination, harassment, lockouts)
Rent Smart is offered in partnership with Solid Ground’s Tenant Services and the King County Library System (KCLS).
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
WHAT: Seattle Public Library (SPL) offers a wide range of classes and programs to help you develop and improve the technology skills that are so important in the digital age.
- Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 5-7pm – Build Your Social Network Through LinkedIn
- Wednesday, October 7, 2020, 5-7pm – How to Build a Resume
- Thursday, October 8, 2020, 5-7pm – Conflict Awareness in the Workplace
- Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 5-7pm – Target and Refine a Resume
- Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 5-7pm – Virtual Photography for the Holidays
- Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 5-7pm – Communication Skills in the Workplace
- Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 5-7pm – Interview Skills in a Digital Age
- Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 5-7pm – Ideal Career/Career Exploration
MORE INFO/REGISTER: Contact leap@spl.org or view the full SPL Technology Skills Calendar.
ESPERANZA Y PODER PARA TUS FINANZAS PERSONALES (HOPE & POWER FOR YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES for women abuse survivors)
WHEN: Monday, October 12 – Friday, December 18 (Note: These classes are a combination of work at your own pace with required ‘live’ online sessions on Wednesdays 6-8pm.)
WHERE: Online via Googlemeet; more info given at registration. A smartphone or device with internet connectivity is needed to participate.
WHAT: The YWCA is excited to offer FREE 6-week group Spanish-language financial education classes online for women who have experienced abusive or controlling relationships. These are nontraditional, trauma-informed, holistic financial education classes. There will be weekly participation incentives and technology reimbursements, plus incentives to all who successfully complete the classes – up to $75! YWCA works with the BankOn Seattle/King County program, and graduates may be eligible to receive an additional $100 from participating banks if they choose to open an account.
Come get support & learn about:
- Basic banking/checking accounts, making your dollar stretch each month, and how to make banking work for you
- Budgeting your money
- Debt management
- Dependable strengths
- Domestic violence (DV) legal protections
- Employment protections for DV survivors
- Federal income taxes/EITC
- Financial abuse and safety planning
- Finding a place to live
- Getting a job
- Goal setting, your personal values, and meeting financial goals
- Housing protections for DV survivors, housing options, and your rights/responsibilities as a renter
- How to get and read your credit report
- How to save on a limited income
- ID Theft and consumer rights
- Unmasking the mysteries of and improving your credit
REGISTER/QUESTIONS? View/share this 10.12.20-12.18.20-Finanzas Personale (Spanish) flyer. Registration is required; please contact us with questions about class participation requirements! Contact Sofia at 206.637.6720 or saustin@ywcaworks.org.
ROADMAP TO SUCCESS (RTS) FOR PEOPLE WITH CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDS
WHEN: 3-week course, Monday-Friday, starting Monday, October 19 (Weeks 1 & 2: online classes, 9am-1pm; Week 3: intensive case management/ employment support)
WHERE: Held entirely online via Zoom; students will receive a link to in before the Monday start of class.
WHAT: At Pioneer Human Services, we believe employment is fundamental for helping formerly incarcerated individuals realize they have a chance for change. This 3-week course focuses on overcoming barriers to employment through cognitive thinking transformation, soft-skills development, professional communication, conflict resolution, time management, job searching, targeted résumé building, interviewing techniques, handling different management styles, computer skills, and vocational assessments. Further, students will receive long-term support from our Vocational Case Managers and Employment Specialist focused on barrier reduction, job search, and employment retention.
Goals & outcomes:
- Comfortable using and applying basic computer techniques
- Understand and design professional résumé
- Personal development through soft skills
- Learn and apply advanced interview techniques
- Obtain hard skills and occupational training
- Full-time gainful employment
Students eligible for our program MUST:
- Have a criminal background
- Be referred by a probation officer, corrections officer, case manager, or self-referral
- Interview with Pioneer Workforce Development staff
- Pass a urinalysis (UA)
- Willing and able to comply with classroom policy and procedures
TO APPLY: Complete a Roadmap to Success Application Form.
MORE INFO/QUESTIONS? RTS courses are offered monthly, with additional start date of November 21. Contact Rudy (they/she), Pioneer Human Services Community Outreach Coordinator, at 206.538.2666 or Rudy@p-h-s.com.
**CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES & HIRING EVENTS **
JOBS WITH ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
WHAT: Essential businesses are currently recruiting and hiring for multiple entry level job openings in King County, WA. Also, see the Critical Job Opportunities webpage on the WorkSource Seattle-King County website.
MORE INFO: Contact Dan Bernard, Communities of Opportunity Employment Manager, King County Department of Community & Human Services at dan.bernard@kingcounty.gov.
PCC IS HIRING
WHAT: PCC Community Markets is Seattle’s original – and the nation’s largest – certified organic, community-owned food market. Meet with our hiring team about full- and part-time positions available at our Bellevue location, opening this summer. Applications will be accepted from candidates ages 16 and over. PCC is 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.
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! View a list of PCC Job Openings as of 9-4-20, and apply on PCC’s Jobs page.
QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Please do not hesitate to connect! Contact Alyssa Moore, Recruiting Specialist at Alyssa.Moore@pccmarkets.com or 206.717.6527.
SEATAC AIRPORT JOBS
WHAT: Come join our fun team at SeaTac as a Warehouse Associate or Aircraft Cargo Handler providing essential work to ensure our neighborhoods and communities receive their packages ordered online! We’re hiring for associates to sort packages and load airplanes in our facility. If you can lift and carry your Amazon package delivered at the front door, then you can probably work for us!
- Full- and part-time shifts available
- $18.50/hr + $1 shift premium for graveyard shifts
- Opportunities for advancement
- All employees are provided masks and deep cleaning with disinfection is done daily!
Eligibility:
- General lifting required up to 30 lbs without assistance
- Must be able to pass TSA/Homeland Security background check of 10 years
- Must be able to pass drug screen
- Some positions require a valid WA State drivers license
- Speak, read, and write English
**ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES*
EMPLOYMENT & JOB SEEKER RESOURCES (King County)
WHAT: This resource list (last updated 7/31/20) contains links to free resources in the following areas:
- WorkSource/ WIOA Adult & Dislocated Worker Program service providers
- Adult Employment Resources
- Youth/Young Adult Employment Resources
- Tech Jobs Training programs – Non-Profit Organizations
- Tech Jobs Training programs – Community & Technical Colleges (not free)
- Construction Trades Apprenticeship Training programs
MORE INFO/QUESTIONS? Please contact Dan Bernard at dan.bernard@kingcounty.gov.
IT’S YOUR RIGHT TO BE COUNTED!
WHEN: Thursday, March 12 – Friday, October 31, 2020
WHERE: Everywhere in the United States!
WHAT: We all have the right to complete the census. With this right, we have the power to help our community for the next 10 years. If we are not fully counted, we will lose out on vital resources needed to recover and thrive. Census workers have started to follow up with households who have not completed the 2020 census or may not have fully completed it.
HOW: There’s still time! You can safely complete the census now online at my2020census.gov or by calling 1.844.330.2020. Ensure that you get counted and make sure you tell your family and friends to do the same. Together, we make this community what it is! We need to make sure we count!
Please remember that:
- It is your right to complete the census
- The census does not include a citizenship question
- All answers are kept anonymous and used only to produce statistics
- It is illegal for census information to be shared with your landlord
- It is illegal for census information to be shared with law enforcement or other agencies
- It is illegal for census information to be used for deportation or family separation.
MORE INFO: Visit www.2020census.gov for lots of information, including Census 2020 Language Guides in many different languages.
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.
DACA-SEATTLE 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
WA STATE PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE
WHAT: 2019 Washington State legislation means Paid Family & Medical Leave is available 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.
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.
CARES ACT INFO: Everyone receiving a weekly UI benefit will get the additional $600 included in the federal CARES Act. This applies to full-time workers, part-time workers, those already on UI, and those who are eligible for expanded benefits under the CARES Act. Also, $600 payments are retroactive to March 29. You do not need to request it; the additional $600 will be added to your benefit. (One exception: People who receive in-training benefits won’t get it.)
‘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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