Current Resources & Opportunities
Resources available for people living on low incomes are constantly changing. Fortunately, you can stay on top of the latest news about new and upcoming opportunities by reading Resource Wire, posted weekly on Solid Ground’s Groundviews Blog and updated below.
GIFTS FOR CHILDREN & SENIORS THIS CHRISTMAS WHEN: Applications for Christmas 2024 accepted Friday, October 25, through Sunday, October 27, 2024. WHAT: Gifts of Hope’s “Hope for Christmas” program is dedicated to spreading joy and creating memorable celebrations for low-income senior citizens and children up to age 16. Applications for this Christmas are accepted only during a three-day period, October 25-27, 2024. Note: If you have applied and been selected program, you may not be selected again this year. MORE INFO: Hope for Christmas Assistance. QUESTIONS? Call 206.486.7171 or email marissa@givinggiftsofhope.org. GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS WHEN: Online informational session Thursday, October 24, 2024, 3pm. Applications due December 30, 2024. WHAT: People who have experienced homelessness at any point in their lives can apply to receive up to $25,000 to support a professional or creative endeavor thanks to the National Alliances to End Homelessness’s new Susan G. Baker and Elizabeth Boyle Innovation Fund. Applications for the grant program are due by December 30, 2024, with virtual presentations and interviews scheduled for January 2025. MORE INFO: Attend a one-hour informational webinar on the application process scheduled for this Thursday, October 24, 2024, 3pm. TO APPLY: Complete the Susan G. Baker and Elizabeth Boyle Innovation Fund Application. RENTON FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 12-3pm WHERE: Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA 98057 WHAT: Whether you’re seeking essentials for yourself, your children or loved ones, find a wide selection of gently used clothing for all ages, including bags and scarves, available at no cost. Feel free to browse, choose what works for you and leave with some helpful essentials. Everyone is welcome! MORE INFO: REACH Renton Clothing Giveaway NORTHEAST SEATTLE SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR WHEN: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 11am-3pm WHERE: Magnuson Park, Hangar 30, 6737 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 WHAT: Explore over 90 nonprofit organizations, agencies, and businesses, all ready to share valuable resources and services tailored for older adults in the Seattle area. Whether you’re looking for community programs, health services, or leisure activities, there’s something for you. Plus, enjoy giveaways, prize drawings, and the convenience of free parking. ADA parking is available right by the entrance. MORE INFO: NE Seattle Senior Resource Fair, Oct. 29
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED TO BREAK YOUR LEASE WHEN: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Online. Register for link. WHAT: Do you need to break your lease to escape a dangerous situation? In this webinar, we’ll discuss three situations where you may be able to break a lease without liability, including: 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: Breaking a Lease on the King County Library System website. 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! Renton free clothing giveaway Northeast Seattle senior resource fair Redmond community resource center MORE OPPORTUNITIES: For additional events hosted at King County libraries, search for “Social Services Help” on the KCLS website. 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. Georgetown green job fair Swissport hiring event U.S. Postal Service hiring event Solid Ground Transportation hiring event MORE INFO: To find additional job openings and events, go to WorkSource Workshops & Hiring Events or Port Jobs Hiring Events. FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS WHEN: Various times and locations listed 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: Upcoming South King County dates: 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 dates and times. See below. WHAT: Seattle Veterinary Outreach, and Doney Coe Pet Clinic provide veterinary care for free or at a reduced cost to the pets of people experiencing homelessness and or living on low incomes. Veterinary care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 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: MORE INFO: Visit Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic Calendar, Washington Health Outreach Schedule and Services, or Doney Coe Services.
~UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~ HELP WITH MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT WHEN: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 2-4pm WHERE: Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA WHAT: Join a presentation on Medicare’s Open Enrollment. In this FREE, in-person session, we’ll discuss… 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. TO REGISTER: Go to Medicare Open Enrollment Workshop. QUESTIONS? Contact Sam Stones at sams@solid-ground.org or 206.694.6750. FREE LEGAL HELP WHEN: Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 4-8pm. Registration: 4-6pm. Attorney consultations: 6-8pm. WHERE: El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, 3rd Floor WHAT: This free bilingual legal clinic offers pro bono legal aid that can level the playing field for individuals who cannot afford professional legal consultations. Help available on a first-come, first-served basis in English and Spanish. MORE INFO: Go to Free Bilingual Legal Clinic or call 844.502.9832. FREE IT CAREER TRAINING WHEN: Applications due Monday, November 18, 2024. Course starts Monday, December 2, 2024. WHAT: Per Scholas IT Support offers a FREE opportunity to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ certification, equipping you with the knowledge to fill a wide range of entry-level technology jobs. It is a recommended starting point for learners with no previous tech work experience or coursework. The full-time 13-week course meets Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. TO APPLY: Complete the eligibility form. HELP WITH BAD CREDIT WHEN: Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 6-8pm WHERE: Online; register for link. WHAT: Is your credit preventing you from obtaining a job, making a large purchase, or securing stable housing? This free credit counseling workshop from the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle may be for you! TO REGISTER: Go to Are you ready to get your finances on track? SWIM LESSON SCHOLARSHIPS & FREE SWIM GEAR WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9 am-12 pm WHERE: Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 WHAT: At this “open house” style event, you can drop in any time to: MORE INFO: Go to Do’Nut Delay: Get Swimming Today! RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES! WHEN: English sessions are held several times a month, various days and times. Spanish sessions are held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm. WHERE: Zoom WHAT: Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series presented by Solid Ground Tenant Counselors, with Tenant Law Center attorneys available to help answer questions. Rent Smart Webinars in English ¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! Talleres Virtuales en Español See All Upcoming Tenant Webinars NEED MORE HELP? ¿NECESITA MÁS AYUDA?
New This Edition
Welcome to Resource Wire for October 23 – 30, 2024!
For those who celebrate, Christmas may still feel like a long way off, but now’s the time to start thinking about it if you need help getting gifts for the kids in your life! Gifts of Hope offers help for families in need every winter, but you have to apply during a special three-day period, which is October 25-27 this year. Read on to learn more, plus find information about a free clothing giveaway, grants for people who have experienced homelessness, and much more!
Happening This Week
Upcoming Resources
Ongoing Community Resources
When you need help, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we put together these 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 see what’s available in each area.
WHEN: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm (chat hours 10am-4pm) WHAT: 2.1.1 is the best way to connect with a range of social services and resources available in King County, including help with housing, food, utilities, health care, and transportation. CONTACT: Call 2.1.1 or 800.621.4636, text your zip code to 898.211, email kc211@incontactemail.com, or go to 2.1.1 Community Resources Online to search a database of services. WHAT: Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of state services and benefits, including food, cash, child care, long-term care, and Medicare savings programs. MORE INFO: Go to See If I Qualify to find out which programs you may be eligible for. CONTACT: Email waconnectioncomments@dshs.wa.gov. WHAT: Affordable Seattle is an online resource to help you find benefits you may be eligible for in the City of Seattle. In just five minutes, find out how much you could save on child care, food, transportation, and utilities. MORE INFO: Go to Affordable Seattle. WHAT: Produced by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, the Reduced Cost Services Guide is a collection of discounted services for people with low incomes, including internet, telephones, utilities, transportation, health care, financial institutions, and children’s activities. QUESTIONS? Contact Brice Montgomery at montgba@dshs.wa.gov.
WHAT: The Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center is a statewide call center that helps families find licensed child care providers, navigate child care financial assistance options, and find alternative forms of care. MORE INFO: Call 1.800.446.1114 or email familycenter@childcare.org for help over the phone in multiple languages.
WHAT: Washington College Grant (WA Grant) gives eligible students money for more types of education like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college. The amount you receive depends on family size, income, and the cost of your school or program. WA Grant is available to the following people: MORE INFO: Estimate your award with the Financial Aid Calculator or determine your eligibility by going to Washington College Grant Eligibility & Awards. TO APPLY: Go to Apply for Financial Aid.
WHAT: There are more than 30 local food banks in Seattle that offer free groceries. In addition, some food banks have other items available such as clothing, diapers, and pet food, as well as community resources like housing, child care, job assistance, and personal finance. If you need to find a food bank or meal program close to you, these up-to-date maps and lists show where you can find them across Seattle. MORE INFO: Visit Find a Food Bank to and Meals Partnership Coalition to find the food bank and meals programs nearest you. WHAT: There are several organizations that serve up free meals in the Seattle area, often with vegetarian and allergy-free options. MORE INFO: Find additional sites in this list of Seattle Meals compiled by the Department of Human Services.
WHAT: You can now call, text, or chat 9.8.8 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). It’s confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Services are available in Spanish in addition to 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’re having: 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. WHAT: The Washington Recovery Help Line is a free, confidential 24-hour, statewide help line for substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health. Visit Washington Recovery Help Line website for resources. We offer: 1) Free and confidential support, 2) Connection to local treatment providers, 3) Medication for opioid use referrals, and 4) DSHS benefits application assistance. Connect with the Washington Recovery Help Line via: CONTACT/MORE INFO: This is a service of WA state DSHS and Crisis Connections, located at 9725 3rd Ave NE, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98115. Contact them at recovery@crisisconnections.org.
Many King County housing services, including help with rent payments, can only be accessed by first calling 2.1.1 or 800.621.4636. WHEN: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm WHAT: The 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, and/or tenants who require reasonable accommodations due to disability. When they call, tenants are screened and provided legal advice from attorneys on the line, self-help resources, or legal representation as available. Interpretation is provided as needed. CONTACT: Call 206.580.0762 or 1.855.485.8767 for help. WHEN: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm WHAT: Are you exiting homelessness and need help covering the cost of moving into your new place? Call 206.694.6833 to leave a message for the North Seattle Regional Access Point (RAP) Diversion Program. (RAP responds within 2 business days, except holidays.) To qualify for move-in assistance, you’ll need to have already: CONTACT: Call 206.694.6833 for help. WHAT: Solid Ground Tenant Counselors help Washington state families and individuals maintain permanent and reliable rental housing through: CONTACT: Call 206.694.6767 on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am-1:30pm, to leave a message for the tenant counselors. WHAT: Broadview Shelter and Transitional Housing is a safe haven at a secure location for parents and their kids experiencing domestic violence (DV) and homelessness. Broadview’s specialized children’s services help young people restore a sense of safety, normalcy, and structure so they too can heal and thrive. CONTACT: Call 206.299.2500 for Solid Ground’s confidential DV shelter services.
WHAT: Low-income households in Xfinity’s service areas may qualify for free or low-cost ($9.95/mo) internet services through the Affordable Connectivity Program and Internet Essentials. MORE INFO: Visit Xfinity’s Internet Essentials website to see if you’re eligible and find out how to apply – or call 1.855.846.8376. WHAT: You may qualify for a free smartphone and wireless service through SafeLink. You can also keep the phone and number you already have. Eligible customers get: MORE INFO: Text “HELP” to 611.611 or call 1.800.723.3546.
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 for 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: TO APPLY NOW: Go to the Solid Ground Bus Operator job description (and scroll down for the application). QUESTIONS? Call 206.694.6817 or email jobs@solid-ground.org. Nonprofit Organizations Programs (free and/or paid) MORE INFO/QUESTIONS? Visit the Communities of Opportunity (COO) website or contact Dan Bernard, Communities of Opportunity Employment Manager, at dan.bernard@kingcounty.gov. WHAT: TRAC Associates provides funding for training, help with job searches and résumé writing, work-related supplies, peer and group counseling, expungement services, and transportation. Services are available to King County residents who’ve 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. 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 at 425.436.8134 or shirwa@achdo.org. 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, résumés 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 workshops and hiring events calendar. 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 their 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: MORE INFO: Download these paid training program flyers: Orion aerospace or Orion custodial services. QUESTIONS? Contact cindy.arnold@orionworks.org or 253.661.7805.
WHAT: The ORCA LIFT card offers a convenient, more affordable way to get around Puget Sound by bus, light rail, streetcar, water taxi, and more. To qualify, your gross household income (before taxes are taken out) must be no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, as established by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Those receiving Apple Health Medicaid, WIC, and Basic Food are eligible for the program. TO APPLY: Go to Apply for or renew your ORCA LIFT card or call 800.756.5437. MORE INFO: Go to King County Metro Discounted Fares. WHAT: All youth 18 and younger can ride transit services in Puget Sound for free through Move Ahead Washington’s Youth Ride Transit for Free! program. Riders aged 13 and older are encouraged to bring one of the following when they ride, if they have it: Youth ORCA Card Current High School or Middle School Student ID Youth who don’t have a Youth ORCA Card or Student ID can still ride for free on most services; just get on board! Tapping your Youth ORCA card allows transit agencies to better understand how many young people are riding transit, including where and when. Transit agencies use this information to make future improvements. MORE INFO: Go to Youth Ride Transit for Free! to get a new youth ORCA card, replace your lost one, or register your card. WHAT: The Bike Works Bikes-For-All! program provides free rebuilt bicycles and helmets to Southeast Seattle youth, adults, and families who are facing barriers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Income limits apply. MORE INFO: Go to the Bikes-For-All! page.BACK TO TOP
WHAT: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. Your family’s monthly income may qualify you for free or low-cost energy services once every 12 months. WHAT: The Utility Discount Program (UDP) helps you get 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: MORE INFO: Go to King County’s Energy Assistance webpage to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. QUESTIONS? Contact the Access and Outreach Team or call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP) at 1.800.756.5437.
General Resources
KING COUNTY 2.1.1
WASHINGTON CONNECTION
AFFORDABLE SEATTLE
REDUCED COST SERVICES GUIDE
Child Care
CHILD CARE AWARE OF WASHINGTON FAMILY CENTER
Education
FREE MONEY FOR CAREER TRAINING, COLLEGE, OR APPRENTICESHIPS
Food
SEATTLE FOOD BANK & MEALS MAPS
FREE MEALS
Health/Behavioral Health Care
9.8.8 FOR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES
RECOVERY HELP LINE
Housing
EVICTION HELP HOTLINE
HELP WITH MOVE-IN COSTS
INFO ON RENTERS’ RIGHTS IN WA STATE
HOUSING FOR DV SURVIVORS
Internet & Phones
FREE & DISCOUNTED INTERNET
FREE SMARTPHONES & SERVICE
Jobs & Training
DRIVE FOR GOOD! WEEKLY JOB FAIR FOR SOLID GROUND DRIVERS
TECH JOB SKILLS TRAINING IN SEATTLE-KING CO.
JOB HELP FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM
HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT HELP
JOB SEEKERS’ VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS – MULTILINGUAL
PAID JOB TRAINING FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES & MANUFACTURING
Transportation
DISCOUNTED TRANSIT FOR ADULTS
FREE TRANSIT FOR YOUTH
FREE BIKES & HELMETS
Utilities
HELP PAYING ENERGY & WATER BILLS IN KING COUNTY
DISCOUNTS ON UTILITY BILLS