Current Resources & Opportunities
The resources and programs available for people living on low incomes are always changing, which makes it hard to know where to turn for help. Fortunately, Resource Wire brings you the latest on new services, opportunities, and events every week. Find updates here most Wednesdays or sign up for the Resource Wire e-newsletter to get it sent directly to your inbox.
Halloween is coming up quickly, and so is Election Day! If you haven’t voted yet and need support to ensure your ballot is counted, check out the remaining accessible voting events this week around Seattle. We also have details on local Halloween celebrations for the whole family, an opportunity fair for women and gender-expansive individuals interested in the banking/finance industry, free webinars to get help with Medicare Open Enrollment, financial credit, tenant rights, and more! ACCESSIBLE VOTING EVENTS IN KING COUNTY WHEN: October 29 & 30, 2026 WHERE: King County WHAT:In partnership with local libraries and other community groups, King County Elections staff hosts Accessible Voting Events, complete with trained Elections staff and accessible voting units to assist voters. At these events, voters can register to vote or update their voting address, get a replacement ballot, use an accessible voting unit, and ask questions of staff. MORE INFO: Go to the King County website. FREE & LOW-COST HALLOWEEN EVENTS WHEN: through Saturday, October 31, 2026 WHERE: Parks and community centers throughout King County WHAT: A fun and frightful Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive. Seattle Parks and Recreation has put together a variety of free and low-cost Halloween and Fall events at community centers and parks across the city. MORE INFO: Go to 2026 Halloween Events with Seattle Parks and Recreation.
WEEKLY ONLINE HELP WITH MEDICARE WHEN: Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm, and Mondays, 10-11:30am, through December 2, 2026 WHAT: Medicare Open Enrollment is the period from October 15 through December 7 when people already enrolled in Medicare can review their health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for 2027. You can learn about your options and get your Medicare questions answered during free weekly drop-in sessions with trained volunteer experts. Everyone’s welcome and no registration is required. MORE INFO: Download the SHIBA 2026 Open Enrollment flyer. FREE CREDIT 101 WEBINAR WHEN: Wednesday, November 4 WHERE: Online; register to receive link WHAT: Do you feel confused about credit scores? Not sure how to build credit the right way? Want to buy a home but don’t know where to start? This webinar is for YOU. Join El Centro de la Raza and Business Opportunity Center for the Credit 101 webinar. TO REGISTER: Go to Credit 101 Webinar. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE TO BREAK A LEASE WHEN: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5-6:45pm WHERE: Online; register for link WHAT: Do you need to break your lease to stay safe? How can you break a lease if you have a fixed-term contract? Will you lose your deposit if you move out when you break your lease? Join Solid Ground tenant counselors to learn: Tenant Law Center attorneys may be available during presentations for general legal information, and we share legal aid resources during each presentation. 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. You can also sign up for additional upcoming Rent Smart Webinars on a variety of topics. TO REGISTER: Go to Rent Smart: Breaking Your Lease on the King County Library 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 cellphones, bus passes, vaccines, health care screenings, employment resources, legal assistance, and more! Fall Kickoff Resource Fair 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. Dress for Success Seattle’s Opportunity Fair YWCA Career & Resource Fair 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 Street Medicine Program provides walk-in medical care specifically for people currently or recently living homeless. In addition to the clinic dates below, check out the Street Medicine Program page for the weekly encampment outreach schedule. Upcoming dates: QUESTIONS? Call 206.963.8628 or email streetmedicine@kingcounty.gov. FREE & LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE WHEN: See various dates and times below. WHAT: Seattle Veterinary Outreach, Washington Health 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. Eligibility, cost, and documentation requirements are different for each agency, so be sure to check that you have what you need before you head out to a clinic. Upcoming dates: MORE INFO: Visit Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic Calendar, Washington Health Outreach Schedule and Services, or Doney Coe Services.
FREE WINTER CLOTHES & GEAR WHEN: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10am-1pm WHERE: UHeights, 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105 WHAT: Are you in need of supplies this winter? Join us for Warm Winter Distribution Day in the south parking lot of University Heights Center, where you can: MORE INFO: Download the 2026 Warm Winter Distribution flyer. FEDERAL WAY HEALTH & RESOURCE FAIR WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10am-2pm WHERE: Federal Way High School, 30611 16th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003 WHAT: Stop by for free meals, free groceries, and connections to a variety of community resources, including health and dental screenings, vaccinations, help with insurance enrollment, employment assistance, family support services, and more. MORE INFO: Download the Congolese Wellness & Health Enrollment Fair flyer. 2SLGBTQIA COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am-4pm WHERE: El Centro de la Raza – Centilia Cultural Center, 1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144 WHAT: This event is a space to connect newly arrived and long-standing 2SLGBTQIA+ community members with resources, information, and one another. MORE INFO: Go to Save the Date: 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Event Coming November 7. GET UPDATES: Sign up by going to 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Resource Event RSVP. FREE LEGAL HELP WHEN: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 4-8pm (intake 4-6pm) WHERE: El Centro de la Raza, Historic Building, Top Floor, 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 WHAT: Attorneys will be available to provide free general consultations on varied areas of the law depending on attorney availability including Immigration, Family Law, Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Workers’ Rights/Wage Claims, Criminal Law. Bilingual attorneys and interpreters available. Space is limited. Consultations are first-come, first-served in-person, and there’s no guarantee of being seen due to high demand and specific legal matters. QUESTIONS? Call 844.502.9832. MORE INFO: Go to Free Bilingual Legal Clinic. NEW MINIMUM WAGES IN 2027 WHEN: January 1, 2027 WHAT: The minimum wage is set to increase again with the new year, but how much depends on where you work. Some cities in King County have a minimum wage above the state rate, which will increase to $17.73 an hour in 2027. Here are some other 2027 minimum wages in King County: MORE INFO: Read WA’s nation-high minimum wage rising to nearly $18 an hour in 2027 on KOUW’s website. 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 often available to help answer questions. Rent Smart Webinars in English ¡Inquilinos Inteligentes! en Español See All Upcoming Tenant Webinars 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: Go to Washington State’s Department of Health website. 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.
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 by appointment only 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: Go to Orion’s Training Programs webpage. 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.
New This Edition
Welcome to Resource Wire for October 28 – November 4, 2026!
BACK TO TOP
Happening This Week
Upcoming Resources
Ongoing Community Resources
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
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
