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.
Warmer weather is on its way, and that means it’s time to get your kids ready for swimming season! Whether you prefer the pool, the lake, or the sound, stop by one of the upcoming April Pool Days at Seattle community pools for a chance for your kids to take a dip, learn about water safety, and win prizes! Read on to learn more, plus find info on utility payment assistance, free spring activities, renter education, and more!! HELP WITH SEATTLE UTILITY BILLS WHEN: Wednesday, April 16, 2-5pm WHERE: FamilyWorks Family Resource Center, 1005 NE 67th St, Seattle, WA 98115 WHAT: Are you behind on your utility bills? Stop by the FamilyWorks Resource Center to meet with Seattle City Light’s Emergency Bill Assistance program and Seattle Public Utility’s Bill Assistance program to be screened for assistance and apply! QUESTIONS? Email theteam@familyworksseattle.org or call 206.647.1790. FREE SPRING FESTIVITIES WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 3-5pm WHERE: 3190 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98144 WHAT: Join the Allen Family Center for a fun-filled Spring Fling featuring delicious food, refreshing drinks, exciting activities, a raffle, and much more. MORE INFO: Download the 2025 Spring Fling flyer. FREE WATER SAFETY LESSONS WHEN: Saturday, April 12 through Sunday April 27, 2025 WHERE: Community pools across Seattle. WHAT: Stop by your local April Pools Day to learn important water safety skills, enjoy free swimming, play games, and win prizes! This is a great opportunity to teach your family about water safety while having fun. April Pools Day water safety topics will include: MORE INFO: For dates and locations, read Celebrate 2025 April Pools Day with free water activities & safety information! HOW TO GET YOUR LANDLORD TO MAKE REPAIRS WHEN: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 5-6:45pm WHERE: Online. Register for link. WHAT: Are you having repair issues in your rental home and don’t know if you or your landlord are responsible to fix them? What exactly are your rights as a tenant and what are the landlord’s duties? 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: Repair Issues and Landlord Duties on the King County Library website.
HELP WITH COURT PAYMENTS WHEN: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 10am-12pm WHERE: Online or in-person at 2024 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 WHAT: Are you struggling to pay money you owe the court? With this workshop, you’ll learn how to petition for relief from fines and fees owed in a felony case, known as “legal financial obligations” (LFOs). The workshop will include a brief educational segment on your rights for waiving or reducing LFOs in Washington state and then a clinic portion where participants can work with a legal navigator to prepare their petitions for relief. TO REGISTER: Sign up to attend the Legal Financial Obligation Relief Workshop in-person or online. MORE INFO: Download the LFO Relief Workshop flyer. LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE OPTIONS WHEN: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 5-8pm WHERE: Virtual on Zoom WHAT: In this presentation, you’ll learn about all parts of Medicare so you can make an informed decision about your Medicare choices. We’ll discuss… Hosted by Solid Ground, this Zoom event will be presented by Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) – Solid Ground volunteer, Lee. SHIBA provides free, unbiased, and confidential assistance with Medicare health care choices. Additional dates: QUESTIONS? Contact Sam Stones, SHIBA Program Lead, at sams@solid-ground.org or 206.694.6750. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 2-4pm WHERE: Partner In Employment Offices, 19530 International Blvd S, Suite 108, SeaTac, WA 98188 WHAT: Join Partner in Employment for their next KNOW YOUR RIGHTS workshop. All participants receive a $25 gift card. Topics include: MORE INFO: Go to the Partner in Employment’s Facebook page. 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! Federal Way community resource center Renton resource days Tukwila community 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. Teen job & resource fair American Guard Services hiring event MCES Industries hiring event North Seattle job fair 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 Street Medicine Program provides walk-in medical care for people who are living homeless (or were recently homeless) only. 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: Various dates and times. See 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. 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.
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~UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~ FREE & LOW-COST SEATTLE PARKS EVENTS WHEN: April-June 2025 WHAT: Seattle Parks & Recreation has put together a list of free and low-cost events at community centers across the city this spring and summer. Offerings range from a Mother’s Day clothing swap at Garfield Community Center to a painting and ice cream night at Rainier Beach Community Center. MORE INFO: Go to Family Fun Activities Happening Spring 2025. FREE MEDICAL, DENTAL, & VISION CARE WHEN: April 24 – 27, 2025 WHAT: The Seattle Center will host its annual four-day FREE Seattle/King County Clinic on April 24-27 this year, offering medical, dental, and vision care for anyone who needs it – no insurance, ID, or proof of residency required. Available services include: MORE INFO: Download the 2025 Seattle/King County Clinic flyer. If you need immediate care, do not wait for the clinic. Free and affordable healthcare resources are available throughout King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. FREE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR SENIORS WHEN: Applications due by May 9, 2025 WHAT: Applications are ow being accepted for the the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), which provides eligible seniors with an $80 e-Benefit card that can be used for the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers, farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs). To be eligible, you must be: TO APPLY: Complete the SFMNP Application online or download a printable Application Form and mail it in. FREE OVERDOSE PREVENTION TRAINING WHERE: Capitol Hill Library Branch, Meeting Room, 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102 WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 12-1pm WHAT: Knowing how to respond when someone has overdosed can save a life. Whether you’ve experienced substance use personally, have loved ones who are at risk, or just want to be prepared, this training will empower you with knowledge and confidence to act in a crisis. Participants will receive a free goodie bag with naloxone (Narcan) and test strips. MORE INFO: Go to Overdose Prevention and Response Training @ Capitol Hill Branch. QUESTIONS? Email odpreventioncollective@gmail.com. FREE LEGAL HELP WHEN: Wednesday, May 14, 2024, 4-8pm (intake 4-6pm) WHERE: El Centro de la Raza, Historic Building, Top Floor, 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 WHAT: Volunteer attorneys from the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington (LBAW) and the community, along with volunteer interpreters, provide free 30-minute consultations on topics such as immigration, personal injury, worker’s rights, family law, and more. Availability depends on attorney expertise at each clinic. 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. FEDERAL STUDENT AID APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED WHEN: Applications due June 30, 2025 WHAT: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for all students and families applying for the 2025–2026 school year. While the final FAFSA deadline isn’t until June 30, 2025, students should apply as early as possible because some kinds of financial support are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the FAFSA takes about an hour. MORE INFO: Go to Filling Out the FAFSA Form or check out resources available through the Washington Student Achievement Council. 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 See All Upcoming Tenant Webinars NEED MORE HELP? ¿NECESITA MÁS AYUDA? 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.
New This Edition
Welcome to Resource Wire for April 16 – 23, 2025!
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
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
