Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Seattle Homeless Declaration of a State of Emergency

Calling homeless folks "the human wreckage of a broken system that denies its responsibility and blames us for its existence," Seattle homeless organizations SHARE, WHEEL, Nickelsville and Real Change yesterday declared a State of Emergency and announced an 8-Point Plan to solve homelessness.
Read the Declaration
Watch The Video

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Free Holiday Meals

Seasons Greetings! If you, your family, and/or someone you know are hungry this holiday season or are looking for a free place to have a holiday meal, there are many organizations throughout King County offering free holiday meals in the next few days that you might want attend.

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 23rd free holiday meals will be served at:

His Ministry at 240 Auburn Way S Suite 1-B (Back Entrance), Auburn
Provides Christmas dinner to homeless or low income residents of Auburn. Walk in Dec. 23, 2009. For more info contact: Jan Larson at (253) 223-7330

El Centro de la Raza
2524 16th Ave S, Seattle. Serves a Christmas meal for anyone in need. For more info contact: (206) 329-9442

Thursday the 24th, free holiday meals will be served at:

Bread of Life Mission
97 South Main Street, Seattle 98104; (206) 682-3579
Individuals and families who are homeless are given priority.
Meal service: mandatory chapel services at 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., 3 to 4 Meals start at 1:30p.m., then at every hour and a half directly following chapel services. Walk-ins welcome. It’s recommended to arrive early!

Operation: Sack Lunch
Meal Site: Outdoor meal Site, 6th and Columbia under freeway in parking lot.
All are welcome! No ID required. Meal service: Brunch 10:00am – 12:00p.m.; Dinner 3:00p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Millionair Club Charity
2515 Western Avenue, Seattle, 98121; (206) 957-3855
All who are hungry are welcome.
Meal starts at 12:00 noon.

University Street Ministry – Teen Feed
Meal site: University Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave N.E., Seattle, 98105; (206) 522-4366. Homeless and at-risk youth and young adults, ages 13-25. No ID required.
Meal service: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcomed.

Friday the 25th free holiday meals will be served at:

Chief Seattle Club
410 2nd Ave Ext. South, Seattle 98104; (206) 292-6214
For Chief Seattle Club members. No ID required.
Meal service: 8:00 a.m. (doors open at 7:00 a.m.)

Community Lunch on Capitol Hill
Meal site: Central Lutheran Church, 1710-11th Avenue, Seattle 98122; (206) 487-7247
All are welcome! No ID required.
Meal Service: 12:00 Noon.

Friends of Francois, www.friendsoffrancois.com
Meal site: 6th and Columbia, Seattle 98104, under I-5 (The Outdoor Meal Site)
All are welcome! Meal service: 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Greenwood Senior Center
525 North 85th Street, Seattle, 98103, (206) 297-0875
Priority: Seniors and individuals with disabilities. Adults under age 55 are also welcomed.
Meal service: doors open at 1:00 p.m. and meal service starts at 2:00 p.m. Suggested meal donation: $5.00 for senior center members and $7.00 for non-members.
To R.S.V.P. call 206-297-0875 by Saturday, December 20th

Salvation Army – William Booth Center
811 Maynard Avenue South, Seattle 98104; (206) 621-0145
All are welcome! William Booth residents get served first, then general public. No ID required.
Meal service: 12 noon – 2:00 p.m.

Thai Siam Restaurant
8305-15th Avenue N.W., Seattle 98117; (206) 784-5465)
Anyone in need is invited to attend. No ID required, proof of need preferred.
Meal service: 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.

Union Gospel Mission, (206) 622-5177
318 – 2nd Avenue, Ext. South, Seattle 98104 (Corner of 2nd Ave. Ext. South and Washington)
Meal service: Breakfast - 7:30–9:00 a.m.; Dinners - 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. (Spanish speaking service at 7 p.m.) (IMPORTANT: all meals (breakfast and dinners) are preceded by a mandatory 30-minute chapel service. The 6:30 p.m. chapel service is in Spanish. Arrive early to obtain a meal ticket for entry to chapel/meal service.
All are welcome!

YouthCare – Orion Multi-Service Center
1828 Yale Avenue, Seattle 98101; (206) 622-5555
Youth and young adults age 13-21 only. Photo ID required.
Meal service: 11:00am-3pm Walk-ins welcome

YWCA Angeline’s Center for Homeless Women
2030- 3rd Avenue, Seattle 98121; (206) 436-8650
Women ages 18 and older. No ID required.
Meal service: First seating is 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The second seating is 12:30pm-1pm. Walk-ins welcome; arrive at 11:00 a.m. for meal ticket.

South Park Neighborhood Center
8201 10th Ave. S., Seattle WA 98108l (206) 763-3650 (to leave message)
All are welcome. Meal served at 2:00 pm

Friday Feast – ROOTS
1415 NE 43rd Street, Seattle (alley entrance)
All are welcome! Meal service: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 28th free holiday meals will be served at:

Blessed Sacrament Church Food Program
5050-8th Avenue N.E., 98105; (206) 547-3020
All are welcome! Meal service: 12:00 noon - 2:15 p.m.

Thursday, December 31st free holiday meals will be served at:

University Street Ministry – Teen Feed
Meal site: University Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave N.E., Seattle 98105;
(206) 522-4366.
Homeless and at-risk youth and young adults, ages 13-25. No ID required.
Meal service: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcomed.

Friday, January 1, 2010 free holiday meals will be served at:

Friends of Francois, www.friendsoffrancois.com
Meal site: 6th and Columbia, Seattle 98104, under I-5 (The Outdoor Meal Site)
All are welcome! Meal service: 1:00-2:30 p.m.

University Street Ministry – Teen Feed
Meal site: University Christian, 4731 15th Ave N.E., Seattle, 98105;
Homeless and at-risk youth and young adults, ages 13-25. No ID required.
Meal service: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcomed.

Friday Feast – ROOTS
1415 NE 43rd Street, Seattle (alley entrance)
All are welcome! Meal service: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

More H1N1 Vaccine Clinics for Everyone

This is an important message from public health. H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine is now available to everyone who wants it. Come to a free vaccination clinic to get the best protection against H1N1 flu! Public Health Seamar and HealthPoint will be hosting free walk-in H1N1 clinics at locations throughout King County this Saturday, December 19th, Tuesday the 22nd, and Wednesday the 23. These free clinics are for people who can’t afford to pay for H1N1 flu vaccination. You will not be asked for proof of health insurance or citizenship.The free vaccine clinic locations are:

On Saturday, December 19, 2009

• Auburn: HealthPoint (126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400), 9 am – 12 pm
• Bellevue: Eastgate Public Health Center (14350 SE Eastgate Way), 9 am – 5 pm
• Bellevue: Sea Mar - Bellevue Medical (1811 156th Ave NE, Suite # 2), 9 am – 5 pm
• Federal Way: Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S), 9 am – 5 pm
• Kent: HealthPoint (403 E Meeker, Kent), 9 am – 12 pm
• Redmond: HealthPoint (16315 NE 87th St, Suite B6), 9 am – 12 pm
• Renton: Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: Sea Mar - South Park (8720 14th Ave S), 9 am – 5 pm
• Seattle: Sea Mar - White Center (9650 15th Ave. S.W. #100), 9 am – 5 pm

On Tuesday, December 22, 2009

• Seattle: Sea Mar - South Park (8720 14th Ave S), 2 pm – 8 pm

On Wednesday, December 23, 2009

• Bellevue: Sea Mar - Bellevue Medical (1811 156th Ave NE, Suite # 2), 10 am - 4 pm
• Seattle: Sea Mar - White Center (9650 15th Ave. S.W. #100), 1 pm – 8 pm

For updates on vaccine availability in the community call the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) or Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Holiday Food Distribution Schedule

Wondering what food banks are open during the holidays and at what times? Solid Ground's Food Resources program compiled this handy
Holiday Food Distribution Schedule.

The food distribution schedule reflects when food banks anticipate distributing holiday food. Clients are strongly encouraged to call the food bank they plan on visiting ahead of time to confirm this information.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

H1N1 Flu Vaccine is Now Available to Everyone

After many weeks of limiting H1N1 vaccine to those determined to be in high risk groups, Public Health- Seatlle & King County is lifting the restriction and making vaccine available to the general public effective December 12, 2009. In addition to persons in target populations, any person 6 months of age and older who desires to be protected against H1N1 influenza may now be vaccinated.

Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, flu season will continue for the next several months. H1N1 illness continues to spread in our community, and vaccination is the best way to protect against H1N1 influenza.

Public Health and HealthPoint will be hosting free walk-in H1N1 clinics at nine locations throughout King County starting this coming Saturday, December 12. Many of these clinics will also be offered on Wednesday, December 16th, and Saturday, December 19th. All of the health centers are offering free H1N1 vaccination to people who are uninsured or who can't afford to pay. Those who attend the clinics will not be asked for proof of citizenship.
The free vaccine clinic locations are:

Auburn
HealthPoint Auburn
(126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400)
• Saturday, December 12th , 9 am – 3 pm

Bellevue/Factoria
Eastgate Public Health Center
(14350 SE Eastgate Way)
• Saturday, December 12th & 19th , 9 am – 5 pm

Federal Way
Federal Way Public Health Center
(33431 13th Place S)
• Saturday, December 12th & 19th , 9 am – 5 pm
• Wednesday, December 16th , 12 pm – 7 pm

Kent
HealthPoint Kent
(403 E Meeker)
• Saturday, December 12th , 9 am – 3 pm

Redmond
HealthPoint Redmond
(16315 NE 87th St, Suite B6)
• Saturday, December 12th , 9 am – 3 pm

Renton
Renton Public Health Center
(3001 NE 4th St)
• Saturday, December 12th & 19th , 9 am – 5 pm
• Wednesday, December 16th, 12 pm – 7pm

SeaTac
HealthPoint SeaTac (4040 S 188th St)
• Saturday, December 12th , 9 am – 3 pm

Seattle – 2 locations
Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S)
North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N)
• Saturday, December 12th & 19th , 9 am – 5 pm
• Wednesday, December 16th , 12 pm – 7 pm

As usual, the Flu Hotline will be operating Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend. The number for the Flu Hotline is 1-877-903-5464. Or visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Free H1N1 Vaccine Clinics 12/5 and 12/9

Hi, this is an important message from King County Public Health. Public Health is opening up four free H1N1 flu vaccine clinics, beginning Saturday, December 5, and again on Wednesday, December 9, as a way to provide access to people at highest risk for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) who cannot afford to pay. Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available.

Public Health encourages people to seek H1N1 vaccine through their health care providers or through pharmacies if they can afford the administrative cost or if your insurance covers it. Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in the community, and vaccination is the best wait to protect against H1N1 influenza.

The public vaccination clinics will be held at four sites on Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, December 9, from noon to 7 p.m.:

-Columbia Public Health Center at 4400 37th Ave S. in Seattle
-Renton Public Health Center at 3001 NE 4th St. in Renton
-North Public Health Center at 10501 Meridian Ave N. in Seattle
-Federal Way Public Health Center at 33431 13th Place S. in Federal Way

On December 5, there will be a total of 4,000 doses of vaccine available across the four sites, and on December 9, there will be 1,000 doses of vaccine. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a time later that day to return for a guaranteed vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be told as soon as they arrive. The ability to pay will be determined on the honor system, and it will be assumed that people getting vaccinated at one of the four clinics cannot afford the administrative cost of H1N1 vaccination.

It is recommended that you receive H1N1 vaccine if you are at high risk for contracting H1N1, such as if you are:
-pregnant
-live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
-are between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
-or are between 25 and 64 years of age with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, seizure disorders or HIV/AIDS

For updates on vaccine availability in the community call the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) or Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1. The flu hotline is staffed between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day. That’s at 877-903-5464. Please, tell your friends about these free vaccinations.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

World AIDS Day 12/1

Hello. This is a health message from Community Voice Mail and AIDS.gov, the Federal HIV/AIDS information source.

Tuesday, December 1st is World AIDS Day. This is an important day for us to remember the friends, family, and community members who we have lost to AIDS, and to honor those working to respond to HIV.

It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that help and treatment are available for people with HIV – which is why it is so important to know if you have HIV. If you’ve never had an HIV test, or if your last test was a while ago, I encourage you to get an HIV test. HIV tests can be quick and there are many places that offer them for free.

To find an HIV testing center near you, call the CDC information line at 1-800-CDC-Info , or 1-800-232-4636. You can call any time and someone will answer your questions and help you find a free or inexpensive testing center. Or visit www.HIVtest.org, where you can enter your zip code to find a listing of nearby places to get an HIV test.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Bellevue Job Fair 12/1

If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Bellevue Job Fair, next Tuesday December 1st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Red Lion Bellevue Inn at 11211 Main Street in Bellevue. This job fair, presented by National Career Fairs, is free to the public, and all levels and types of positions are available.

Job Fairs provide the opportunity to connect face-to-face with job recruiters who make hiring decisions and can help you network for other positions within a company. You’ll need to Dress professionally and bring up-to-date copies of your resume. You may also want to prepare questions you want to ask the job recruiters and be prepared to answer their questions about your qualifications and work experience. After the job fair, don’t forget to follow up with job recruiters you met at companies you were interested in working for.

That’s Tuesday December 1st from 11 to 2 at the Red Lion Bellevue Inn at 11211 Main Street, in Bellevue. For a list of companies who will be participating, tips and advice, and to receive their online career fair guide register at www.nationalcareerfairs.com. Good Luck!