TANF Changes: 5 Year Limit

If you or someone you know receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), you should know that DSHS HAS AMENDED THE RULES FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ON TANF/SFA (State Family Assistance) FOR 60 MONTHS (or 5 years) EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2011.

What does this mean for families that have been on for 60 months?
• Families will lose their TANF benefits if they have been on for 60 months in their lifetime, unless they qualify for an exemption or a hardship exception.

What are the exemptions?
• You are an older adult care taker relative (over 55 years old, are caring for a child, and you are not the child’s parent OR
• You are an adult with a severe and chronic disability OR
• You are required to be in the home to care for a child with special needs OR
• You are required to be in the home to care for another disabled adult

What are the hardship extensions?
• You have an open child welfare case with the state and this is the first time that you have had a child that is a dependent of the state OR
• You are working in unsubsidized employment for 32 hours or more per week OR
• You can document that you are victim of family violence and you are working with domestic violence services.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I QUALIFY FOR AN EXEMPTION OR HARDSHIP EXTENSION?
1. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIAELY CONTACT YOUR DSHS CASE MANAGER OR SOCIAL WORKER
• DSHS case managers and social workers review cases and determine if a person meets one of the exemptions or hardship extensions
2. If you think you qualify for an exemption or hardship extension you have a right to appeal the termination
If your benefits are scheduled to end January 31, 2011 YOU HAVE ONLY UNTIL JANUARY 31ST TO FILE your appeal if you want to keep getting benefits until the hearing decision. You can still file an appeal later, within 90 days of the notice, but you won’t keep your benefits while you wait.

IF YOU LOSE YOUR HEARING
• Any continued benefits will stop, and you may have to repay benefits. You will not have to repay more than 2 months of the continued cash benefits.

HOW TO FILE AN APPEAL
• Best way: Go in person to the local DSHS office. Turn in a written hearing request. Keep a copy. Have DSHS stamp your copy with the date received by DSHS. Keep this as your proof.
• Next best way: Call DSHS Be sure to speak to a person (not just a voicemail box). Get the person’s name. Write down the name, the date and time. Keep this as your proof. Ask for a fair hearing for your benefit termination. Ask the worker to make the written request to the hearings office for you.
• Another way: Fax, and mail the original the same day. Use the fax number and address on the hearing form. Keep a copy. Keep your proof of fax (fax transmittal). This is safer if you can mail it certified mail, return receipt.
• Call Office of Administrative Hearings for King County call the Seattle Office at (206) 389-3400

SEEK LEGAL HELP
• In King County: Call 2-1-1 or Solid Ground at 206-694-6742
• In all other counties: Call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014 (Monday-Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)

Toys for Tots free new toy distribution

If you or someone you know have children under 14 and receive benefits from DSHS such as food stamps, I want to let you know about Toys for Tots, a program which distributes free new toys as holiday gifts to needy children in the community. Toys for Tots is partnering with DSHS Community Service Offices (CSOs) in King County this holiday season to distribute toys for children, birth through age 14. For the next two weeks they will be giving away toys at DSHS offices and some churches throughout King County. DSHS will make a list of clients on public assistance who are active, pending or recently closed and provide that list to Toys for Tots. Families may receive toys once during the holiday season. People who are unsure of their status should call their local CSO for clarification. The Toys for Tots give aways are on the following dates and locations. All events start at 8:30am and end at 3pm, except Belltown, which ends at 2pm.

Thursday December 9, 2010
Lake Samm Foursquare Church
14434 NE 8th Street, Bellevue
King South CSO
1313 W Meeker St, Kent

Monday December 13, 2010
King South CSO
1313 W Meeker St, Kent
Capitol Hill CSO
1700 E Cherry, Seattle

Tuesday December 14, 2010
White Center CSO
9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Federal Way CSO
616 348th St, Federal Way

Wednesday December 15, 2010
White Center CSO
9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Belltown CSO
2106 2nd Ave Seattle

Thursday December 16, 2010
White Center CSO
9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Renton CSO
500 SW 7th St, Renton

Monday December 20, 2010
King North CSO
907 NW Ballard Way, Seattle
Federal Way CSO
616 348th St, Federal Way

Tuesday December 21, 2010
Rainier CSO
3600 S Graham St, Seattle
Auburn First United Methodist Church
100 N St SE, Auburn

For more information about Toys for Tots visit toysfortots.org
Happy Holidays!

Major Medicaid Cuts Proposed in 2011

Do you or someone you know receive Medicaid benefits? You should know that DSHS is proposing major cuts to Medicaid benefits next year. Many Medicaid services are scheduled to be cut in 2011. Adult dental services will no longer be covered. If you are working with a dentist now, make sure that the dentist submits all information required by DSHS for pre-approval before December 31st of this year. If your current Medicaid plan covers services such as vision and hearing, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy, these benefits are also scheduled to be cut on January 1st, so if you need any of those services, such as glasses, you might want to get those taken care of now too. DSHS will send notices to clients affected sometime in December, but that may not be enough time to work with your provider. They also plan to cut Medicare Part D Co-Pays, State Alien Medical coverage and School-Based Medical Services by January 1st.

DSHS have also proposed some other major Medicaid cuts to take effect March 1st 2011, including cutting adult pharmacy benefits and GAU medical benefits. They also plan to cut Family Planning/Take Charge, First Steps/Maternity Support Services/Infant Case Management/Childbirth Education, Children Health Program (CHP), and Interpreter Services by March 1st.

Hopefully advocacy can get these benefits reinstated. Call your state legislators at 1-800-562-6000 and tell them not to make the proposed cuts to Medicaid benefits. The legislative hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm. The state legislature needs to hear from you why they can't make these devastating cuts to Medicaid, call 1-800-562-6000. But be prepared for these proposed cuts by getting your dental and medical work done now.

For More information:
Complete list of proposed Medicaid cuts
Letter from DSHS to Medicaid clients
DSHS Medicaid budget webpage

World AIDS Day 12/1

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

Wednesday, 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 aids.gov/locator, where you can enter your zipcode, city, or state to see a map of nearby HIV testing centers and service providers.

We encourage you to share this information with your friends and family. Together we can address HIV and AIDS in our communities! Thank you for listening, and please, tell your friends and loved ones.

Get Online Day 11/18

Hi, would you or someone you know like to learn how to use computers and the internet? This Thursday November 18th is Get Online Day! Participate in a free Get Online event in Seattle and find out more about the computer learning centers in your neighborhood. Did you know you can attend classes for free or low-cost at computer learning centers in your own neighborhood? Stop by your nearest participating center on Thursday, November 18 between 4:00 and 8:00 PM and Get Online! There will be activities and demonstrations on many topics, including: social networking, posting/viewing photos online, paying bills online, using email, accessing wireless networks, using Skype to make free phone calls, and using the internet safely. Also, each computer learning center will be hosting a celebration with refreshments. The Participating centers are:

STAR Center at 2600 South Walker Street
206-325-4284

RecTech-Garfield at 2323 East Cherry St
206-684-4788

Neighborhood House at 4410 29th Ave South
206-461-4568

RecTech-Rainier at 4600 38th Ave S
206-386-1919

Refugee Women's Alliance at 4008 Martin Luther King Jr Way
(206) 721-0243

Horn of Africa Services at 4714 Rainier Avenue South, Suite 105
(206) 760-0550

RecTech-South Park at 8319 8th Ave South
(206) 684-7451

Seattle Urban League at 105 14th Avenue
206-461-3792

RecTech-Yesler at 917 E Yesler Way
(206) 386-1245

Get Online Day is this Thursday November 18th from 4 to 8 pm. For more information visit www.seattle.gov/getonline, call Vicky at 206-233-7877 or E-mail vicky.yuki@seattle.gov or Amy at amy.hirotaka@seattle.gov.

Energy Assistance Programs

Hi, If you or someone you know are having difficulty paying for heat this winter and face living without heat, several programs are available to low income households to make home energy use more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm and safe environment especially for the elderly, the disabled, and households with young children.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (or LIHEAP) is a federally funded program to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet their home heating needs. The program provides:

• Heating bill assistance up to $1000 annually
• Energy conservation education
• Support for window repair up to $1000, chimney cleaning, and furnace repair or replacement up to $5000
• Eviction prevention up to $500

Another program, Puget Sound Energy’s HELP provides assistance with the cost of natural gas consumption to qualified Puget Sound Energy (PSE) natural gas customers with an account in their name or in the name of a member of their household. HELP Provides:

• Puget Sound Energy customers help with their home energy costs and
• Natural gas bill assistance up to $1000 annually

Both these programs do not require that your household have a disconnection notice or even overdue bills in order to be eligible. In Seattle energy assistance is administered by Central Area Motivation program (or CAMP), In South King County, The Multi-service center administers the program, and in North & East King County the program is through Hopelink. But no matter where you live, To apply for the program, you must call the automated Energy Assistance Appointment Line 1-800-348-7144 to schedule an appointment at one of the three participating agencies, determined by ZIP code. That’s 1-800-348-7144.

Stay warm this winter with assistance through LIHEAP and HELP.

Community Green Jobs Forum 11/12

The Community Green Jobs Forum is a free event to learn about green job opportunities through Project Greenlight, which is recruiting men and women of color and low-income workers for free job training in:

Deconstruction: hazardous materials and demolition jobs that reuse/recycle building materials

Green building: entry-level weatherization installation

Green Manufacturing: manufacturing and assembling environmentally sustainable products.

Light refreshments and language interpretation will be available.

The Green Jobs Forum is on Friday, November 12, from noon to 2 at YWCA Learning Center at 9720 8th Avenue SW, in White Center. Please pre-register by calling (206) 290-5136 or email info@gotgreen.org. More info at gotgreen.org.

Youth Resource Outreach Fair 11/12

Youth Resource Outreach Fair
NOVEMBER 12 Noon TO 3 P.M .
For Youth Ages 12 - 24 without a stable place to live
At south Lake Union Armory 860 Terry Ave. N

Over 25 organizations will be providing information and resources including
- HIV testing and information
- STD information
- Hepatitis testing
- Free books and academic advising
- Transitional housing screening
- Case management sign-up
- Emergency contraception and pregnancy testing
- Flu shots
- Clothing
- Hygiene supplies
- Community voicemail
- Dept. of Licensing - info. on getting identification

Sponsored by the Seattle Parks Department and Street Outreach Workers (SOW)

Donated transportation provided from several locations throughout King County (see below).

West Lake Center (The Stage)
11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Transportation Provider: New Horizons Ministries
Contact: Chris Hutsen, 206-374-0866 ext 110

Ferry Terminal – Out front near McDonalds
11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Transportation Provider: New Horizons Ministries
Contact: Chris Hutsen, 206-374-0866 ext 110

YMCA The Center (aka 2100 Building)
Out front 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Provider: Auburn Youth Resources
Contact: Sarah Murphy 253-740-7189

Orion Center and PSKS
Transportation Provider: Orion Center
Time not yet set. Stop by or call the Orion Center for
more info 206-622-5555.

Eastside (location not yet set)
Transportation Provider: Friends of Youth.
Call Friends of Youth for time and location. 425-869-
6490 ext. 342

Kent Library (212 2nd Ave N., Kent)
Out front 10:45 a.m.
Transportation Provider: Auburn Youth Resources
Contact: Sarah Murphy 253-740-7189

There may also be transportation from the U-District. Call Katalin Hausback at the 45th Street Youth Clinic for
more info: 206-633-7639.

Please share the Event Flyer

Homeless Vets Stand Down 11/12

If you or someone you know are a homeless veteran, The Homeless Veterans Stand Down, is next Friday 11/12. Its a free event where homeless veterans can get free sleeping bags, hats, gloves, pants, boots, and services, including Community Voice Mail. It is next Friday the 12th starting at 8:30 AM. Items will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis and in the past, most items have been distributed by noon. The Homeless Veterans Stand Down is at Seattle Vet Center at 2030 9th Ave. in Seattle.

Free Juvenile Record Sealing Clinic 11/3

Hi if you or someone you know has an juvenile criminal record, which can be a barrier to getting jobs, housing or education, Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington (SYLAW) is restarting their Juvenile Record Sealing Clinics, next Wednesday evening November 3rd. The Clinics are FREE and anyone may attend to find out if they are eligible to seal their juvenile records (i.e. offenses that were charged before the person turned 18), and get assistance with the paperwork and court filings.
There is no age limit and no income cut off for these clinics.
Juvenile records in Washington are available to the public and unsealed juvenile records can prevent people from getting jobs and housing and from pursuing some education opportunities.
The Juvenile Record Sealing Clinics are at SCRAP (Society of Council Representing Accused Persons) at 1401 East Jefferson, Suite 200, in Seattle.
The first clinic is on Wed. November 3 from 6-8pm. If you can’t make it next Wednesday evening, there are clinics on the first Wednesday of every month through May 2011 at the same place and time, that’s 1401 E Jefferson from 6 to 8.

Call 206-659-5029 or email info@sylaw.org with any questions.

Disability Lifeline (GAU) terminated benefits to be reinstated, cash benefit to be reduced

If you or someone you know currently receive Disability Lifeline (also referred to as GA-U) cash and medical benefits or recently had your benefits cut off because of the 24 month time limit there are two important pieces of news that you should know.

First, as a result of a recent Federal law suit brought against DSHS, DSHS has decided to give back all Disability Lifeline cash and medical benefits to every person who lost their benefits because of the time limit. If you are not receiving Disability Lifeline benefits because of a time limit termination, you should contact your local Community Service Office as soon as possible so that your benefits can be turned back on.

The second piece of news is that DSHS has announced that it plans to reduce the Disability Lifeline cash grant from $339 per month to $258 per month starting January 1, 2011, So If you receive GAU or Disability Lifeline you might want to prepare yourself for an $80 a month reduction in cash benefits next year.

Please help us get the word out about these changes. Thank you!!!

Free Financial Planning Day 10/23

Hi, I want to encourage you to attend Financial Planning Day, this Saturday, October 23rd, at North Seattle Community College from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. (9600 College Way in the Cafeteria.). Its a free event where you’ll be able to meet one-on-one with dozens of professional financial planners to discuss your personal finance questions, concerns and interests.
Representatives from non-profit organizations will be on hand to help people with an array of financial issues, questions and problems including:

• Debt and credit
• Budgeting and money management
• Mortgages/foreclosures
• Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid
• Public Benefits

Financial planners will also be there to help with planning for retirement, college, emergencies, estates, as well as investment management and insurance.

Its all free and there are no strings attached – volunteer planners will not pass out business cards, marketing materials or sell products or services.

Financial Planning Day is happening in major cities around the country. In Seattle, it is co-sponsored by the City of Seattle, Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative, the Financial Planning Association, the Foundation for Financial Planning, the United Way of King County, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The day is specifically for low-income people who normally don't have the opportunity to meet with a financial planner.

That’s this Saturday the 23rd at North Seattle Community College Cafeteria at 9600 College Way, from 10 to 4. For more information call 877-861-7826. Or visit www.financialplanningdays.org/seattle.

Free Flu Shots for the Homeless

Flu season is just around the corner, and health care for the homeless is offering free flu shots this week and next week for people experiencing homelessness. Public Health recommends that everyone over 6 months of age should get the annual flu vaccine, especially if you are pregnant or have long-term health problems such as diabetes, asthma, neurological diseases, heart or lung problems, weakened immune systems, and possibly, obesity. The flu vaccine will prevent sickness, unnecessary healthcare visits, hospitalizations and deaths from influenza. This year, a single flu vaccine provides protection against the H1N1 flu that caused outbreaks last year and 2 other flu viruses that are expected to cause illness this season. The free flu shots from health care for the homeless are available at the following locations and times:
• October 21st 6 am-10 am Millionair Club 2515 Western Avenue
• October 22nd Friday Feast 5pm-7pm First United Methodist Church 1415 NE 43rd Street in the U District
• October 25th 12:30 3-30 YWCA Opportunity Place- 2nd floor conference Room 2024 3rd Avenue
• October 26th 7am -5pm DESC Connections 503 3rd Avenue near Pioneer Square
• October 26th 9am -3pm Compass Adult Service Center 2015 3rd Avenue
• November 1st 9am-3pm Compass Main Building in the Cafeteria at 210 Alaskan Way

For more information call the Public Health Flu Hotline at 877-903-5464 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/flu.

Bridging the Gap Resource Fair 10/16

Hi, I if you or someone you know are looking for social services, I want to let you know about The Bridging the Gap Resource Fair this Saturday, October 16th from 10 to 3 at the Rainier Community Center. More than 50 social service providers will come together for Bridging the Gap on Saturday, including adult and youth education services, employment programs, small businesses, resources for individuals, seniors, families, and youth; financial opportunities and literacy, health/medical; cultural services; home ownership, housing services and rights; legal services; consumer rights; DSHS; and federal, state, and local government services. The Bridging the Gap Resource Fair sponsored by the Seattle and King County housing authorities and the South County YWCA, hopes to increase the opportunities and abilities for low-income residents in King County by bringing together an integrated network of services, businesses and opportunities in King County in one place, in order to strengthen the community; increase participant’s access to education and employment opportunities; raise awareness of available support services; and, help eliminate the barriers that stand in their way. That’s this Saturday the 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p,.m. at the Rainier Community Center at 4600 38th Ave. S. For more information, please contact Seattle Housing Authority's Cheryl Sabin at 206-615-3317. Good Luck.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 10/6 Qwest Feild

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday October 6th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's largest hiring event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 6th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

King County Veterans Hotline

Hi this is a message from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans, Military Personnel, National Guard, Reserves and their families in King Country can now call a toll-free number to receive information about benefits and services at the county, state and federal level.

The King County Veterans Call Center number is 1-877-904-VETS, or 1-877-904-8387. The Call Center is staffed from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and callers can leave messages after hours.

If you are a Veteran, Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist a family member or friend, let the King County Veterans Information and Assistance Call Center connect you with your local, state and federal veterans benefits. Again, that number is 1-877-904-VETS, or 1-877-904-8387. Please share this information with any veterans you may know. Thanks!

Register to Vote

Hi. I want to encourage you to register to vote if you haven’t already in time for the general election on November 2nd. This election we will be electing US house representatives, state house reps and senators, and other offices. There will also be a number of important local and state ballot initiatives.

In order to qualify to vote on November 2nd, voters must be registered in advance. You may register online, by mail or in person. If you register by mail the deadline for registering or transferring your voter registration is 30 days before an election. You can pick-up an application at local libraries, post offices or department of motor vehicles. If you miss the 30-day mail-in deadline or if you prefer, you can register in person at the King County Elections Office up to eight days before the election. To vote in the general election on November 2nd you need to register by mail by October 4th or in person by October 25th.

If you are at least 18 years old and are a US citizen you have the right to vote even if you are unemployed, homeless, between permanent residences, or living in a shelter. People who are homeless can register at the shelter, park, motor home, intersection or other identifiable location they consider their residence and use a post office box, address of a friend or relative, shelter, or general delivery at a local post office as their mailing address.

Even if you have been convicted of a felony you can now vote. In 2009 the Washington Legislature passed a new law that restores the right to vote automatically to people with felony convictions when they have completed their time in prison and have served any required community custody supervised by the State Department of Corrections.

However you must be registered in order to vote. For more information, call the Toll Free State Voters Information Hotline at 1-800-448-4881

If you want to know how the state ballot initiatives will help or hurt homeless and low income people you should check out the U District Conversation on Homelessness “are you ready to be a legislator?” forum on Sunday September 26th from 630 pm to 830 at University Heights Center on NE 50th St between Brooklyn & University Way NE in Seattle.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote on November 2nd.

Community Resource Exchange 9/24

Hi, I wanted to let you know about the United Way Community Resource Exchange on Friday September 24th from 9 AM to 2 PM at Qwest Field Plaza at 800 Occidental Ave South in Seattle. The Community Resource Exchange is a one-day, one stop way for homeless people to get free services like healthcare, legal assistance, haircuts and national phone calls. Also available are referrals to social services including housing, counseling, public benefits and employment training. A free hot meal will also be served. And Community Voice Mail will have a booth where people can sign up in person for voice mail numbers. If you are homeless, we encourage you to attend this event as it will be a great way to get a variety of free services in one place, in one day. So don’t miss it, and bring your friends to the Community Resource Exchange on Friday September 24th from 9 AM to 2 PM at Qwest Field Plaza. Thanks for using Community Voice Mail.

Lifeline Awareness Week

Hi. The following is an important message from Seattle CVM and the FCC about Lifeline, a federal program that provides discounted phone service for low-income people who qualify. This message provides basic information about Lifeline, and gives you one option for finding out more information about the program. As the message says, in the near future we'll send another message with detailed information about the Lifeline program in our state. Thanks!

Hello. My name is Joel Gurin, and I'm the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief for the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. I have an important message for you from the FCC and Community Voice Mail about National Lifeline Awareness Week, which is this week, September 13th-19th.
Millions of people in the United States do not have basic telephone service. This means that they cannot easily communicate with family, friends, employers, schools, and emergency services. There is a program to help low-income consumers pay monthly phone bills, but only about a third of eligible consumers are enrolled. The "Lifeline" program provides a discount on monthly phone bills. The amount of the monthly Lifeline discount depends on where you live. A companion program, "Link-Up," helps with the cost of activating new telephone service. Both landline and wireless companies participate in the Lifeline and Link-Up programs.
If you receive assistance through certain federal programs (for example, Medicaid or Food Stamps) you qualify for Lifeline and Link-Up. You may also qualify based solely on your income.
In most states, you apply for Lifeline and Link-Up directly through a local phone company. In some states, however, you apply through a government office. To find out whether you qualify and how to apply, ask your caseworker or call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALL-FCC, or 1-888-225-5322. That's 1-888-225-5322This is a toll-free call. When you call, press the "0" key after you select English or Spanish to be connected to an operator.
Your local Community Voice Mail program manager may also send additional information in the near future about specific Lifeline and Link-up options in your area.
Please share this information with your friends and family. No one should be unable to dial for help in an emergency. Thanks for listening!

YWCA Resource and Job Fair 9/9

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for a job or employment resources, I want to let you know about the YWCA resource and job fair next Thursday September 9th from 10AM to 1 PM at the Greenbridge Learning Center at 9720 8th Ave. SW in White Center. Meet with employers and learn about community job resources. Bring your resume and brush up on your elevator speech. Some of the groups that will be there include:
• Multi-Service Center
• Renton Technical College
• AARP
• Within Reach
• Express Credit Union
• YWCA Youth Employment Services
• YWCA Green Jobs Navigation Employment Services
• YWCA Employment & Housing Navigation Program
• South Seattle Community College
• Paychex
• Puget Sound Electrical JATC
• Airport Jobs
• Safeway
• Kelley Services
• Rescare HomeCare
• Seattle Childrens Hospital
• NW Protective Service
• Seattle Police Department
• YWCA Domestic Violence Services
• Cares of Washington
• White Center Community Development Association
• Educare Learning Center and
• Lowe's
So don’t miss the YWCA Job and Resource Fair next Thursday the 9th from 10 to 1 at Greenbridge Learning Center at 9720 8th Ave. For more information call 206-336-7000. Good luck.

Bellevue Job Fair 8/30

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Bellevue Job Fair, next Monday August 30th 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 employment are available including Administrative Support, Banking, Customer Service, Financial, Hospitality, Insurance, Real Estate, Food Service, Retail, Sales and many more.

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 an organization. You’ll want 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 Monday August 30th 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 and to upload your resume, register at www.nationalcareerfairs.com. Good Luck!

School Supplies for Homeless Youth

Hi. If you or someone you know have school age children and can’t afford to buy school supplies this year, there are a number of free back to school events and programs where kids can get free school supplies. You should also know that homeless students have rights to a free, appropriate public education. The back to school events are:

Tomorrow Aug. 21 from noon to 4pm the Atlantic Street Center - Rainier Beach Family Center is coordinating a resource fair where students receive backpacks with school supplies at 8825 Rainier Ave. S. in Seattle. Backpacks are first come-first served.

Thursday August 26th 3 - 6 pm the 2100 Building in partnership with Casey Family Programs and Children’s Administration invite you to start the school year at the Back to School Fair at 2100 24th Ave S in Seattle. This fair is for students in middle school, high school, getting their GED, or going to college up to age 25. Caregivers also welcome. There will be college representatives on site, workshops for youth and caregivers, free school supplies, free haircuts, a BBQ, Games and Prizes.

Also on Thursday the 26th, from 10:30am-2:30pm Lutheran Community Services Northwest - Angle Lake Family Resource Center is coordinating a back-to-school backpack giveaway for students in the Highline School District on at 4040 S. 188th St in SeaTac. Event includes food, games and prizes.

Saturday Aug. 28, from 1-4 the Center for Human Services is passing out school supplies at a one-day event that includes informational resources, school clothes and haircuts for Shoreline School District students, at North City Elementary School at 816 NE 190th Street. You need to register by today to attend this fair by calling 206-393-4916 or online at www.btsconsortium.org/

If you cannot get to one of these back to school fairs but need school supplies for your child, ask the family support worker or social worker at your child’s school for free school supplies, as most schools in King County get free school supplies for their students through a number of nonprofit school supply drives.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the educational rights of homeless students, which includes children living in shelters, transitional housing, motels, vehicles, on the street, doubled up with friends or family, unaccompanied youth, and youth awaiting foster care placement. A homeless child has the right to remain enrolled in and be transported to their school of origin or be promptly enrolled in their neighborhood school, be provided help with school supplies, receive free breakfast and lunch in schools that serve both, be provided full access to classes, not have to pay any school fees, and receive the same educational supports as all students. Each school district is required to have a homeless education liaison to help children and families access support and services. To find your school district's liaison, call 360-725-6050 or here is the complete list of homeless education liasons in Washington

For more info the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act read this flyer on homeless students' rights prepared by Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness (SKCCH) and/or visit the SKCCH website.

Appealing Disability Lifeline (GAU) Terminations

Do you or someone you know receive Disability Lifeline or GAU? Effective September 1st, 2010, thousands of Washington State residents will lose their Disability Lifeline (formerly called GAU or General Assistance-Unemployable) benefits from the state. Benefits are being terminated due to a 24-month time limit approved by the state legislature last session.

If you or someone you know has received a termination notice, you have the right to appeal! If your termination notice is dated in August 2010 you have only until August 31st to file your appeal and keep benefits until the hearing decision. You can still file an appeal later — up to 90 days after your notice — but you will not continue to receive benefits while you wait.
The best way to file an appeal is to go to your local DSHS office. Turn in a written hearing request. Keep a copy! Have DSHS stamp your copy with the date received. Keep this as your proof of submitting your appeal.
If you cannot go in to a DSHS office in person by August 31, call DSHS. Be sure to speak to a person, not just a voicemail box. Write notes about your conversation including the name of the person you are speaking to and the date and time of your call. Keep these notes as your proof of your appeal. Ask for a “fair hearing” for your benefit termination. Ask the DSHS worker on the phone to make the written request to the hearings office for you.
You can also file your appeal through a combination of faxing and mailing the original on the same date. Use the fax number and address listed on the hearing form. Keep a copy of the appeal request, and keep the proof of the fax transmittal. It is safer if you can mail the original via certified mail with a return receipt.
In order to win your hearing, you may need to collect and bring medical and other evidence showing that you qualify as disabled under the SSI disability standards.
If you lose your hearing, any benefits that have been continued will stop and you may have to repay up to two months worth of benefits.
After you file your appeal, seek legal help. Call Solid Ground’s Family Assistance attorneys at 206-694-6742 or email at evonnez@solid-ground.org or call 2-1-1.
In all other counties call CLEAR at 1.888.201.1014 to speak to an advocate.
Additional information is available online at Washington LawHelp.

Health Center Week 8/8-14 Health Fairs

Next week, August 8-14 is National Health Center Week which recognizes the service and contributions of Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people in the U.S. America's Health Centers now serve over 20 million people (including nearly 1 million people who are homeless) in 7,000 communities in all 50 states including King County.

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide checkups when you're well, treatment when you're sick, complete care when you're pregnant, immunizations and checkups for your children, dental care and prescription drugs for your family, mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.

Next week there are 5 health fairs occurring in King County in Seattle, White Center and Burien.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers Seattle Medical Clinic at 8720 14th Ave. S will have a week-long health fair every day from Monday August 9th to Saturday the14th , from 9am-4pm. There will be a different information and services each day. Monday the 9th is Blood Pressure day w/ doctor consultation all day and Health Education in the afternoon. Tuesday the 10th is Behavioral Health and Chronic Care Day. Wednesday the 11th is Clinical Social Worker day and Managed Care Day including prescription assistance, and State Insurance info. Thurs the 12th is Lab, Health Education, Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Day. Friday the 13th is Getting Ready to go back to school day. And Saturday the 14th is Well-Child Checks and Immunizations Day. For more information contact Jim Arteaga at 206-370-4546.

On Sunday August 8, International Community Health Services is hosting a Back to School Fair from 11am-2pm at their ID Clinic at 720 8th Ave. S. The Back to School Fair will include free dental screening, meet ICHS "Tooth Fairy, " teaching children how to use 911, fingerprinting for children, games that promote healthy eating and physical activities, information on the latest low cost health insurance and meet Dr. Bear. They will host another Back to School Fair on Sunday August 15 from 11-2 at their Holly Park Clinic at 3815 South Othello St. For more information on Back to School Fairs contact Max Chan at 206.788.3672.

On Wednesday August 11th The Sea Mar Burien Clinic at 14434 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien will host a health fair from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM. This fair will include Lab services - Cholesterol checks, Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, and Insurance information.

On Thursday August 12th The Sea Mar White Center Clinic at 9650 15th Ave SW #100 will host a health fair from 10 am to 4:00 pm. This health fair will include Dental services - Information Lab services - Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, Insurance information and DSHS information. For more information on Sea Mar health fairs in Burien and White Center, contact Brent Swartz at (206) 812-9182.

Note that these services are primarily for uninsured patients without insurance and/or insured through DSHS (Medicaid) and/or Medicare. If you have Private Insurance and are currently established with a Primary Care Provider some where else, you are encouraged to continue seeking Health Care services there.

For more information on National Health Center Week visit http://www.healthcenterweek.org/index.html. For a list of all the Health Center Week healthfairs and events in Washington click here http://www.healthcenterweek.org/join_list.asp?region=wa.

Stay healthy and have a great day!

Job Search Classes at Seattle Libraries

Hi, If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about some free job search classes at Seattle Public Libraries next week. Job Interview Basics is being offered at the Greenwood Library at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. on Mon Aug 2 from 430 to 6 pm. Do you have an upcoming job interview? Do you want to know how to stand out as the best job candidate? In this workshop you will learn how to successfully prepare for a job interview. They will discuss common interview questions, body language, steps you can take to improve your interview success. For more info call 206-684-4086 or Ask a Librarian
On Tuesday August 3rd, is Resume Basics at the Rainier Beach Library at 9125 Rainier Ave. S. at from 430 to 6. Come to this workshop if you want to learn what employers are looking for in a résumé. This workshop focuses on developing a résumé that will get past the 10-second screen. A résumé template will be distributed that can be used in paper or electronic form. For more info call 206-386-1906.
On Wednesday 8/4 from 430-6 Job Interview Basics will be offered again at the Southwest Library at 9010 35th Ave. S.W. For more info call 206-684-7455.
On Thursday, August 5, 5 – 6:30pm is Online Job Searching Basics at the Northeast Branch at 6801 35th Ave. N.E. Are you new to online job searching? Learn about submitting online résumés and completing Web-based job applications. This class requires the ability to navigate a Web page and Résumé Basics or an existing résumé. For more info call 206-684-7539.

The Seattle Public Library is partnering with WorkSource at South Seattle Community College to offer resume and job search workshops. Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. These classes are offered regularly at Seattle Public Libraries so if you can’t make a class this week, ask your local library when and where the class will be offered next or visit the Seattle Public Libraries calendar of events and classes.

Good Luck!

Family Health Hotline & DSHS Health Programs

Hi, if you, your family or someone you know is in need of assistance with healthcare, I want to let you know about the many medical assistance programs available in Washington and the Within Reach Family Health Hotline, which provides up-to-date information about state-sponsored health insurance programs. If you call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588, they can screen and assist you in applying for many State programs including:
Washington Apple Health for Kids— free or low cost medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits to children under age 19.
Washington Basic Health: a low cost health insurance program for low-income Washington State residents, which currently has a waiting list.
The Washington Health Program a new non-subsidized version of the Basic Health program, which offers affordable and reliable health insurance with fewer restrictions and low costs.
Family Medical: free medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage to very limited income families with dependent children under the age of 18 and living in the home.
The First Steps Program, which provides free health insurance, including medical, dental and vision benefits for pregnant women.
Take Charge, the family planning and free birth control program
The Premium Payment Program which helps families keep private insurance while on Medicaid
The Washington Prescription Drug Program Discount Card which gives discounts on all medications to all Washington state residents regardless of age or income
Rx Help for WA which helps low-income, uninsured Washington residents get free or discounted medicines
The Family Health Hotline can also help you locate Community Health clinics in your area that provide reduced cost or free medical care to people without health insurance.
You should also be aware that DSHS has changed to a new payment system called Provider One, where instead of paper medical coupons recipients of Medicaid programs and GAU medical receive a free permanent Services Card, a plastic card which works like any other insurance card.
The Family Health Hotline can explain program eligibility guidelines, help you understand how and where you can access these services, screen for eligibility for various programs, start a benefits application and help you apply online. Staff are available Monday through Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-5:00. The Family Health Hotline number is 1-800-322-2588 or visit http://www.parenthelp123.org/resources/health-insurance.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 7/21/10

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday July 21st from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's Largest Hiring Event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 21st from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

Seattle Conservation Corps interviewing 7/13

Hi. If you or someone you know are homeless and looking for work you should consider the Seattle Conservation Corps: A 1 year work experience training program through Seattle Parks and Recreation. They will be holding phone interviews on Tuesday, July 13 at 8 AM, at (206) 684-0190. The program requires that workers be a minimum 18 years of age, be able to lift 50 pounds, have a Washington ID and Social Security Card and be able to document their homelessness, such as living in shelters, transitional housing, or in-patient treatment. Seattle Conservation Corps members build streams, lay concrete, paint, plant trees, move furniture, and do other physically taxing activities throughout the year regardless of the weather. So, it is important that you feel that you are physically capable of handling the work, and you must be able to lift 50 pounds. Seattle Conservation Corps also provides enrollees assistance with drug and alcohol recovery, case management, a learning center (with opportunities to study for the GED, learn computer skills, math or English), assistance with food, shelter, transportation, mental health counseling, and assistance with job placement. Enrollees work 40 hours per week, and the Initial Compensation including Premium Pay is $8.55 + 5% premium per hour. To apply you must call (206) 684-0190 at 8:00 AM on Tuesday July 13th for a phone screening. If you receive a busy signal continue to call. Don’t leave a message and prepare to be on hold for a while. You can increase your chances of being screened by calling on a phone that has a redial button. They ask that you be honest with them about substance abuse, mental illness, and/or criminal history. Those candidates chosen will be asked to come in for a face-to-face interview. If both interviews are successful, you will become a Candidate-For-Enrollment and will be given a date for a physical, academic testing, and a first day of enrollment, or be placed in a pool with other candidates that will be given an enrollment date in the near future. For more information on Seattle Conservation Corps call (206) 684-0190 and don’t forget that you have to call at 8AM next Tuesday July 13th in order to apply. Good Luck!

Summer Lunch Program

Could your family use more food this summer? How about free summer meals and snacks for kids?
The Summer Meals Program is a federal nutrition program that provides free meals and snacks for children 18 and under during the summer break. There are over 100 free Summer meal sites in King County, located in schools, parks, recreation centers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and camps. Meals are served following USDA guidelines that specify the conditions of site supervision, food storage, portion size and nutritional value. In addition to meals, many sites provide fun activities for kids. Sites may be open from June through August, depending on your community.

All kids and teens (18 years old and younger) are eligible for the program. No proof of income, address or citizenship is ever required.

To find the location and time of Summer Meals sites nearest you, call the Family Food Hotline
1-888-4-FOOD-WA that 1-888-436-6392
or visit www.ParentHelp123.org to find your nearest Summer Meals sites online.

Seattle Career Fair 6/29/10

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Seattle Career Fair at The Seattle Center on Tuesday June 29th from 11 AM to 3:00 PM.
You can meet face-to-face with hiring decision-makers from some of the area’s top employers. They recommend that you dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because they are there to hire.
Just walk in and start interviewing. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with multiple companies in one day at one location. Many of these companies have several openings. You will no longer be just a piece of paper; you can get right in front of the decision makers attending this event. Admission is free.
That’s at the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms, next to Key Arena at 1st Ave. N & Republican St in Seattle, Tuesday the 29th from 11 to 3. To pre-register or for more information visit http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/seattle-jobs/.Good Luck!

Nationwide Job Fair 6/23/10

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Nationwide Job Fair Seattle at the Best Western Rivers Edge in Tukwila on Wednesday June 23rd from 1 PM to 5. At this job fair, you will have the opportunity to meet with top companies and even interview. To schedule interviews in advance, you must register online at www.nationwidejobfairs.com and upload your resume. At this job fair there will be job opportunities in Sales, Customer Service, Clerical, Administrative, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Government Opportunities, Marketing & Advertising, Business Administration and Management and many more. All employers at the Job Fair including NationwideJobFairs.com are Equal Opportunity Employers. All job seekers are encouraged to apply for positions and attend this job fair. The dress code is professional. The Job Fair is at NO charge to job seekers. Bring plenty of resumes. Parking is free. That’s at the Best Western Rivers Edge hotel at 15901 West Valley Hwy in Tukwila, next Wednesday the 23rd from 1 to 5. To schedule job interviews, register online at www.nationwidejobfairs.com. For more information call 360-918-8572 or E-mail info@nationwidejobfairs.com. Good Luck!

Local Bed Bug Epidemic

Recently, there has been a growth in bed bug infestation in the Seattle area--in hotels, motels, apartments, and shelters. Please listen to this information for your health & safety!

• Adult bed bugs are approximately ¼ inch long, (about the size of a pencil eraser) and nearly as flat as a piece of paper, and are reddish-brown in color. After feeding they will appear fatter and darker red, like an animated blood drop
• Bedbug Eggs are 1 milimeter long (about the size of a pinhead) eggs are pearly white, pear shaped and & are usually in clusters of 10 to 50 found in crevices
• Bites usually appear in rows of 3 or more.
Reactions to bites can vary significantly between individuals from a mild, itchy welt to a more severe rash-like symptom. Some individuals do not have any reaction, but may have been bitten. However, the most common reactions appear as a raised reddened welt similar to a mosquito bite.

Because they prefer hiding in small crevices with limited access and can go up to 18 months without food, bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate. The following procedures are recommended to help prevent and eradicate bed bug infestations.

• Keep all bed linens off the floor and wash all sheets in hot water weekly.
• Check beds for any signs of infestation like reddish brown specks or bug casings.
• Also inspect for bedbugs in luggage, backpacks, TVs, furniture, lamps—anywhere there are cracks and spaces for them to crawl
• Keep all beds away from the walls
• When moving into a new space, wash all clothes in hot water & dry on high, and take a soapy hot shower.
• Be cautious of any used furniture, or other used items such as TVs or lamps
• Beware of used clothes-wash everything in hot water before wearing or putting away.
• Don’t borrow clothing, furniture or other items from neighbors.
• Keep your space clean and free of clutter—vacuum regularly and keep stuff put away.
• Check for bites on yourself and your children

If you are bitten or see any bedbugs or signs of infestation, let your landlord, shelter staff or case manager know right away! Landlords are responsible for providing extermination services.
Don’t let the bedbugs bite!

Job Interviewing & Job Search Classes 6/7 and 6/8

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about two free classes on job interviewing and job search next Monday and Tuesday at Seattle Public Libraries.

On Monday June 7th at the Greenwood Branch is a free class on Job Interview Basics from 4 to 5:30pm. Do you have an upcoming job interview? Do you want to know how to stand out as the best job candidate? In this workshop you will learn how to successfully prepare for a job interview. They will discuss common interview questions, body language, steps you can take to improve your interview success. This class is presented in partnership with WorkSource at South Seattle Community College. That’s at the Greenwood Library at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. in Seattle on Mon Jun 7th at 4pm.For more information call 206-684-4086.

And on Tuesday June 8th at the Central Library downtown there is a free class on Beginning a Job Search from 4 to 5:30pm. Have you just been laid off? Are you just starting your job search?
In this workshop you will learn how to develop a successful job search plan in tough economic times. They will discuss strategies to help you deal with being unemployed, and help you develop a successful job search workplan. That’s on Tuesday June 8th at 4 at the Central Library at 1000 Fourth Ave. in Seattle on Level 4 in Room 4. For more information, call 206-386-4636.

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. No registration required. Seating may be limited based on room capacity.

Northwest Folklife Festival this weekend

Hi, if you are looking for something free and fun to do this Memorial Day weekend, you should check out the Northwest Folklife Festival, at Seattle Center, this Friday May 28th through Monday May 31st. Northwest Folklife is one of the largest, varied and most vibrant free folk celebrations in North America, now in its 39th year. Produced by Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center, it hosts more than 7,000 participants, over 20 stages and venues, roughly 1000 performances, and an audience of approximately 250,000 at the 74-acre Seattle Center. Participants immerse themselves in four days of music and dance performances, visual arts and folklore exhibits, symposia, workshops, craft and cooking demonstrations and films. The Northwest Folklife Festival is free to the public! While they suggest a $10 donation, the event is really free. So don’t miss Folklife this Friday through Monday from 11AM to 10 PM at the Seattle Center at 305 Harrison Street. For more information and a schedule of events visit www.nwfolklife.org/festival, pick up this week’s Seattle Weekly or Stranger paper or call 206-684-7300. Have Fun!

Healthy Aging Fair 5/26

Come to the Healthy Aging Fair on Wed, May 26 from 9am-3pm
at 810 3rd Ave, in Seattle. Older Adults and Baby Boomers are welcome at this fun and educational event. You'll learn about wellness, disease prevention and fitness. Free hearing tests, blood pressure checks and other health screenings available. Learn about nutrition, consumer safety, utility assistance, senior employment services, volunteer opportunities and recreation. For more information, call 206-684-0500 or email: seniors@seattle.gov.

WorkSource Hiring Events 5/25 and 5/26

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work. I want to let you know about two hiring events through Worksource on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Tuesday May 25 at WorkSource Auburn at 1 PM there is a Hiring Event for ACS, who have multiple openings for Customer Service Representatives for their Federal Way call center. Incumbents will interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints. This job requires excellent communication and customer service skills. Space is limited, you must RSVP with your resume to ecox@esd.wa.gov. For more information call (253) 804-1177. That’s at WorkSource Auburn at 2707 I Street NE, on Tuesday the 25th at 1.

On Wednesday May 26 at WorkSource North Seattle at 10:30 am
There is a hiring event for Home Instead Senior Services who have multiple openings for part-time caregivers. Caregivers provide companionship for the elderly, assist with activities of daily living, prepare meals, monitor client’s health and clean their households. This job requires previous professional or personal experience caring for the elderly. Contact nkitnikone@esd.wa.gov or call (206) 440-2500 for more information. That’s at WorkSource North Seattle at 9600 College Way N, #1151 on Wednesday at 10:30.

For both these hiring events, please bring a copy of your résumé and come prepared to speak with a company representative. For more information visit the Worksource Washington website.

Good luck.

Americorps & VISTA jobs

Greetings! Would you like to do some amazing work in your community and get paid doing it? Solid Ground is now hiring for Americorps and VISTA members to serve in our communities, working for social justice in a variety of roles, from helping kids learn to read, to raising awareness of violence prevention strategies, and much more. These are full time positions for one year. Members receive a monthly stipend plus a $4,725 education award at the end of their one year of service. If you receive SSI benefits, TANF, food stamps or other government entitlements your eligibility will not be affected by the Americorps or VISTA income. These positions will begin in September. For more information, please call (206) 926-9000 or visit solid-ground.org/americorps. People of color are encouraged to apply. Thank you and have a good day.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 4/28

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday April 28th from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's Largest Hiring Event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 28th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

Its not to late to complete the Census: now get counted over the phone

Hi. If you still haven't completed a Census form, there's still time, and now, there's an even easier way to make sure you're counted. Until April 19, you can call a toll-free Census number and provide your information over the phone. Simply dial 1-866-872-6868, select the option to receive Census information, then say "Customer Service." This command will put you in touch with a Census representative, and you can tell them you'd like to give your Census answers over the phone. Again, that number is 1-866-872-6868, and it's toll-free. Be counted! Good luck!

Free Tax Preparation

Hi. It's tax time! Between now and April 15, you can get your income tax return prepared and filed for free at one of several tax preparation sites in your area. In addition to getting help filing your taxes, you may be eligible to receive a refund of up to $5,657 through the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes. The free tax preparation service will be provided by IRS trained volunteers who know what they're doing. For more information, and to find a location near you, simply dial 211 from any phone and tell the operator you want information about free tax preparation services. 211 is a statewide Information & Referral number, and the call is toll-free. 211 may also be able to provide you with information about other general benefits you may be eligible for. Again, just pick up a phone and dial 211 to find out more about free tax-preparation services and other general benefits in your area. For a list of free tax preparation sites in King County, click this link:
http://www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/endinghomelessness/eitc/where.asp
For more information see the United Way Tax Campaign website
http://www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/endinghomelessness/eitc/default.asp

We hope this information is useful to you. If you plan to call 211 to find out about tax services, or have already filed your taxes, please let us know! At the end of this message, press the 4 button and leave us an anonymous message letting us know if you intend to call 211, or if you've already filed your taxes. We'd love to know how many Community Voice Mail users are taking action to file their taxes. Thanks!

Baby Boost Information Fair

Hello, this message is especially for pregnant mothers and parents of babies and toddlers.
On Saturday, April 10th there will be a Baby Boost Information Fair. The location is at Wallingford Family Works, 1501 N. 45th Street. The fair begins at 10:00am and lasts until 12noon.

Special at this event will be Husky Smiles: A volunteer group of dental students from the University of Washington School of Dentistry will provide these free services: dental screening, oral hygiene instruction, and toothbrushes for children. There will be fluoride treatments for children over 2 years of age.

All participants will have opportunities to:
• Learn about health and nutrition for you and your children.
• Connect with important social services such as housing and energy assistance, employment services, health care, and more.
• And get free useful baby items, like wipes, sippy cups, diapers, and more.
• There will also be a drawing for bigger prizes.

Child care and interpretation services will be available.

To register for the event, please call Megan at 206.694.6755.

New Homeless Veterans Hotline

I’m calling to tell you about a new resource for US Veterans who may be experiencing homelessness. The Department of Veterans Affairs has created a toll-free, national hotline for veterans to provide free, 24-hour access to VA counselors and other resources that might help you. If you call during normal business hours hotline staff will ask you a few questions to figure out what you need, then they will transfer you to a live person at your local VA medical center. If you call outside of business hours, hotline staff will give you a phone number and the address of the facility nearest to you.

To call the Homeless Veteran hotline, dial 1-877-424-3838. Again, this is a toll-free call, and is available 24 hours a day. That number again is 1-877-424-3838. For more information visit http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.

If you call, please let them know that you heard about the hotline from Community Voice Mail. Please pass the word to any friends or family members who are veterans and may be experiencing homelessness. Thanks!

"Spring into Bed" Seattle garden building project

Are you interested in fund raising, community outreach, event planning, publicizing & being a driving force behind Spring into Bed--Seattle’s First Annual Garden Building Event?
This is the first mobile weekly meeting taking place from now until the second week of May. At Cascade People’s Center at 309 Pontius Ave N, Tuesday, March 16 from 6:30PM to 8:30
Spring into Bed is a grass-roots, city wide, garden building event and fundraiser - building, strengthening and celebrating our flourishing community food systems. Come & share this rewarding, culminating labor of love! We will be discussing time line, mobilizing & choose well defined tasks that appeal to our individual & collective strengths & talents. We will also determine the next meeting location. Meetings will take place every Wenesday following tomorrow until May 8th. This celebration & delegation of the good work ahead is free & open to all. Please bring a monetary or food donation for the Center & let Stephanie know that you are planning to attend. Her number is: 206.708.9913 or springintobed@gmail.com
For more information visit www.springintobed.org

Be Counted in the 2010 Census

The following is an important message from the President about the 2010 Census and why it’s important for everyone to be counted. If you are living at your own residence, you can expect to receive a packet in the mail soon with instructions on how to fill it out. If you are living in a shelter or another situation where you are not at your own residence, census workers will be coming to shelters on March 29th, soup kitchens and foodbanks on March 30th, and outdoor encampments on March 31st. The personal information you provide to the census bureau is totally confidential and cannot be shared with anyone, including law enforcement, immigration and other government agencies. It’s easy, safe and important, so make sure to be counted in the 2010 Census. For more information about the census and what you can expect you can call 206-501-4160 for Seattle, 425-749-5110 for the Eastside or 253-449-1150 for South King County or visit 2010.census.gov. Thank you.

[President Obama] “Every 10 years, our Constitution requires the federal government to conduct a census. This helps determine your representation in Congress, as well as how federal funds are spent on things like schools and roads, and where businesses decide to put new stores and factories. So when you get your census form in mid-March, take about 10 minutes to answer 10 questions — remembering to include everyone in your household. Because we can't move forward until you mail it back.”

Seattle Career Fair 3/16 at Seattle Center 10:30-2

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Seattle Career Fair at The Seattle Center on Tuesday March 16th from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
You can meet face-to-face with hiring decision-makers from some of the areas top employers. They recommend that you dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because they are there to hire.
Just walk in and start interviewing. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with multiple companies in one day at one location. Many of these companies have several openings. You will no longer be just a piece of paper, you can get right in front of the decision makers attending this event. Admission is free.
That’s at the Seattle Center at 305 Harrison Street in Seattle, Tuesday the16th from 10:30 to 2. To pre-register or for more information visit http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/seattle-jobs/.Good Luck!

Solid Ground Advisory Council

Hi. Are you interested in giving us feedback on your experience at Solid Ground? We invite you to join our Advisory Council. The purpose of the advisory council is to provide feedback on Solid Ground programs, like Community Voice Mail, identify unmet needs, share your ideas about ways our services can be improved, and advocate for change. Advisory council members meet once a month to actively voice your opinions to Solid Ground. Dinner, childcare and transportation-reimbursement are provided. If you would like more information or would like to join us for a meeting, please press 4 at the end of this message, to leave your contact info, or call Ariana Cantu at 206-694-6860. We look forward to hearing from you, and hope you will join Solid Ground’s advisory council and come share your voice!

Greater Seattle Job Fair 2/10

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday February 10th from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's Largest Hiring Event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 10th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

Job Opportunity: US Census taker $17.50/hour

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work, you might want to consider becoming a US Census taker. Pay starts at $17.50 an hour, is part time and temporary (from 1 to 5 months) and starts in early spring. There are thousands of census taker positions in King County, that include good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for work-related expenses. Census takers work in their own communities/zip codes locating households, explaining the purpose of the census, conducting brief personal interviews, helping neighbors complete their 2010 Census questionnaire, and recording responses on paper forms. This means you will be required to work when most people are typically at home, which includes evening and weekend hours. Job offers depend on several factors, such as the availability of work in your community, test score, language skills, veterans' preference, and the number of hours you are available to work each week. It is easy to apply! Just call your local Census Office and schedule to attend a meeting where you will take the 30 minute employment test and fill out the job application. There are census offices in Seattle, Tukwila and Bellevue. The phone numbers for the local offices are:
Seattle office 206-501-4160
Tukwila office 253-449-1150
Bellevue office 425-749-5110
Or you can call the toll free job line at 1-866-861-2010 or visit their website http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/. Good luck!

Help Pass The Fair Tenant Screening Act

This is an important message from Solid Ground:

You can take a minute to make a phone call to improve the rights of renters and low income people in Washington. Have you ever paid over and over for screening costs, only to be denied housing without being told why? Solid Ground is working to pass a law that will make tenant screening affordable, accurate and transparent. This law will ensure that tenants only pay once for screening costs and that all the information is accurate. Call your State Representatives and tell them to pass HB 2622, the Fair Tenant Screening Act. You can leave a message with your two state Representatives at the state legislative hotline number: 1-800-562-6000. Please call 1-800-562-6000 and ask your state reps to vote YES on HB 2622, Fair Tenant Screening Act.

Thank you. Only if people speak up will we be able to pass this important law.

Free Tax Preparation

You can get your income tax return prepared and filed for free at any one of 17 United Way sponsored tax sites throughout King County between now and April 15, 2010. The free tax preparation service will be provided by IRS trained multilingual volunteers. For a list of free tax preparation sites in King County, click this link:
http://www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/endinghomelessness/eitc/where.asp
You can also find a free tax-preparation site in your area, by calling 2-1-1 from any phone in King County (this is a free call, even from payphones). Tell the 211 operator that you want information about free tax preparation services. Be sure to tell them you heard about this through Community Voice Mail.
Also, you may be eligible to receive a refund of up to $5,657 through the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes.

To receive the Earned Income Tax Credit on a 2009 tax return, you must:
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Have lived in the United States for more than half the year
• Made less than $ 3,100 from investment income
• Have earned income
• Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
• Be between the ages of 25 and 65
or had dependent children under age 19 (under 24 for full time students or a permanently and totally disabled child of any age) living with you for more than half of 2009.

In addition, a taxpayer's earned income and adjusted gross income must each be less than:
• $48,279 ($43,279 for a single-parent household) with three or more qualifying children
• $45,295 ($40,295 for a single-parent household) with two or more qualifying children
• $40,463 ($35,463 for a single-parent household) with one qualifying child
• $18,440 ($13,440 for single individuals) with no qualifying children

The Maximum credit is
• $5,657 with three or more qualified children
• $5,028 with two qualified children
• $3,043 with one qualified child
• $457 if you have no qualified children
To estimate how much money you could receive, use this
Earned Income Tax Credit Estimator
http://www.cbpp.org/eic2009/calculator/

For more information see the United Way Tax Campaign website
http://www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/endinghomelessness/eitc/default.asp

Good luck and get your taxes done!

Poverty Action MLK Day Summit & March 1/18

I want to encourage you to take action to end poverty this Martin Luther King Day! Come to Olympia with Statewide Poverty Action Network to Monday January 18th for the Ending Poverty, Creating Opportunity: People's Summit & March on the Capitol.

Free buses leave Seattle from Solid Ground (at 1501 N 45th St. in Wallingford) at 7:15am on Monday, Jan. 18, and return at around 5:30 pm the same day. The bus will also make a stop in Auburn if that is more convenient for you. You must sign up for the bus or carpool in advance, by calling Poverty Action Network at 206-694-6794—Ask for Kate.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Childcare will also be provided at the Capitol, and kids are welcome on the bus. Come to learn about policies that affect low-income people, network with people from across the state and share your story with lawmakers.

We hope you will turn out on January 18th, to call upon the state legislature and the Governor to make ending poverty a priority. For more information call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794.