Get Online Week 12/3-8

Hi, would you or someone you know like to learn how to use computers and the internet? Did you know you can attend classes for free or low-cost at public computing centers in your own neighborhood? Next week, December 3rd through 8^th is Get Online Week. Stop by your nearest participating center 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. You can learn more at www.seattle.gov/getonline/

Participating locations include:
Afrique Service Center 5706 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 380-8828
Chinese Information and Service Center 611 S Lane, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 624-5633
Denny Terrace Computer Lab 100 Melrose Ave E Seattle, WA 98122
Jefferson Terrace Computer Lab 800 Jefferson Street Seattle, WA 98104
Lake City Court 12536 33rd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 (206) 361-3701
Multimedia Resources & Training Institute (MMRTI)2301 S Jackon, Suite 103 Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 838-6359
Neighborhood House Technology Ctr at Ranier Vista 4410 29th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 461-4568
Raja for Africa 1221 S Main, Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98125 (206) 323-9004
RecTech - Delridge Computer Lab 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 (206) 799-2030
RecTech - Yesler Learning Lab 917 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 615-1579
RecTech - Garfield Computer Lab 2323 E Cherry, Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 684-4788
RecTech - Miller Computer Lab 330 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 (206) 684-4753
RecTech - Rainier Computer Lab 4600 38th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 386-1919
RecTech - South Park Computer Lab 8319 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 615-0981
RecTech - Southwest Teen Life Center Computer Lab 2801 SW Thistle St, Seattle, WA 98126 (206) 684-7438
STAR Center 2600 South Walker Street, Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 325-4284
Westwood Village 9455 27th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

Visit seattle.gov/getonline often - they will be updating the website with more centers and the activities they will be offering on a daily basis. Please contact Vicky Yuki at 206-233-7877 if you have questions, need directions, or would like the list of sites in an alternative format, or email vicky.yuki@seattle.gov.

Free Tenant Rights Workshop 11/29

Want to know more about your rights as a renter? Wondering how to get your deposit back or request a repair? Would you like to know how the new changes in the laws impact renters?

Solid Ground Tenant Counselors are hosting a FREE Rent Smart Workshop for the community on Thursday November 29, 5:30-7:30pm, at the Kent City Hall First Floor Chamber at 220 4th Ave S., Kent, WA 98032. They will provide information about the landlord-tenant laws in Washington State and discuss the laws and ordinances that apply throughout the housing search process, move-in, during tenancy, move-out and eviction. Bring your questions!

Since there is no agency that enforces the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act in our state, it is largely up to tenants to understand the laws and know their rights in order to take appropriate action to effectively enforce them. They will talk about some tips and best practices for renters to help you assert your rights and have a successful tenancy – whether you are signing a rental agreement, requesting repairs or have questions about your privacy rights.

Especially with recent changes and additions to the laws, challenging situations can arise for tenants. For example, the laws around landlord entry and privacy rights changed in 2011, requiring landlords to provide written notice before entering a tenant’s unit. If a tenant is unaware of this law or the changes, their privacy rights could be compromised. There are remedies available to tenants if a landlord is not complying with the laws, but tenants have to know those remedies are available in order to use them. Knowing the laws and what steps to take, tenants can take action to correct the problem.

If you would to attend the workshop, please RSVP to the Solid Ground Tenant Services Workshop & Advocacy Line at 206.694.6748 or email tenantwa@solid-ground.org.

That the free Rent Smart Workshop next Thursday the 29^th from 5:30 to 7:30 Kent City Hall, First Floor Chamber at 220 4th Ave S., Kent, 98032. Buses 150, 158, 159, 166, 180, 183, 566, 913, 914, 916, 952 and Sounder. For more information, visit the website at www.solid-ground.org/Tenant.

Free Thanksgiving meals

Happy Holidays! We want to let you know about the many free Thanksgiving meals being served this week throughout King County.

Tuesday the 20^th (tomorrow)

Bellevue Parks & Community Services - Crossroads Community Center
Will provide a free holiday meal for Bellevue families in need; includes children's arts & crafts.  Walk in on Tuesday at, 5:30pm
Address: 16000 NE 10th St, Bellevue, 98008
Buses: 226, 251, 226, RAPIDRIDE B LINE
For more information call (425) 452-4874 or
Website: www.bellevuewa.gov/crossroads_center.htm

Wednesday the 21^st (day before Thanksgiving)

Kent Seventh Day Adventist Church - Neighbor to Neighbor
Will Provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need;
Walk in from 2:30-6pm, Meal is served at 4:30pm.
Address:  25213 116th Ave SE, Kent, WA, 98030
Buses 157, 161, 168
Phone: (253) 852-3883
Website: www.kentsda.org

Phinney Neighborhood Association
Offers a special holiday meal during the regularly scheduled meal time. Serves traditional holiday foods. Meal begins at noon, Wednesday. Doors open at 11am.
Address:  6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103
Buses 5 and 358
Phone: (206) 783-2244
Website: www.phinneycenter.org

Millionair Club Charity
Will Provide a Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in need; Wednesday the  21st and Thanksgiving Day Thursday the 22^nd
Address: 2515 Western Ave, Seattle, WA, 98121
Walk in, Wednesday or  Thursday noon-1:30pm
Phone: (206) 728-5627
Website: http://www.millionairclub.org

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday the 22nd

Cathedral Kitchen
Provides a Thanksgiving Day dinner to anyone in need at 4 PM
Address: 907 Columbia St St. James Cathedral Hall, Seattle, WA, 98104
Buses: 3, 4, 12, 60, 193, 205, 211
Phone: (206) 264-2091|
Website: http://www.stjames-cathedral.org/outreach/kitchen.htm

Community Lunch on Capitol Hill
Provides a large Thanksgiving themed lunch for anyone in need at 5 Pm
Address: 500 Broadway E All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle, WA, 98102
Buses: 9, 49, 60
Phone: (206) 322-7500 
Website: http://www.communitylunch.org

Compass Housing Alliance
Will serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast for any homeless adult in need at 11:00 am
Address: 2015 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA, 98121
Buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14, 16, 24, 26, 28, 33, 40, 120, 358
Phone: (206) 357-3190 
Website: http://www.compasshousingalliance.org

Luther's Table
Provides a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community. Walk in, from 1-3pm.
Address: 419 S 2nd St Suite 1, Renton, WA, 98057
Buses: 106, 107, 140, 169
Phone: (206) 854-2883

Salvation Army - Social Services Department - East King
Serves a full traditional Thanksgiving dinner to residents of East and North King County, Walk in, 12-3pm
Address: 911 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98008 
Buses 226 and 221
Website: http://www.salvationarmynw.org/eastside

Salvation Army - William Booth Center
Serves a free Thanksgiving meal to anyone in need 11:00 a.m.-1:00p.m.
Address:  811 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98134
Phone: (206) 621-0145
Buses: 7, 24, 26, 28, 594
Website: http://www.salvationarmynw.org

Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
Serves Thanksgiving Day meals with optional Christian services; walk in before Nov. 22, 2012 to obtain a required ticket. Tickets are available 7am-7pm. With ticket, walk in for any Thanksgiving day dinner time at 3:30pm, 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Address: 318 2nd Ave Ext S, Seattle, WA, 98104
Phone: (206) 622-5177
Website: http://www.ugm.org

South Park Area Redevelopment Committee
Provides a Thanksgiving lunch Thursday noon-4pm.
Address: 8201 10th Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98108
Buses 132 and 60
Phone: (206) 372-6739
Website: http://www.allaboutsouthpark.com/

YWCA Angeline's
Provides a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal for any in need; walk in 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 pm.
No ID required. No men or children permitted.
Address: 2030 3^rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Buses:  2, 3, 4, 14, 16, 21, 27, 40, 120, 124, 131, 132, 358
Website: http:/ / www. ywcaworks. org

Ballard Community Taskforce on Homelessness and Hunger
All are invited to a community meal! We'll have all the fixin's of a great Turkey dinner. Not only will there be free food but takeaways like blankets, socks and more.
Address: 2 Bit Saloon: 4818 17th Ave NW, Seattle, Washington 98107
Buses: 15, 17, 18, 29, 40, 44 61, 62, Rapid Ride D Line
Website: www.facebook.com/events/498755116811910/

Friday the 23^rd (day after Thanksgiving)

New Hope Baptist Church
Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need, transportation may be provided.  Walk in Friday 11am-4pm
Address: 124 21st Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122
Buses 3, 4, 8, 14, 27, 48
Phone:(206) 323-4212 

ROOTS Young Adult Homeless Shelter
Offers a multi-course, restaurant-quality Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in need; walk in, Friday the 23^rd at 6pm. Entrance is through a set of double blue doors at the SW corner of the church, down the alley between the church and the post office.
Address: University Temple UM Church: 1415 NE 43rd St, Seattle, WA, 98105
Buses 30, 43, 44, 48, 70, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, 167, 197, 205, 207, 271, 373, 542, 546, 556, 586
Phone: (206) 632-1635 
Website: http://www.rootsinfo.org

And there are more free Thanksgiving meals being served this week throughout Western Washington. To see the full list of free Thanksgiving meals please visit: tinyurl.com/ThanksgivingMealsWashington
Happy holidays!

Great American Smokeout Today!

 Hi, if you're a smoker or know people are and would like some help quitting, today, Thursday, November 15th is the 37th Annual Great American Smokeout, a day sponsored by the American Cancer Society to help people stop using tobacco.  If you smoke and want help quitting, there is a toll-free number you can call to help get started, The Washington State Department of Health Tobacco Quit Line. Just call at 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669), to talk with a trained "Quit Coach" who will give you tips and techniques to help you quit smoking, and send you materials in the mail if you provide a mailing address.  This service is completely confidential.  Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.  

Save Money! Save your Life! Did you know?  If you’ve smoked 1 pack a day for the last 10 years…

*  You’ve spent $31,536 on cigarettes

*  You’ve cut 3 years from your life span

Here are some keys to Help You Quit:

* Get Medication - nicotine replacement gums, inhalers, lozenges, sprays, or patches

* Get Support & Encouragement - tell others that you are quitting

* Get active with your hands - Exercise or do something that keeps your hands busy

* Choose other things for your mouth - Use substitutes you can put in your mouth such as sugarless gum or hard candy. Some people chew on a coffee stirrer or a straw

* Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and the benefits you’ll gain as an ex-smoker.

* Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations - avoid alcohol, drink lots of water & stay active

* Delay - If you are about to light up, hold off. Tell yourself you must wait at least 10 minutes

* Breathe deeply - picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air.

* Reward yourself - What you’re doing is not easy, so you deserve a reward. Put the money you   would have spent on tobacco in a jar every day and then buy yourself a weekly treat.
* Visit the Great American Smokeout website:

Call the  Tobacco Quit Line. Their number again 1-800-784-8669. If you've been thinking about quitting, we hope you give this number a call.  The Quit Lines are available year-round. Thanks and stay healthy.

Job Fairs this Wednesday and next Thursday

Hi, If you or someone you know are looking for work, I want to let you know about The Highline job fair this Wednesday the 7th,  The Choice Career Fair and Nationwide Job Fair both next Thursday the 15^th.  

Highline Community College Job Fair is this Wednesday the 7^th from 9 to 1 at Highline Community College. Free to job seekers! Start the morning off meeting with various employers looking to hire fulltime, part time, and temporary workers. Bring copies of your resume, dress to impress, and be prepared to speak with recruiters about your education, skills and career goals. A list of registered employers is available online at studentemployment.highline.edu/jobfair. Parking is free, but limited. Carpooling and use of local park-n-rides and transit strongly recommended. Highline Community College is located along the Metro Express A line. If you have any questions contact: Student Employment 206-592-3350 for more information. That’s the Highline Job Fair this Wednesday November 7^th from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Highline Community College, Building 8, 1st floor, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, 98198.

Next Thursday the 15^th from 10:30 to 2 at the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms is the Choice Career Fairs Seattle Career Fair. Meet face to face with the hiring managers from some of the best employers in the greater Seattle area. Just walk in and start interviewing, it's that simple. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with dozens of local companies in one day and at one location.  Free Admission...Hundreds of Jobs, in most job categories...The recruiters at this event have many job titles they need to fill. For a list of job titles, maps and a line pass, please go to choicecareerfairs.com. That the Choice Career Fair next Thursday the 15^th from 10:30 to 2 at The Seattle Center Northwest Rooms, Next to Key Arena at 1st Ave. N & Republican St., Seattle, 98109.

Also, next Thursday the 15^th is the Nationwide Job Fairs Tukwila Job Fair from 1 to 4 at the Best Western River's Edge. Nationwidejobfairs.com invites you to attend their upcoming Seattle job fair to meet directly with decision makers at top companies and schedule interviews. Companies attending this event include: Boeing, Federal Reserve Bank, Diamond Wireless, Army Corps of Engineers and many more companies and agencies. Visit their website and register for this event to receive an updated list of attending companies. Their job fair provides you an opportunity to stand out and make your personal connection. At their Job Fairs employers attend to recruit career seekers. Expect employers to provide you with the next steps to apply for open positions or they will provide you with interview dates and times. From entry level to professional positions; From Hourly to Salaried positions. All fields including: Sales, Customer Service, Clerical, Administrative, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Government, Non-Profit, Marketing and many more. That’s the Nationwide Job Fairs Tukwila Job Fair at the Best Western River's Edge at 15901 West Valley Highway in Tukwila.

Good Luck!

Vote by Tuesday 11/6!

This is a message from Statewide Poverty Action Network. I want to encourage you to turn in your ballots on or before Election Day, this Tuesday, November 6th.

This election we will be electing the president, US house representatives, state house reps and senators, governor, and other offices. This year Washington has four measures on the ballot. They include an initiative related to state revenue and taxes, one that would allow charter schools in our state, one that legalizes, regulates and taxes marijuana, and one that affirms marriage equality. Poverty Action is asking folks to vote to APPROVE Referendum 74, Vote YES on Initiative 502, and Vote NO on Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1185.

For more information about your candidates and the ballot measures, check out the Poverty Action Voter Guide and the Poverty Action ballot measures postcard or call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794.

Washington State votes entirely by mail. If you are registered to vote but have not received your ballot in the mail, you can call 206-296-VOTE to get it resent.  Your ballot must be postmarked or placed in a ballot drop box by 8pm on Tuesday, November 6th. If you don’t have a stamp, there are 15 permanent ballot drop boxes and temporary collection points (vans) located around King County see the King County Elections map of Ballot drop boxes and vans or call 206-296-VOTE (206-296-8683) to find a drop box close to you.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote this Tuesday November 6^th. If you want to help spread the word about voting, you can email vote@povertyaction.org or call 206-694-6794. If you have questions about this message you can call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794. Happy Voting!