New $10/month internet program from Mobile Citizen & EveryoneOn

Please note that these programs are no longer available. Refer to Clear Network Internet Discount for more information about this change.

Would you like to have high-speed internet service but can’t afford it? A new program from Mobile Citizen and EveryoneOn offers unlimited high speed mobile internet for only $10 per month for low-income people.

This program is similar to the Interconnection and FreedomPop Mobile Internet programs and uses the same Clear 4G network—it’s totally mobile, you don’t need to have your own housing unit, phone or cable lines to use it. But unlike FreedomPop, the Mobile Citizen internet service is unlimited. Unlike Interconnection you can pay month to month. Mobile Citizen also charges less for modems than FreedomPop or Interconnection.

The Mobile Citizen service is prepaid and there is no contract or credit check, so even if you owe money from past internet bills you can get Mobile Citizen internet. Clear 4G coverage is available throughout King County, although there are some spots where the coverage is not as good—you can see if you have the best Clear coverage by visiting www.clear.com/coverage and inputting your address.

You will need to purchase a Mobile Citizen modem to participate in this program. There are 3 different types of modems available: The desk modem which you plug into an electrical outlet at home and can connect to multiple devices at the same time costs $39. The mobile hotspot, which is totally wireless and mobile, fits in your pocket, is battery operated and can connect multiple devices at the same time also costs $39. The mobile USB modem which you can plug into any computer’s USB port costs $36. There is a $10 shipping and handling fee for all modems. You must pay for the modem and shipping and the first month of service up front, using a credit or debit card (that $59 total start up costs).

We have signed up our agency Solid Ground as referral partner with EveryoneOn so ConnectUp subscribers are automatically qualified to participate in this discount program without having to prove that you are low-income, live in certain zipcode or participate in any government programs. Sign up online at www.everyoneon.org/solidground and choose the Mobile Citizen offer.  

Holiday Meals

Seasons Greetings!

 If you or someone you know are hungry this holiday season or are looking for a free place to eat, there are many organizations throughout King County offering free Holiday meals:

Saturday 12/21

Kent Seventh Day Adventist Church - Neighbor to Neighbor provides a traditional Christmas meal for anyone in need. Walk in 2:30-6pm at 25213 116th Ave SE, Kent. Meal is served at 4:30pm.

Mount Zion Baptist Church provides a holiday lunch and toy giveaway for children up to 12 years old, with some gifts for teens available while supplies last. Walk in 11am-4pm at 1634 19^th Ave.

Sunday 12/22
Blessed Sacrament Church Food Bank Offers a Christmas meal for anyone in need at 5050 8th Ave NE, Seattle.  Walk in, Sunday, noon-2pm.

Tuesday 12/24
Cathedral Kitchen Serves a Christmas Eve dinner to anyone in need;  Walk in at 3pm, 907 Columbia St at St. James Cathedral Hall, Seattle

Phinney Neighborhood Association Offers a special holiday meal serving traditional holiday foods. Doors open at 4pm; meal begins at 5pm at 5515 Phinney Ave N, Seattle

Teen Feed offers free holiday dinners for youth on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Walk in, 6-8pm at the University Congregational Church at 4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle.

Bread of Life Mission offers a Christmas meal on Dec. 24 and two meals on Christmas Day. Walk in Tuesday, at 6pm for a Christmas Eve dinner. Walk in Wednesday, at 8am for Christmas breakfast and 6pm for Christmas dinner. At 97 S Main St, Seattle.

Wed 12/25
Community Lunch on Capitol Hill provides a free Christmas Day lunch at 1710 11th Ave Central Lutheran Church, Parish Hall, Seattle. Walk in noon-1pm.

Luther's Table coordinates a Christmas dinner in downtown Renton for the community, noon-3pm at 419 S 2nd St Suite 1, Renton.

Salvation Army - William Booth Center offers a Christmas Day meal for anyone in need; Walk in 11am-1pm 811 Maynard Ave S, Seattle.

Seattle's Union Gospel Mission: at 318 2^nd Ave Ext S serves Christmas Day breakfast and dinner, with multiple meal times, to adults in need. An optional 45-minute Christian service, in English or Spanish, precedes dinner meals. Pre-registration required for dinner.

Thai Siam Restaurant provides a free Christmas Day turkey dinner for anyone in need; 8305 15th Ave NW, walk in noon-2pm.

Transform Burien Outreach Center provides a ham dinner on Christmas Day for anyone in need. Walk in, 1-3pm at 425 SW 144th St, Burien.

YouthCare Orion Center provides a Christmas Day meal for at-risk and homeless youth, ages 13 through 22; walk in 10am-2pm at 1828 Yale Ave, Seattle.

YWCA Angeline's Center provides a traditional Christmas Day meal for any women, ages 18 and older at 2030 3rd Ave YWCA, Seattle. Two meal times are offered, one at 11:30am and another at 12:30pm.

12/27

ROOTS Young Adult Homeless Shelter offers a multi-course, restaurant-quality Christmas dinner for anyone in need; Walk in, F, 5:30pm. 1415 NE 43rd St University Temple UM Church, Seattle.

Happy Holidays!

Toys for Tots 2013

If you or someone you know have children under 14 and receive benefits from DSHS such as food stamps or TANF, 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 King County DSHS Community Service Offices to distribute toys this holiday season. King County families receiving cash, food, medical or childcare benefits through DSHS are pre-registered to receive toys. Toys are for DSHS clients with children, ages birth through 14.

Families may receive toys once during the holiday season. Toy distribution will be at select locations Dec. 9 – Dec. 18, 2013. Proof of identity required.  Families receiving assistance through the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) are pre registered to receive toys. Families may receive toys once during the holiday season

.

There are 2 events each day at different locations. All events are from 9am to 3pm. Here is the schedule of distribution events for the 2013 Toys for Tots campaign:

Monday 12/9:

Lake Samm Foursquare Church: 14434 N.E. 8th Street, Bellevue  

And Auburn Community Service Office: 810 - 28th Street NE Auburn

Tuesday 12/10:

Capitol Hill Community Service Office:1700 E,. Cherry Street, Seattle      

And King North Community Service Office: 9600 College Way North, Seattle (NSCC)

Wednesday 12/11:

White Center Community Service Office: 9650 15th Ave. S.W., Seattle    

And Rainier Community Service Office: 3600 S. Graham Street, Seattle

Thursday 12/12:

White Center Community Service Office: 9650 15th Ave. S.W., Seattle    

And Belltown Community Service Office: 2106 2nd Ave. Seattle

Monday 12/16:

Renton Community Service Office: 500 S.W. 7th Street, Renton   

And King South Community Service office: 1313 W. Meeker St., Kent

Tuesday 12/17:

Federal Way Community Service Office: 616 348th St., Federal Way       

And King South Community Service office: 1313 W. Meeker St., Kent

Wednesday 12/18:

Federal Way Community Service Office: 616 348th St., Federal Way       

And White Center Community Service Office: 9650 15th Ave. S.W., Seattle

For more information about the 2013 King County Toys for Tots campaign please visit our website at www.ToysforTots.org

World AIDS Day - Dec 1st

This Sunday, December 1st, is World AIDS Day. It has been more than 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the U.S. but HIV is still a reality for more than a million Americans.

There are new treatments that can help people living with HIV lead long, healthy lives. But first you have to know your status so you can get the care and treatment you might need. To take action for the day, we encourage you to find an HIV test near you and take the test - it's quick, easy, and often free.

You can find HIV testing sites and other services near you by visiting AIDS.gov or calling 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. Here’s the phone number again: 1-800-232-4636.

We encourage you to share this information with your friends and family. On World AIDS Day and every day, knowing your HIV status means taking care of yourself and others.

Here is some more information from AIDS.gov:

#FacingAIDS

Now in it's sixth year, we are once again asking people to upload a photo and a message about how and why they are Facing AIDS. But this year we have a little bit of a twist. In addition to uploading a photo to www.facing.AIDS.gov, we are encouraging people to use #FacingAIDS in their Tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram photos, Vine videos, YouTube and more. We want this to be a national conversation about confronting stigma and promoting HIV testing. How are you #FacingAIDS?

Thunderclap for HIV Testing and Services

We're trying something new this year. Thunderclap is  a tool that helps amplify a message. For World AIDS Day we created a tweet to promote the HIV Testing and Services Locator. If we can get a 100 people to support this message by December 1, Thunderclap will send it out simultaneously to all our supports. Please support and share our message!

Lights. Cameras. Face AIDS.

We've produced several videos this year that you can also promote and share for World AIDS Day. Namely:

• How are you #Facing AIDS (http://youtu.be/1cItOnjq8Do);
• AIDS.gov #FacingAIDS app (http://youtu.be/f2UyS32aon4_; and
• a personal message from Dr. Ronald Valdiserri about how the loss of his brother to HIV contributed to his personal commitment to HIV/AIDS (http://youtu.be/1cItOnjq8Do).

Wait, there's more!

We have lots of other resources and tools on our World AIDS Day page, including badges, links, posters, and more!

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
Dysfunctional heating system repair or replacement up to $5,000
Broken or inoperable window repair or replacement up to $1,000

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. To apply for LIHEAP or HELP call 1-800-348-7144.

In Seattle energy assistance is administered by Centerstone: Their LIHEAP and PSE HELP programs are already open. If you have an emergency situation such as you have been disconnected from your heat, are out of deliverable fuel such as oil or propane or have received an “urgent” notice from Seattle City Light or Puget Sound Energy and are facing disconnection within 10 days, you must pick up an “Emergency Packet” from Centerstone, so you can fill out the application and submit all of the required documents without waiting for an appointment. For more info visit center-stone.org/programs/energy-assistance

In South King County, The Multi-service center administers the program. Multi-Service center is currently scheduling appointments for PSE HELP. They are NOT scheduling LIHEAP appointments yet, however they are hopeful LIHEAP appointments will begin early December. For more information visit multi-servicecenter.com/get-help/energy-assistance

In North & East King County the energy assistance program is through Hopelink. Their LIHEAP and HELP programs are already open. Appointments open up Monday-Thursday at 9am: 9am is the best time to call because appointments go fast. They have a special line for seniors and people with disabilities which is 425-298-0014.  If you are completely disconnected or has less than a 10-day supply of oil, wood or propane they need to call their local Hopelink center to schedule an ER appointment: Bellevue 425-943-7555, Kirkland – 425-889-7880, Redmond – 425-882-0241, Shoreline – 206440-7300, Sno-Valley – 425-333-4163. For more information visit hope-link.org/get_help/energy_assistance

But no matter where you live (unless you are experiencing one of the emergency situations previously mentioned) 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.

Free Job Training Programs in Office Occupations and Medical Business Information Technology

If you or someone you know are looking for free job training, I want to let you know about two free job training programs at South Seattle Community College, in office occupations and medical business information technology.  

The 1^st Step Program at South Seattle Community College can help you jumpstart your new career in office occupations! The program is designed to help students meet the needs of the modern, fast-paced business environment. The 1^st Step program is designed for those students who would like to begin their careers or start a new one in office occupations. Entry level workers earn competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement in careers such as customer service representative, records management, office administration and general office support. Graduates will come out of the class with an Office Assistant Certificate and will have the opportunity to continue onto MBIT or BIT classes in the Fall or move directly into job search or internship development. 

Classes included in the 1^st Quarter are: Diversity in Business, Integrated Communications/Business English, Customer Relations, Information Technology, Job Readiness/Resume and Cover Letter Development/Career Exploration

Students who are City of Seattle residents, are eligible for Basic Food, and do not already possess an AA or a BA degree will receive: College Navigation, Tuition Assistance, Transportation Assistance and Case Management Services.   

Classes are scheduled to begin January 14^th 2014. The classes are Mon - Thurs from 9:00am – 4:30pm and Fri 9am-2:30pm

For more information contact Kristi O’Neill, BIT Career Pathways, Career and Education Navigator at: koneill@ywcaworks.org or go to: www.southseattle.edu/workfirst

  

Or you may be interested in FREE Short-Term training in Medical Business Information Technology at South Seattle Community College. This is a 19 week intensive introduction for entry-level employment in Medical Business Information Technology/Office Administration. The last 6 weeks of the program is a built in Externship within the medical field. Prerequisites are strong and up-to-date keyboarding and computer skills and a desire to learn and work harmoniously with others in a medical setting.

Classes are scheduled to being January 14^th 2014. The classes are Mon - Thurs from 9:00am – 4:30pm and Fri 9am-2:30pm. Classes included in the program are:

Insurance Processing, Medisoft Billing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access/Filing, Medical Terminology, Externship, Professional Business Skills and Job Search and Interviewing.

Some of the careers that this program prepares you for are Entry level Billing and Coding Specialist, Patient Registrar, Patient Services Specialist/Representative, Administrative Specialist, Ambulatory Floats, Teleservices, Patient Care Representative, Health Information Services, Medical Front Office Associate, Claims Representative, Client Services Representative, Unit Assistant/Data Entry, Patient Account Representative, Telecomm Operator and Insurance Customer Services Representative.

If you are interested in participating in the Medical Business Information Technology training please contact Kristi O’Neill at 206-336-6979 koneill@ywcaworks.org or go to: www.startnextquarter.org to sign up for the next orientation.

Day of Dignity - Saturday 11/9, 11am

If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness, I want to let you know about the Day of Dignity, this Saturday, the 9th at 11am at Millionair Club Charity.

Day of dignity is a national effort in which volunteers provide homeless individuals with basic necessities. Offering a helping hand to those in need.

The following free services will be available:

• Gifts
• catered meal
• health screenings
• hair cuts
• acupuncture
• massage therapy
• resources to know your options in healthcare and beyond

These items will be distributed:

• hats
• gloves
• hoodies
• underwear
• thermal underwear
• hand sanitizer
• hygiene kits 
• school supplies
• socks
• beanies
• deodorant
• scarves

They have only enough for 450 people. First come first served. Please spread the word.

Day of Dignity
Saturday, November 9th 
11 AM
Millionair Club Charity
2515 Western Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Take care!

Free Job Training Programs in Aerospace Composites & Industrial Manufacturing at SSCC

If you or someone you know are looking for work, I want to let you know about two free job training programs for people living on low incomes at South Seattle Community College, in Aerospace Composites and Industrial Manufacturing.

Get training for your new career as an Aerospace Composites Technician at South Seattle Community College! This short-term training delivers hands-on, skills-based learning in a fast-paced, condensed schedule that meets industry standards for composite technicians. In 6 months you will be prepared to Manufacture, Fabricate and Repair Composites, Read Blueprints, Inspect Composite Structures, Precision Measure and Operate Power and Pneumatic Tools. Classes are scheduled to begin in January 2014 and will end in June 2014. Tuition assistance provided for those that qualify for public benefits, veterans’ programs or unemployment insurance. The last graduating Composites class have been 100% employed with wages ranging from $14.50-$28.00 per hour and full benefit packages. Please take advantage of this great opportunity! Contact Beth Ramsey at 206-934-6496 and attend South Seattle Community College’s Start Next Quarter Orientation to get started at www.startnextquarter.org .

With Manufacturing on the rise, South Seattle Community College is where you need to be!  Their Industrial Manufacturing Academy was developed with AJAC, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, to meet the needs of 21st century Manufacturing.  Get 30 college credits while becoming certified in OSHA 30. Flagging, Forklift, First Aid and Hazardous Communications.  Get hands-on training in precision measuring tools, composites, welding, blueprint reading and more!  Job readiness is incorporated in every week of this short-term, 11 week certificate.  Tuition assistance provided for those that qualify for public benefits, veterans’ programs or unemployment insurance. Classes begin on January 13, 2014.  With 65% of our graduates employed at wages ranging from $12-$18 per hour and full benefits, our program is ready-made to jump start your career now.  Contact Mary Lockman at 206-934-5804 or email mary.lockman@seattlecolleges.edu for the next orientation.       

Food Stamp Benefits Cuts Coming 11/1. Speak out to your representatives!

Hi, if you receive food stamps or SNAP we wanted to let you know that on November 1^st, food stamps recipients will experience a cut to the number of benefits you receive.

These cuts are happening because a temporary boost to food stamp benefits that was put in during the last recession is expiring. If you are an individual receiving more than the minimum amount of food stamps each month you will see a cut of about 11 dollars per month. For a two person family the cut will be 20 dollars each month, for a family of three the cut will be 29 dollars each month, and for a family of 4 the cut will be 36 dollars. For individuals and couples receiving the minimum amount of food stamps 1 dollar will be cut from your amount each month. We were saddened to learn about the cuts to the food stamp program and know that for many people, every dollar counts when it comes down to having enough food each month.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger, please call 2-1-1 to receive assistance with finding food banks, other government programs, and nonprofit organizations that work to improve access to healthy, nutritious food.

If you want to speak out to Congress about the impact of these food stamp cuts, please contact your congressional representatives' agriculture (Ag) staff listed below:

Tell them something like this: 

 “My name is _______. I live in ________ city in your district and rely on SNAP to eat each month. The cuts that are coming on November 1 will be very difficult for me and my family. I urge you not to make any future cuts to this critical program. Thank you.”

Here’s a list of congressional Ag contacts to call/email on the SNAP cuts:

Senate

Murray Ag Staff: Sarah Bolton

sarah_bolton@budget.senate.gov

Cantwell Ag Staff: Paul Wolfe 

paul_wolfe@cantwell.senate.gov

House

If you are not sure who your House representative is, visit app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder

District 1 (Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland) 

Rep DelBene Ag Staff: Ben Barasky

ben.barasky@mail.house.gov

District 7 (North/West Seattle, Shoreline, Burien)

Rep McDermott Ag Staff: Jason Lemons

Jason.lemons@mail.house.gov 202.225.3106

District 8 (Auburn, Issaquah)

Rep Reichert Ag Staff: Natalie Kamphaus

Natalie.kamphaus@mail.house.gov 202.225.7761

District 9 (Southeast Seattle, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Bellevue)

Rep Smith Ag Staff: Courtney Cochran

Courtney.cochran@mail.house.gov 202.225.8901 

Thanks and take care!

Free Tenant Rights Workshop Monday 10/21 in Bellevue

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 next Monday, October 21st, 4:30-6:30pm, at Highland Community Center in Bellevue. 

At this tenant’s rights workshop, 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. 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.

Free Rent Smart Workshop 
Monday, October 21
4:30- 6:30 pm
Highland Community Center
14224 Bel-Red Road
Bellevue, WA 98007 
Buses 226, 249 and 221 will take you there. 
For more information, visit the website solid-ground.org/Tenant or call 206.694.6767.

Baby Boost Info Fair: Saturday 10/19 10-noon

If you or someone you know are pregnant or have children under age 5, I want to let you know about the free Baby Boost Info Fair this Saturday the 19th at International Family Center from 10 to noon. This FREE event is especially for parents on a limited income!

At this Baby Boost Information Fair, you can…

• Learn about health and nutrition resources for you and your children.
• Connect with important parenting programs and social service agencies.
• Get free items for infants & toddlers (including feeding and hygiene products).

Baby Boost Information Fairs provide low-income parents with important nutritional and health information and one-on-one connections to service providers and community resources. Families coming to Baby Boost Fairs receive free useful items like diapers, baby bottles, food grinders, sippy cups, and baby hygiene products.

Typical Baby Boost presenters include:
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• Child Care Resources
• Head Start
• NISSA –SIDS - (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
• Connect Up
• Financial Fitness
• Public Health
• Amerigroup 
• Parent Trust
• Lettuce Link – seed distribution

Baby Boost Info Fair 
Saturday, October 19th
10AM - 12 PM
International Family Center 
(at Chinese Information & Service Center) 
611 South Lane St
Seattle, WA 98104
(In downtown Seattle's International District—numerous buses go there)

Bridging the Gap Resource Fair is actually from 10am-2pm on Saturday (not 1-5). Sorry.

Bridging the Gap Resource Fair - Saturday 10/19

If you or someone you know could benefit from free social services, we want to let you know about the Bridging the Gap Resource Fair next Saturday October 19th from 10 to 2 at Rainier Community Center. 

The purpose of The Bridging the Gap resource fair is to “Bridge the Gap” between the services available in Seattle/King County and the low-income individuals and families who can benefit from those services. The goal is to serve over 500 low-income individuals and families by bringing together a variety of non-profit, government and private businesses to share information about their services, in order to help them stabilize their lives, become more self-sufficient and increase their chances of success. Bridging the gap is hosted by Seattle Housing Authority’s Economic Opportunity Programs and sponsored by Neighborhood House, Rainier Beach Community Empowerment Coalition and Rainier Chamber of Commerce. 

The following free services will be available: 
• Education & Job Training 
• Employment 
• Asset Building 
• Homeownership 
• Financial Services 
• Health Services 
• Door Prizes and much more! 

For more information call 206.721.2982 or email awoldegebr@seattlehousing.org

Bridging the Gap Resource Fair 
Saturday, October 19th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm 
Rainier Community Center
4600 38th Avenue S., Seattle
Bus Routes: 7, 8, 9, 50, and 987

Financial Planning Day: Saturday 10/12

Hi, we want to encourage you to attend Financial Planning Day, this Saturday, October 12th, from 10 to 2 at Garfield Community Center. It’s a free event where you’ll be able to meet one-on-one with professional financial planners to discuss your personal finance questions, concerns and interests. 

At Financial Planning Day representatives from non-profit organizations will be on hand to help people with an array of financial issues, questions and problems including: budgeting, credit and debt, investing, retirement, taxes, homeownership, foreclosure, insurance, public benefits, employee benefits, education savings, small business, estate planning and more. Financial planners will also be there to help with planning for retirement, college, emergencies, estates, as well as investment management and insurance. It’s all free and there are no strings attached – volunteer planners will not pass out business cards, marketing materials or sell products or services.

Don’t miss this opportunity for a free private consultation on financial issues that matter to you with experts from the financial planning association and certified financial planner professionals. In addition to one-on-one consultations there will be workshops on a variety of financial topics throughout the day. Stay for a little or as long as you’d like. It’s totally free. Bring a friend.

Financial Planning Day is co-sponsored by the City of Seattle, Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative, Seattle Parks and Recreation, The Certified Financial Planner Board, the Financial Planning Association, the Foundation for Financial Planning, 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.  To register or for more information call 877-861-7826 or visit financialplanningdays.org/seattle. Walk-ins welcome!

Financial Planning Day
Saturday October 12th 
10 am - 2 pm
Garfield Community Center 
2323 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122 
Bus Routes 2, 3, 4, 8, 14, 27, 48 

Voter Registration Deadline is Monday 10/7

Hi. We want to encourage you to register to vote if you haven’t already in time for the general election on November 5^th. This election we will be deciding on a number of important local and state ballot initiatives.

In order to qualify to vote on November 5th, 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 5th you need to register by mail by October 7^th or in person by October 28^th.

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.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote on November 5^th.

Affordable Care Act/Medicaid Expansion enrollment starts Tuesday 10/1

If you or someone you know need affordable health insurance:  starting Tuesday October 1st, enrollment will begin for the Affordable Care Act for coverage that will begin on January 1st. If you are between age 19 and 65 years old and living on a low-income you will probably qualify for free health insurance through the expansion of Medicaid which will be called Washington Apple Health. 

The Affordable Care Act will also ensure that: No one will be denied coverage because they are sick or because they have a pre-existing condition. No one can be charged out of pocket costs for preventative services. Young adults can stay on their parents plan until age 26.  Most people will be required to have health insurance by 2014 or pay a fine of $95 per adult and $47.50 per child.

Free or low cost coverage is available. You may qualify for free coverage, or for tax credits or financial help to pay for copays and premiums.  Washington residents will have a new way to find, compare and enroll in health insurance called Washington Healthplanfinder.

Free healthcare will be available for adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, through an expansion of Medicaid eligibility limits, called Washington Apple Health.   For a single person you will qualify for free health insurance if your monthly income is below:
-$1,321 a month: single person
-$1,783 a month: family of 2
-$2,246 a month: family of 3
-$2,708 a month: family of 4 
-$3,171 a month: family of 5
-$3,633 a month: family of 6
-$4,095 a month: family of 7
-$4,557 a month: family of 8

If your income is above the eligibility caps for Washington Apple Health but below $3,830 a month for a single individual, you can get help paying your premium called a tax credit. And if your income is below $2394 a month you could get help with your cost-sharing.

If you already have medical through a DSHS program, watch for notices in the mail from Washington Health Care Authority about how to keep your benefits. SSI, ABD, MCS and ADATSA recipients will be automatically enrolled in the Medicaid expansion-Washington Apple Health. TANF recipients will not be automatically enrolled in Washington Apple Health and will need to renew their healthcare coverage through Washington Health Plan finder.  Basic Health recipients will not be automatically enrolled and will receive a notice from the health care authority explaining how to get healthcare through Washington Health Plan finder.

There are many different ways to enroll.  You can enroll on-line at Washington Healthplanfinder. There will be in person assistors/navigators from various community organizations near where you live who will be available to help you enroll in person.   King County and partner organizations will host enrollment events in your community where you can get help enrolling in Washington Healthplanfinder. To find an in person assistor in your community, visit www.kingcounty.gov/coverage or request enrollment assistance online. If you have any questions or need assistance, call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633). Support technicians will be able to answer your questions about health coverage options, how to access financial help and what you need to know about the enrollment process. Call center business hours will be 7:30 am – 8:00 pm Monday through Friday. Help will be available in up to 175 different languages.

Stay healthy!

South King County Family Health & Safety Fair 9/28

Hi, if you or someone you know need free health care, I want to let you know about the South King County Family Health and Safety Fair, this Saturday Sept. 28th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Grace Community Church in Auburn.

The South King County Family Health and Safety Fair will feature Information, Fun, and Services for the Whole family!  The following free health services will be provided:

• Dental
• Diabetes
• Blood Pressure
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Cholesterol 
• Mammograms*
• Pap tests*

*Mammograms and Pap screenings only for women 40 years and older. To make an appointment or for more information, call 
Karly García (206) 432-2334 

The Fair will also include:
• Food and Fun!
• Prize Drawings
• Children’s Activities
• Health & Safety Workshops in Spanish and English
• Learn about new Health Insurance choices coming soon

South King County Family Health and Safety Fair 
Saturday 9/28
10 AM-1 PM
Grace Community Church
1320 Auburn Way S. 
Auburn, WA 98002 

Grace Community Church is on the corner of 13th and Auburn Way before M St. 
Metro bus routes 180, 186, 915 and 919 will get you there.