North Urban Human Services Alliance Human Services Newsblog

Register Here: New Solutions for Volunteering May 1st

Beth Green — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:47:21 GMT

Join NUHSA, May 1st, for this free event, the 1st of a 3 part exploration and co-creation of new opportunities for connecting, matching and involving volunteers. Come prepared to share ideas, challenges and needs in a World Cafe conversation.

Flyer: New Solutions for Volunteering.pdf

Ride Around the Sound: Free Guided Excursions on Public Transportation

Beth Green — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:42:08 GMT

Ride Around the Sound (RAS)

This program offers free guided excursions on public transit for groups unfamiliar with the transportation system in the Puget Sound area.

Participants will increase their independence and mobility by learning to ride transit to service locations, cultural sites, or educational events. Fares are provided by King County Metro and Sound Transit. Excursions are led by Hopelink Staff.

To schedule trip training for your group, contact:

Sheila Sloan-Evans, Travel Programs Manager,

sheilase@hope-link.org

Office: 425.943.6760

Cell: 206.396.5259

NUHSA Update, Fall, 2011 Newsletter

Beth Green — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:41:28 GMT

Download the Fall, 2011 NUHSA Newsletter:

YouthCare, King County Metro provide "Safe Place" for Youth in Crisis

Beth Green — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:45:44 GMT

Tonight in King County, more than 1,000 young people may find themselves without a safe place to go. Some are abandoned, some are abused, and few know where to get help. Within 48 hours on the streets, one in three runaways will be approached by a predator.

Now there is help. When a young person in crisis needs help, all he or she has to do is approach any Metro bus driver and say, “I need a safe place.” The operator will then make a call that will trigger contact with a youth service provider, who will arrange to meet and transport the youth to safety.

For more information:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/NewsCenter/NewsReleases/2011/August/nr083111_SafePlace.aspx

http://www.youthcare.org/about-youthcare/news/youthcare-king-county-metro-provide-%E2%80%9Csafe-place%E2%80%9D-youth-crisis

King County Human Services Capacity Building Fund

Beth Green — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:39:38 GMT

King County Executive Dow Constantine proposes to reinvest $1 million in savings achieved through internal efficiencies in ways that will catalyze further efficiencies or quality improvements in community based organizations.

Funds will target one-time needs and awards will be less than $25,000. This fund will promote equity by prioritizing culturally competent organizations serving low-income families or individuals, particularly immigrants and refugees.

For more information: Human Services Capacity Building Fund

Find Another Way Letter

Beth Green — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:37:32 GMT

On October 21, 2011, 25 organizations and coalitions representing the collective voice of human service professionals and the residents served throughout Washington sent a letter to Governor Gregoire and State Legislators titled: Find Another Way. The governor and state were urged to work together to create a solution to the latest budget crisis that does not further penalize the most vulnerable in our state.

To read the letter and view the signees:

Find_Another_Way_letter_EHSF_11-3-11.pdf

Feedback from the letter:

"Thank you for your email. I will not be voting to cut the needed services of our most vulnerable citizens...especially when there are areas of government that CAN be reduced to save money and provide better services...Cheryl Marshall

I agree with you. What are the suggestions of this great group of people?...Sen. Christine Rolfes

Thank you for yor e-mail. I share your concerns and I will work to see that our most vulnerable citizens are protected and instead, cuts be made in the agency administrations before being made to programs.This approach would assure that those who need help the most are the ones who get it and that those who can take care of themselves are asked to do so....Ed. Orcutt

King County Human Services Capacity Building Fund

Beth Green — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:28:14 GMT

For more information: Human Services Capacity Building Fund

Earned Income Tax Credit Can Put Money in Your Pocket

Beth Green — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:14:18 GMT

Earned Income Tax Credit Can Put Money in Your Pocket

You could be cheating yourself at tax time, even if you are not required to file a tax return. The IRS estimates that one in four eligible taxpayers will overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit – or EITC. Last year the average return for Washington State filers was $1985 and the maximum is up to $5600. It is estimated that the EITC program returns more than $4 million each year to eligible North King County residents. Non traditional families such as grandparents raising grand children, childless workers, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency are among those most likely to overlook the credit.

Bring the documents you need to get the EITC you deserve including driver’s license or photo identification, Social Security cards for all persons listed on the return, all income statements (W-2, Social Security, Unemployment) or other documents showing taxes withheld and prior year’s return if available. If you want your refund directly deposited into your bank or credit union, bring a voided check or bank statement with your account identification.

Free tax preparation sites to help you file your 2010 return and get the EITC refund, if you qualify:

King County Library Sites:

Richmond Beach Branch, 19601 21^st Ave. NW, Fridays 10AM to 4PM beginning February 4^th. Tax filers should schedule an appointment by calling (206) 365-1536. The site operates until April 15^th. Appointments have priority but walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits.

Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175^th St., Thursdays February 3^rd - April 14^th 4:30 to 8:00 PM. Saturdays February 5 – April 9, Noon to 4:00 PM. No appointment necessary.

Bothell Library, 18215 98^th Ave N.E., February 3^rd – April 15^th,

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Hopelink Shoreline Center, 15809 Westminster (Aurora Square next to Marshall’s), starting January 19^th, Wednesday and Thursday’s 5:00 – 9:00 PM and Saturday’s 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. No appointment necessary. The site operates until April 14^th.

For a list of all free tax preparation sites in King County call 2-1-1.

To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, tax filers must have incomes under the limits listed below.

$13,440 ($18,440 married filing jointly) if you do not have a qualifying child.
$35,463 ($40,463 married filing jointly) if you have one qualifying child.
$40,295 ($45,295 married filing jointly) if you have two qualifying children.
$43,279 ($48,279 married filing jointly) if you have three or more qualifying children.
Investment income cannot be more than $3,100.

Families with children may also apply for the Child Tax Credit, worth up to $1,000 per qualifying child. Additional credits are also available to working families for the cost of child care, but you will need to bring documentation of your child care expenses including the child care agency’s tax I.D. or the Social Security number of the provider.

Download this information: North King County Tax Info Flyer

The Committee to End Homelessness Wants to Hear from You

Beth Green — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:28:38 GMT

As you may know, the Committee to End Homelessness is conducting a Mid Plan Review of the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. We want to hear from the community which key policy questions are most important to address in the second half of the Ten-Year Plan. The essential dates are below, a pdf of the flyer is attached.

Ten-Year Plan Mid Plan Review Community Meetings

Tues. March 1^st New Holly Gathering Hall 4 – 5:30 pm

7050 32^nd Ave S., Seattle, approximately four blocks west of MLK Jr. Way S. & S. Othello

Wed. March 2^nd SeaTac City Hall 9 – 10:30 am

4800 S. 188^th St, SeaTac, just off I-5 at exit 152

Wed. March 2^nd Bellevue City Hall 4 – 5:30 pm

450 110th Ave. NE., near the Bellevue Transit Center

A final note: Mark your calendars also for April 25^th & 26^th, when CEH will host a second series of broad community meetings, in the form of a charrette, at which we will hold in-depth discussions of selected key policy questions that arise at these March community meetings. Specific times, locations and policy questions to be discussed will be sent out late March.

Flyer: 10YP Mid Plan Review March Flyer.pdf

Support Services for Veteran Families Program Grant-Writing Workshops

Beth Green — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:18:23 GMT

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) would like to announce a series of regional grant-writing workshops on the new VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program application. Under the SSVF Program, VA will award supportive services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who will coordinate and provide supportive services to very low-income veteran families who are residing in or transitioning to permanent housing.

A Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA), along with the application, for the SSVF Program will be released in mid-December 2010. Regional grant-writing workshops focused on the SSVF Program application will take place throughout the month of January. Below you will find specific information related to these workshops which will take place in five locations around the country. Each workshop will provide attendees with (i) an overview of the SSVF Program, (ii) an overview of the NOFA, and (iii) advice on completing the application. In addition, workshop attendees will be provided an opportunity to ask questions of VA and CSH staff.

There is no registration fee for attending these workshops. However, pre-registration is required by visiting here. Attendees are responsible for any travel or other expenses associated with their attendance.

For additional information related to the SSVF program, to download a copy of the NOFA and application (once they are available) or to view taped webinars on the SSVF Program, please visit: http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/SSVF.asp.

All questions related to technical assistance with the application may be directed to CSH at SSVFinfo@csh.org or by phone at 312-332-6690 ext. 17. Any questions regarding the SSVF Program may be directed to VA’s SSVF Program Office at 877-737-0111 or SSVF@va.gov.

Workshop Dates

Thursday, January 6– Chicago, IL

Tuesday, January 11– Los Angeles, CA

Thursday, January 13 – Seattle, WA

Tuesday, January 18– Houston, TX

Thursday, January 20– New York City, NY

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NUHSA's Election Wrap-Up

Beth Green — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:17:08 GMT

NUHSA’s Election Wrap-Up

Thanks to everyone who voted in this important election! Here’s a summary of results and some important next steps.

New faces representing North King County:

Over 20 new lawmakers were elected across Washington State, four of which are here in North King County. These newly elected leaders need to hear from you about your priorities and about the need for a strong system of human services serving our communities.

32^nd District:

Senate Maralyn Chase

House- Cindy Ryu

House- Ruth Kagi (incumbent)

1^st District:

House- Derek Stanford

House- Luis Moscuso

Senate- Rosemary McAuliffe (incumbent- was not up for election)

45^th District:

Senate- Andy Hill

House- Roger Goodman (incumbent)

House- Larry Springer(incumbent)

Come meet these state lawmakers in person! Join NUHSA, FACES, and the Northshore/Human Services Consortium as we share information on the needs in their districts before our lawmakers head to Olympia.

Lake Forest Park City Hall

December 16, 2010

8:30-10:00 am

Breakfast provided

There will be a short presentation on the needs in North King County and the work of NUHSA, FACES, and Consortium, an opportunity to hear the legislators’ priorities for the 2011 session, and a chance to ask questions.

Local Revenue Measures:

King County Prop 1: Although this measure did not pass and the resulting cuts to public safety will be troubling, it is worthwhile to remember that KC Prop 1 was not a referendum on human services. Human services would have received just a small amount in the package as it finally went to voters and would likely have been cut within a matter of years. We will work together with our partners across the County to continue to search for a dedicated, stable, adequate source of funding for human services.

Shoreline Prop 1: This measure passed, preserving funding for basic public safety and community and human services in Shoreline

Initiatives:

As a result of the passage of Initiative 1053, a two-thirds vote will now be required to raise new revenue, or to close tax loopholes- making harder to fill the budget holes with funds instead of cuts. Just 17 out of 147 state legislators will have the power to block new revenue.

Initiative 1107 passed, rolling back a successful campaign last year to protect basic services by taxing extras like soda, and including candy in the regular sales tax. The revenue helped protect critical programs like Apple Health for Kids and the range of hunger-relief programs from deep cuts last year. Passage of 1107 will mean the loss of $272 million over the next three years.

Initiatives 1100 and 1105 to privatize liquor stores both failed, protecting funds in state and local budgets for education, general services, and addiction prevention and treatment programs.

I-1098, which would have raised revenue by enacting an income tax on high-earners, also failed to pass.

Heating Bill Assistance, Energy Conservation and Eviction Prevention Help

Beth Green — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:02:58 GMT

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) http://www.campseattle.org/programs/energy-assistance/
In South King County, The Multi-Service Center administers the program http://www.multi-servicecenter.com/energy.htm
In North & East King County the program is through Hopelink http://www.hope-link.org/get_help/energy_assistance/
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.

Veterans Human Service (VHS) Levy 2009 Annual Report

Beth Green — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:56:18 GMT

The VHS levy oversight boards, made up of citizens of King County,have worked diligently to oversee the implementation of the levy activities and are proud to bring you the report.

Please click here for the cover letter: 2009_AnnualReportCover_JM.PDF

Please click here for the complete report: VHS Levy 2009 Annual Report - FINAL.pdf

Description of Governor's 6.3% Budget Cuts

Beth Green — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:01:08 GMT

Human service agencies and local governments will be impacted by the Governor’s recently ordered 6.3% budget cuts. The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) has a description of the cuts by program area. Agencies having clients receiving Medicaid services will find that all State-Only programs are targeted for significant reductions or elimination. Members are encouraged to consult the OFM website for further details as some cuts begin January 1, others March 1. http://www.ofm.wa.gov/reductions/default.asp

North King County Mobility Forum Report

Beth Green — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:19:53 GMT

A panel of transportation experts helped representatives from human service agencies, the faith community, immigrant and refugee groups, city governments, transportation advocates and senior housing providers learn about the transportation resources available in King and Snohomish Counties.

The scope of services covered included the major public systems, Sound Transit, METRO and Community Transit in Snohomish County as well as services provided by private non-profit agencies such as Senior Services Volunteer Transportation Program, Northshore Senior Center, Hopelink and SNOTRAC. Specialized transportation programs such as ACCESS, for the elderly and disabled, transportation for Medicaid clients to medical appointments and volunteer transportation programs were also described.

The Hyde Shuttles, a relatively new program of Senior Services in North King County, operates within Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and provide rides for anyone 55 and older or disabled Monday through Friday from their home to destinations within the two cities. The program has been well received and some attendees were advocating for expansion to Lake City and North Seattle so that residents of those areas could access Shoreline services such as the senior center. Residents wanting more information about the Hyde Shuttle or to schedule a ride may call 206 727-6262.

The focus of the Forum was the transportation needs of the special populations that human service agencies serve including low income, the elderly, youth and disabled, who together comprise about one-third of the Puget Sound Region’s population. During the question and answer period panelists responded to questions and concerns from the audience and provided valuable insights on how to advocate for improving transportation programs.

The Forum also gave participants a preview of what the future holds for transportation in North King County. In 2013 Bus Rapid Transit will begin on Aurora. This service will operate like a subway with passengers prepaying for service and rapid exit and entry through large sliding doors onto level platforms. By 2023 Sound Transit is proposing to expand the light rail system from the University District to Shoreline and Lynnwood.

The first meeting of the North King County Mobility Coalition was announced at the Forum and will be held on November 9th (more information to follow). The Coalition will work to foster coordination between human service agencies and transportation providers with the goal of improving mobility for older adults, children and youth, people with disabilities, low income individuals and families, immigrants and refugees and others with transportation challenges.

The Forum was sponsored by the King County Mobility Coalition, the Eastside Easy Rider Collaborative and the North Urban Human Service Alliance. For more information contact Michelle Zeidman, Mobility Manager, King County Mobility Coalition.

--From George Smith, Human Services Planner, City of Shoreline

Advocacy Works! Value Human Services! An Education and Communication Tool Kit!

Beth Green — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:30:21 GMT

Advocacy works!

Remember- advocacy works!

We all know that times are tough. We have seen it in heart breaking ways. More people we care for need help and there is less funding to do the job.

We have a choice to make: we can give up and let this defeat us OR we can let this injustice MOTIVATE us to action.

If we act, and act together, strategically, we can make a difference. We don’t just believe this, we know it, because we’ve seen it happen. We’ve done it before.

Let’s do it again!

This tool kit has been created for participants in the King County Alliance for Human Services, and allies, to help us communicate with our neighbors, program participants, boards of directors, volunteers, community and business leaders, as well as elected officials, about how communities across the county benefit by all of us working together to help our neighbors meet their basic human needs, particularly in challenging economic times.

Printable Tool Kit: 2010 Alliance EDU Kit.docx

Put the King County budget forums on your calendar. Prepare board members, program participants and volunteers to speak and make plans to be there!

· Wednesday, September 29 – King County Courthouse, County Council Chambers, 10th Flr, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle

· Tuesday, October 5 - Bellevue City Council Chambers, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue

· Tuesday, October 12 – Mt. Si High School, Wildcat Court, 8651 Meadowbrook Way SE, Snoqualmie

· Tuesday, October 19 - Maleng Regional Justice Center, Jury Assembly Room 2E, 401 4th Avenue North, Kent

All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

New Board Advocacy Project Website

Beth Green — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:27:21 GMT

New Website Helps Unleash Untapped Potential to End Homelessness

Across Washington State more than 500 nonprofit organizations are currently working to end homelessness and make housing safe and affordable for all. That means there are at least 5000 board members serving these organizations who are personally committed to making a difference.

The Board Advocacy Project believes board members represent an extraordinary and underutilized resource. The movement is growing, but we need your help!

Common Ground is pleased to announce the launch of the Board Advocacy Project’s new website: www.boardadvocacy.org

This site provides quick access to resources that can help you become an informed and effective advocate undefined including instructional videos and a schedule of upcoming trainings happening across the state. Through the website, and in our workshops, we’ll show you how to make advocacy a core responsibility for your board – just like fundraising and governance – so that you can do your part to protect and increase critical resources needed to end homelessness.

It’s easier than you think to learn the rules, access the tools, and begin making a difference for the families and individuals in need. So get engaged today!

Become a board member advocate. And together we can build a powerful statewide network of advocates in the fight against homelessness.

It all starts here: www.boardadvocacy.org

2010 King County Combined NOFA Released

Beth Green — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:04:50 GMT

Cheryl Markman, Program Manager for King County Housing & Community Development Program has sent the Fall 2010 King County Combined Funders Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Homeless Housing. It is released and is attached to this e-mail.

2010 Combined NOFA - final version.pdf

What's Next for Human Service Funding?

Beth Green — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:25:20 GMT

As you’ve probably heard, earlier this week the King County Council voted on a proposal to put a .2% Public Safety Sales Tax on the August ballot for voter consideration The final vote of 5 yeas did not meet the required 6 yes votes needed to pass the proposal at this late date. In addition to funding existing criminal justice programs, the proposal would likely have helped fund a small portion of critical human services that support criminal justice efforts, such as domestic violence and sexual assault support resources and some youth services.

The following day Council also voted on, but did not pass, a property tax measure for the August ballot that would have funded similar programs and services. The last opportunity for a ballot measure this year is for the November election.

What does this mean for human services?

Because of the timing of the 2011 budget process the County Executive will be forced to submit an all cuts budget; it is unlikely that there will be any general fund dollars for Human Services in that budget .

Even if a revenue initiative is put on the November ballot and approved by the voters, that measure will not go into effect until April and will not provide the level of funding needed for human services.

Now we need to come together again and focus on a long term solution for dedicated, adequate funding for regional community health and human services. We’ll start talking with the Executive and Council members again about their solutions, and gather the data and stories to deliver effective messages both about the needs, and the benefits in building strong, healthy communities.

As Alliance members, our work through the upcoming budget process, even though it is not likely to result in any significant amount of funding in the 2011 budget and certainly no long term funding, will be to advocate strongly and effectively for long term, adequate, dedicated funding for community health and human services

We’ll need to begin this work right away so that we lay the foundation that we will need to be successful.

Announcement for Outreach to Minority and Women Veterans Project

Beth Green — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:42:12 GMT

The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is pleased to announce the release of an RFP for its Outreach to Minority and Women Veterans Project. DCHS is accepting proposals from agencies to provide outreach services to connect minority and women veterans to veterans’ benefits, services and other resources in a culturally appropriate manner. The purpose of this project will be to locate, identify, engage and refer minority and women veterans and their families, to veterans benefits, services and resources, and other regional housing, health and human services available to them, providing advocacy and follow-up as needed. Agencies will be expected to develop or expand their knowledge of issues facing veterans and their families; to retain and report performance measures; and to follow-up with clients once a referral has been made. Collaborative, inter-agency proposals will be accepted.

Request for Proposals application packet is attached and also available on the Levy’s website at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/DCHS/Services/Levy/LevyRFPs.aspx on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. You may also receive an application packet by contacting: Marcy Kubbs at marcy.kubbs@kingcounty.gov or calling (206) 263-9102 during business hours. (King County offices will be closed on December 24 for a furlough day and December 25 for a holiday.)

A pre-proposal conference will be held January 20, 2010 from 9:30 am - noon at 401 Fifth Avenue, Room 115, Seattle, WA 98104. All applications need to be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010.

Document link: Outreach RFP Dec 23 09.doc