SEATTLE (May 4, 2016) – Today Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) Director Andrew Lofton announced proposed changes to the Utility Discount Program (UDP) to auto-enroll more than 10,000 low-income Seattle Housing Authority households. Today’s announcement puts the City on track to surpass the Mayor’s goal to double program enrollment two years ahead of schedule.

“As Seattle’s economy continues to grow, we know that economic gains have not reached all our neighbors. Too many families are still struggling to meet basic needs,” said Murray.  “This partnership with the Seattle Housing Authority will cut utility bills in half for financially strapped residents so they can manage their utility costs on tight budgets.”

“The majority of people we serve at the Seattle Housing Authority are in the very lowest income segment,” said Lofton. “The extension of the City’s Utility Discount Program to our residents and voucher tenants will make a tremendous difference in their ability to pay for basic utilities and still afford food, medications and other necessities.”

Once auto-enrollment is complete, the UDP will provide more than $10 million in utility assistance each year to SHA tenants. This will cut in half their Seattle electric, water, garbage/recycling, sewage and drainage bills. The average household benefit will be $1,030 per year.

This move is a part of Murray’s commitment to address Seattle’s growing income inequality and remove institutional barriers between services and those in need. In 2014, Mayor Murray challenged City Departments to double the number of households enrolled in the UDP from 14,000 to 28,000 by the end of 2018.

“I would like to thank SHA for providing a place to stay and the Mayor for giving those of us living in subsidized housing the opportunity to participate in the Utility Discount Program,” said Ed Frezier, a resident at Rainier Vista in South Seattle. “I am on disability and have a limited income. After I pay my bills, the lights, phone, water, there’s nothing left.  This will leave me with a few dollars to buy groceries and whatever else is needed. It’s a blessing.”

After legislation to enact today’s proposal is approved by the Seattle City Council, all income-eligible households of Seattle Housing Authority will be notified that they have been auto-enrolled in the Utility Discount Program, beginning August 1, 2016. All households will have the opportunity to opt out of the Utility Discount Program if they prefer. The Council will take up this proposal this spring. Current City ordinances prevent SHA tenants from participating in the program.

The Utility Discount Program offers a credit of 60 percent on Seattle City Light bills and 50 percent on Seattle Public Utilities bills. This program is available for residential City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers only and does not apply to residences used for business purposes. Eligible households must have income of less than 70 percent of state median household income, about $60,000 for a family of four.

Today’s expansion of the UDP to SHA tenants is paid for by all utility customers. The average Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities bill will increase between 0.5 percent and 0.65 percent in coming years.

“This auto-enrollment program change supports people in need and minimizes bureaucracy.  This is truly government at its best,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who represents the West Seattle and South Park communities.  “Thousands of low-income Seattleites will no longer need to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.  I’m fully committed to expanding access to the UDP program even further.”

“Having light, heat, and water are basic needs that every resident should have,” said Council President Bruce Harrell. “As a compassionate City, we have demonstrated our commitment to helping our residents by continually improving one of the strongest utility discount programs in the nation.”

“I have strenuously advocated for auto-enrollment into the Utility Discount Program. Studies show auto-enrollment results in systematically greater access,” said Councilmember Kshama Sawant, chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. “I am grateful to Kelly Enright at Seattle City Light for tirelessly working on this. Even after this step, there will still be thousands of others who will need to be enrolled, and I look forward to continue working with City Light and the Mayor’s office.”

This program expansion builds upon a partnership with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to auto-enroll eligible households of other affordable housing projects, reducing administrative barriers to utility discount services.

Ray Hoffman, Seattle Public Utilities Director, Larry Weis, Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO, and Catherine Lester, Human Services Department Director, were also in attendance at today’s event.

The UDP program is funded by both Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities and is administered by the Seattle Human Services Department. Utility Discount Program eligibility information and application materials can be found here.

The Human Services Department announced today that it will make $842,000 available to fund youth development and educational support programming for youth who may otherwise be unsupervised. The Human Services Department is seeking applications from agencies interested in providing youth development and/or educational support for youth of color, McKinney Vento homeless students, immigrant/refugee youth, and low-income youth.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, each day 11.3 million school-age children in the United States are left home alone and unsupervised between 3 and 6pm. Youth development and educational support programming is an early prevention tool that provides at-risk youth constructive alternatives during out-of-school time. The Human Services Department funding is intended to create a safe and educational space to foster social connections, learn new skills, and provide support.

Six to eight proposals will be granted funding. The application deadline for this award is June 7, 2016 by 12:00 p.m.

Agencies interested in learning more about this funding opportunity are encouraged to attend one of the two following information sessions:

Tuesday, May 10^th, 2016
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Columbia Branch Public Library, Meeting Room
4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Or; Thursday, May 12^th, 2016
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Highpoint Branch Public Library Meeting Room
3411 SW Raymond Street, Seattle WA 98126

Please see the Human Services Department Funding Opportunities page for more information.

Applications are available today for the annual Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program—an effort providing low-income seniors with $40 to be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs throughout King County.

Eligible King County residents are age 60 or older (age 55 or older if American Indian/Alaska Native) with lower incomes—monthly incomes at or below $1,832 for seniors alone or $2,470 for a household of two.

 

“Healthy eating helps older adults live longer and stronger,” said Maureen Linehan, division director of the Human Services Department’s Aging and Disability Services. “Eating nutritious foods is vital to reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and more. Each year, this program introduces thousands of older adults to fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey available at neighborhood farmers markets.”

Because funds are limited, a random selection process will be used to select recipients. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before May 16, 2016. All applicants will receive mail notification of their status on or before July 1.

A searchable list of local markets can be found on the Washington State Farmers Market Association website. Contact individual markets to determine if they accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.

Applications are available online here. For more information, contact Community Living Connections at 206-962-8467 (toll-free 1-844-5464).

Aging and Disability Services—a unit of the Seattle Human Services Department—is designated by the State of Washington as the Area Agency on Aging for King County. The agency plans, coordinates, and advocates for a comprehensive service delivery system for older adults, family caregivers, and people with disabilities in King County. For more information, visit www.agingkingcounty.org.

Mayor’s Youth Employment Initiative aims to fill 4000 positions

SEATTLE (April 4, 2016) –Today, the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) opened the 2016 application process for the 10^th annual Summer Youth Employment Program.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is a part of the Mayor’s Youth Employment Initiative—a citywide effort to address high youth unemployment (currently 13 percent), while bridging the talent divide and investing in our future.

“Building on last year’s efforts, we are working with business leaders and community partners to expand the most vigorous youth employment program Seattle has seen in decades,” said Mayor Ed Murray.  “This program will help our most at-risk youth develop skills to compete in the 21st Century economy.”

Last year, the Mayor’s Youth Employment Initiative offered 2000 young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience at businesses throughout the City. This year the City is expanding the program to 4000 youth.

HSD’s Youth Employment Program will contribute to the Mayor’s Youth Employment Initiative by supporting underserved youth and young adults in our community with comprehensive internship opportunities aimed at meeting their employment needs

The Summer Internship Program is open to youth and young adults, age 14-24 who live in the city of Seattle. Those interested in applying for summer jobs can complete the Online Application Information Form or pick up a hard copy application at 810 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, Suite 420, Seattle, WA 98104 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  The complete application must be received online, mailed or dropped off by 5 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016.

Students without computer access are encouraged to utilize computers available at Seattle Public Libraries, Seattle Parks and Recreation community centers, Seattle public high schools, WorkSource Centers, and other community based organizations to complete their applications.

If you are an employee or owner of a business and want to support the Mayor’s Youth Employment Initiative, you can:

• Host one or more Youth Employment Initiative interns
• Provide philanthropic support for interns by donating to the initiative; or
• Create or expand your company’s youth employment program.

Employers are encouraged to visit murray.seattle.gov/youthjobsfor more details or to sign up for the Initiative.

This week the City of Seattle Human Services Department provided $2 Million in funding to the Denise Louie Education Center (DLEC). The funding will allow DLEC to develop a child care center located in the Sand Point neighborhood. This project will be undertaken in conjunction with an affordable housing development to be spearheaded by Mercy Housing Northwest who will provide 148 units of affordable housing.

The project will open in June 2018 and will provide services for at least 85 children. The total cost of the new child care center’s development will be $8.5 Million. When complete, the facility will enable low income families and children to benefit from a custom-designed early childhood education center, as well as myriad opportunities and services available in Magnuson Park:  stable affordable housing, a health clinic, and the City community center across the street.

Since 1978, DLEC has provided multicultural early learning and family support services so that Seattle kids will be ready to succeed in school and life. Last year, they served more than 575 low-income and immigrant children and their families through our Early Head Start home visiting, Head Start preschool and Play & Learn socialization groups.

You can find out how to support DLEC’s work here.

The Seattle Human Services Department is one of the largest contributors to Seattle’s safety net as it provides $89 million in funding to nearly 200 agencies that support Seattle’s most vulnerable residents each year. The department works closely with its community partners, including other public and nonprofit funders and service providers, to understand current and emerging human service needs, and to create and invest in a comprehensive and integrated regional human services system.

For more information about HSD Funding Opportunities and application materials, visit HSD’s Funding Opportunities webpage.

 

Today, the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) announced $628,000 in available funding to finance mental health counseling and treatment for Seattle youth. This funding is available through a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The purpose of this funding is to increase mental health counseling and treatment to Seattle youth with mental health disorders, behavioral or other emotional concerns such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder, anxiety disorders, conduct disorders and depression but who may be ineligible for Medicaid, lack medical insurance or sufficient coverage for treatment.

A maximum of six proposals will be granted to agencies who meet the minimum eligibility criteria. This investment is funded by the HSD General Fund.  The application deadline for this award is May 12, 2016 by 12:00 p.m.

Agencies interested in learning more about this funding opportunity are encouraged to attend the information session:

Monday, April 11^th
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Columbia Branch Seattle Public Library
4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

 

More application information can be found here.

The Seattle Human Services Department is one of the largest contributors to Seattle’s safety net as it provides $89 million in funding through 450 contracts to nearly 200 agencies that support Seattle’s most vulnerable residents each year. The department works closely with its community partners, including other public and nonprofit funders and service providers, to understand current and emerging human service needs, and to create and invest in a comprehensive and integrated regional human services system.

For more information about HSD Funding Opportunities and application materials, visit HSD’s Funding Opportunities webpage.

 

Today, the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) announced $2,000,000 in available funding to finance capital improvements for community health care facilities. This funding is available through a Request for Proposal (RFP).

This funding is intended to both improve and expand community health care facilities to meet the unprecedented demand of 84,000 newly insured Seattle and King County residents who have enrolled in health care coverage since the passing of the Affordable Care Act.

A maximum of four proposals will be granted to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and FHQC look-alikes (organizations that meet PHS Section 330 eligibility requirements but do not receive grant funding). This investment is funded by the HSD General Fund.  The application deadline for this award is April 11, 2016 by 4:00 p.m.

Agencies interested in learning more about this funding opportunity are encouraged to attend the information session:

Wednesday, March 23^rd
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Jefferson Community Center
3801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

The Seattle Human Services Department is one of the largest contributors to Seattle’s safety net as it provides $89 million in funding through 450 contracts to nearly 200 agencies that support Seattle’s most vulnerable residents each year. The department works closely with its community partners, including other public and nonprofit funders and service providers, to understand current and emerging human service needs, and to create and invest in a comprehensive and integrated regional human services system.

For more information about HSD Funding Opportunities and application materials, visit HSD’s Funding Opportunities webpage.

The City of Seattle announces the release of the Proposed 2016 Annual Action Plan to the 2014-2017 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development. The Proposed 2016 Annual Action Plan includes proposed guidance for the allocation of an estimated $15.5 million of federal grant and program revenue funds [approximately $9.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, $3.6 million in HOME program funds, $819,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG) funds and $1.8 million in Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds] from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Annual Action Plan responds to HUD requirements in order for the City of Seattle to access these funds. The Plan describes the allocations of these funds to address the housing, homeless, community development and economic development needs of the City’s low and moderate-income residents and neighborhoods.  The Plan also provides funds for the 23^rd Avenue Business Stabilization Fund as announced by the Mayor to help businesses affected by the road and infrastructure project along 23^rd Avenue.

The Proposed 2016 Annual Action Plan is be available for public review online, or by calling the City of Seattle Community Development Block Grant Office, Janet Thomas, at 206-684-0288, to request that a copy be provided to you.

The Public is invited to attend a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2016 Annual Action Plan, at the Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods and Finance Committee Meeting of the Seattle City Council on:

 March 16, 2016 at 9:00am at

Seattle City Hall 600 4th Ave. 2nd Floor Seattle, WA

 

We invite the public to submit written comments on the Proposed 2016 Annual Action Plan by April 4, 2016. Comments can be sent via E-mail or mail to:

Michael Look, CDBG Manager

Seattle Human Services Department

PO Box 34215 Seattle WA 98124-4215

E-mail: Michael.Look@seattle.gov

 

For questions about the Consolidated Plan, call Michael Look at (206) 615-1717 or Debra Rhinehart at (206) 684-0574.

Today, City of Seattle’s Human Services Department (HSD) announced that it is seeking applications from agencies interested in providing Medicaid Long Term Supports and Services (LTSS) Case Management for eligible clients in King County through a Request for Qualification (RFQ). The goal of this investment is to address an anticipated service gap for clients residing in East King County and to increase capacity throughout the system to address the needs of an increasingly diverse client population, specifically clients from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and East Africa.

This RFQ is open to non-profit, government, or public agencies. Funding amounts will be based on client volume and a negotiated rate ranging from $102.75-$115. HSD intends to contract with one to three new agencies through this RFQ for services in East King County. Current case management contractors do not need to apply. Initial contracts for qualified applicants will be made for the period of July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017. While it is the City’s intention to renew agreements resulting from this RFQ on an annual basis, future funding will be contingent upon performance and funding availability. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 4 p.m.

HSD continues its effort to institute performance-based investments and uses data to steer the department’s resources to nonprofits who demonstrate their ability to serve the community’s most in need. HSD seeks to ensure the City’s finite resources are being directed to programs that can best leverage the investments for maximum impact on reducing disparities.

The Seattle Human Services Department is one of the largest contributors to Seattle’s safety net as it provides $89 million in funding through 450 contracts to nearly 200 agencies that support Seattle’s most vulnerable residents each year. The department works closely with its community partners, including other public and nonprofit funders and service providers, to understand current and emerging human service needs, and to create and invest in a comprehensive and integrated regional human services system.

For more information about HSD Funding Opportunities and application materials, visit HSD’s Funding Opportunities webpage.