The Seattle Human Services Department announced on April 22, 2014 the award of $100,000 to The Tenant’s Union of Washington. Through a partnership with Solid Ground, the funds will support expanded service capacity to provide tenant outreach, education & technical assistance to low- and very low-income tenants in Seattle, with a focus on underserved communities. The funds will support additional service hours at tenant hotline and walk-in clinics, additional workshops through the Tenant’s Union and Solid Ground, increased distribution of materials, and expand outreach to new community partners. The contract is set to begin 5/15/2014 and end 12/31/2014.
Low-income seniors: Apply now for farmers market produce checks
MEDIA ADVISORY
April 16, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Taylor-Judd (206-684-0266)
Low-income seniors: Apply now for farmers market produce checks
Applications are now available for the popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides low-income seniors with $40 “checks” that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs throughout King County.
Applicants must be King County residents age 60 or older (age 55 or older if American Indian/Alaska Native) and low-income—below 185 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In real terms, that means someone who meets the age requirement must have an annual income at or below $21,588 (or $1,799 monthly) if he or she lives alone or $29,100 ($2,425 monthly) if he or she lives with one other person. For larger households, the FPL formula adds $625 per month per person.
“Many King County seniors have been inspired by visiting their local farmers market—perhaps for the first time—and eating fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey,” said Maureen Linehan, interim director of Aging and Disability Services, the agency that oversees the state-funded program in King County. “This has been a great investment in senior nutrition.”
Applications are available online (www.agingkingcounty.org/SFMNP/) or by calling any of the organizations listed below.
- African American Elders Program: 206-328-6840
- Asian Counseling & Referral Service: 206-695-7510
- Chinese Information & Service Center: 206-624-5633 ext 4178
- Latino Information & Assistance: 206-764-4700
- Neighborhood House: 206-461-4522
- Russian Information & Assistance (Irina at JFS): 206-861-8787
- Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens: 206-684-0500
- Senior Information & Assistance (206-448-3110 or 1-888-4ELDERS)
Because funds are limited, a random selection process is used to select recipients. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2014. 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 (www.wafarmersmarkets.com/washingtonfarmersmarketdirectory.php).
Aging and Disability Services—a unit of the City of 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.
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FREE water-saving toilets for low-income home owners
Save water and money with free high-efficiency toilet for qualifying city residents. Toilets offered by Seattle Public Utilities flush well, help conserve water, and save homeowners money. Replacement of older toilets with high-efficiency models can save a family of four up to 24,000 gallons of water and $140 each year. If you meet the following criteria and income guidelines, you can qualify for free toilets and installation by a licensed professional plumber:
- You are a homeowner of any age with a Seattle Public Utilities account.
- You currently live in the home you own.
- Your existing toilets were manufactured before 1994.
- You meet income guidelines for your household size
The Seattle Human Services Department’s Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens is partnering with Seattle Public Utilities and Senior Services’ Minor Home Repair program on this program. To sign up or get more information, contact Minor Home Repair at 206-448-5751 (TTY 206-448-5025) or e-mail UDP@seattle.gov.
