AlertSeattle: COVID-19 Subscribers – This weekly alert provides new and updated information and links to City of Seattle programs and services for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also contains helpful city, county, state and federal resources.
News
- Weekly COVID-19 Community Webinars: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods hosts weekly webinars every Friday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. to connect community to information regarding COVID-19. Each week covers different topics.
Governor’s Office, WA State departments, and King County News
- Washington state expands capacity to track and prevent spread of COVID-19
- Cloth Face Coverings: The Dos and Don’ts of wearing them
- Inslee issues additional guidance for real estate and fitness operations in Phase 2
- Inslee extends COVID-19 related proclamation on Visitation and Remedial Services
New OR updated Resources and Services
For the full list of resources and services, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19.
Drive-up and Walk-up Testing in Rainier Beach (UPDATED)
Free COVID-19 testing is available at the Rainier Beach High School parking lot off of S Henderson St every Wednesday and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. No appointments are necessary, and registration will be on-site. The site has the capacity to test 100 people per day. You will not be asked for your citizenship or immigration status. NOTE: The location haschanged from the original location, which was at the nearby Atlantic City Boat Ramp.
Drive-up Testing at T-Mobile Park (SoDo)
QFC and Fred Meyer in partnership with the Seattle Mariners and City of Seattle is offering free drive-up testing at T-Mobile Park in the SoDo neighborhood. People must first register online at the Kroger website or by calling (888) 852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3). Applicants who qualify will receive an appointment time. Walk-up testing is not permitted.
Hygiene Map of Facilities Available Across City
City launched an interactive Hygiene Map highlighting all publicly funded hygiene facilities available to people experiencing homelessness. All locations include access to restrooms. Some locations offer access to showers and laundry services.
NAMI Washington Helpline Resources
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Seattle operates a mental health referral and information helpline (call 206-783-9264 or text 206-207-7765) to connect callers to the support and resources that they need. This helpline is not a crisis line, as they are not equipped to assist you with crisis intervention. More information about their helpline and list of resources here.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) Benefits Extended
Refugees, Special Immigrant Visa/SIV holders, and Cuban-Haitian Entrants are generally eligible to receive RCA/RMA benefits for a maximum of eight months from their documented date of entry. Asylees, victims of trafficking, and other humanitarian immigrants are generally eligible to receive RCA/RMA benefits for a maximum eight months from the date of the granting of their immigration status. Due to a policy change in response to COVID-19, an eligible person may receive RCA and/or RMA benefits through September 30, 2020. Clients currently on RCA or RMA who continue to meet program eligibility requirements had their benefits automatically extended through September 30, 2020. Other clients may be eligible to reapply and receive benefits through September 30, 2020, if their eligibility date falls between April 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 and continue to meet all other program eligibility requirements. More information here.
Seattle Area Food Map (Updated)
Seattle Human Resources Department developed this interactive Food Resource Map that shows the locations of food banks, free meals, and student to-go meal pick-ups. The map can also be filtered by status with options to reflect those open, those with limited operations, and those whose status is unknown.
Food Box Home Delivery
United Way of King County, Food Lifeline, City of Seattle, and Metro Access are offering free home delivery of emergency food boxes across Seattle, North King County, and East King County during the COVID-19 pandemic. To request a food box, fill out this online form, or call toll-free at (833) 540-0800, Mondays to Fridays from 11 AM – 4 PM.
Washington State Department of Commerce Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder
The Washington State Department of Commerce is providing free temporary, emergency internet access for Washington residents who do not have broadband service in their homes. The free community Wi-Fi is accessible at hotspot sites across the state. You can find the nearest hotspot site near you at the Washington State Drive-In WiFi Hotspots Location Finder.
Utilities will not be Shut Off During this Outbreak (UPDATED)
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), Seattle City Light (SCL), and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) are waiving late fees and will keep utility services on during the COVID-19 Civil Emergency in Seattle. SPU and SCL customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, regardless of background or immigration status, can request a deferred payment plan. SPU and SCL recommends that customers should as soon as possible call (206) 684-3000 or send an email anytime at seattle.gov/utilities/about-us/email-question.
PSE has launched an $11 million Crisis-Affected Customer Assistance Program (CACAP) fund for customers who have had their income reduced after March 1, 2020. PSE is also offering financial assistance to eligible customers at 250% Area Median Income (AMI) or below. Households are encouraged to apply while funds are available. Learn more at pse.com/covidhelp.
Unemployment Insurance Fraud Warning
The City of Seattle is warning all residents that scammers are using other people’s social security numbers to fraudulently collect Unemployment Insurance. Learn more from the Washington State Employment Security Department fraud warning page.
Washington State Child Care Provider Grants
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is offering support to child care providers under the Child Care Development Block Grant’s CARE Act. This support is in the form of a grant to any licensed child care provider in Washington State that is open on the date of the grant release and providing child care. Learn more about the grant and how to apply here.
FedEx #SupportSmall Grants
FedEx is offering #SupportSmall Grants for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in the U.S. Selected recipients will get a cash grant of $5,000 plus a $500 FedEx Office credit. You will be able to apply on May 25 here.
Seattle Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund – Emergency Financial Assistance
The Seattle Foundation has launched this funding availability within the COVID-19 Response Fund focused on providing grants to community-based organizations (CBOs) providing “emergency support and financial assistance to disproportionately impacted communities.” The application process closes Friday, May 29, 2020 at 5:00 PM. Go here to learn more about eligibility and to apply.
Donations and Volunteer OpportunitiesFor a full list of opportunities:
http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19#iwanttodonatevolunteer.