Poverty Team Check In

Colleagues,

 

     I want to share with you housing, shelter and utility resources that are available for those living homeless or who will not be able to pay rent or utilities.

 

Renters

• Gov. Jay Inslee on March 18th announced a 30-day statewide moratorium on evictions for residential tenants.
• The Governor also called on utility companies to suspend disconnections for nonpayment during this emergency; waive late fees for customers who are out of work or offer customers payment plans; and expand bill assistance programs for customers who are economically impacted by this emergency.

Shelters

• For those needing shelter and housing assistance, the Department of Commerce recommends using the list of Coordinated Entry access points during the COVID-19 crisis.  New resources appropriated by the legislature for addressing the sheltering and quarantine needs will be quickly deployed to jurisdictions and local Coordinated Entry systems.  New resources to address homelessness not tied to the COVID-19 response will be deployed soon as well. 
• Youth shelters -HOPE Centers (temporary residence centers for street youth under the age of 18) are waiving length of stay limits until 30 days after the governor’s enacted state of emergency is lifted. This waiver will ensure no one displaces youth residing in the HOPE program during this crisis.
• For an example of what shelters are doing to create social distancing space, meet the needs of people who are sick and ensure wellness of staff and guests, Seattle's Downtown Emergency Services Center keeps their website updated on the latest their organization is doing in coordination with Seattle and King County. 

Food

• Recently released clarity to the intent of the Governor’s emergency orders with regard to hunger relief efforts.
  • Meal Programs – as to Proclamation 20-13, the Governor views meal programs as akin to restaurants.  They may operate so long as they limit service to drive-through, take-out, and grab and go options.
  • Food Banks/Pantries – the Governor exempted grocery stores from Proclamation 20-13, and food banks/pantries are intended to be treated similarly to grocery stores, where people obtain food supplies and then disperse.  Though these establishments may continue to operate, they must strive to limit the spread of COVID-19 by enforcing social distancing, sanitizing, hand-washing, and other CDC/DOH guidelines.
  • Churches – though Proclamation 20-14 prohibits certain social, spiritual, or recreational gatherings, churches may continue to be open to provide services to the public, including food programs, so long as those programs comply with Proclamation 20-13, e.g. grab and go or take-out options.  Providing human services is viewed as distinguishable from its social, spiritual, or recreational activities.

Stay safe out there,

Theresa

SlushTM@dshs.wa.gov