Dear Community Partners,
The current Public Health crisis is impacting everyone in our community and all levels of government are working to help. King County Council staff have compiled a range of information that may be helpful to your organizations and communities in the wake of this public health crisis. All of this information is below and is current as of March 25, 2020.
General Information
Washington State launched a website that can be considered the definitive, comprehensive source for information on coronavirus. You can find links to official information from a wide range of trusted sources, including government and community services. Visit the site here.
Regional Donations Connector
King County has developed a Regional Donations Connector at https://kingcounty.gov/depts/emergency-management/special-topics/donations-connector.aspx that connects those who want to help with organizations seeking assistance.
The goal of the site is to connect those who want to help – either through volunteering or providing donations – with non-profits who are looking for support. If your organization would like to make a request for support, visit https://kingcounty.adoptcompany.com/login to create an account and register your request.
Resources for Immigrants
OneAmerica has created a site with resources for immigrants that may be helpful to members of your community. That link is https://weareoneamerica.org/2020/03/23/covid-19-coronavirus-resources-for-immigrants-recursos-para-inmigrantes/.
Resources for Veterans
Before visiting local VA medical facilities, community providers, urgent care centers, or emergency departments in their communities, veterans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms—such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath—are encouraged to call their VA medical facility or call MyVA311 (844-698-2311, press #3 to be connected). Veterans can also send secure messages to their health care providers via MyhealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal. VA clinicians will evaluate veterans’ symptoms and direct them to the most appropriate providers for further evaluation and treatment.
ESJ Grants Now Available
The King County Office of Equity and Social Justice released criteria for community-based organizations to apply for grants up to $25,000 to fund outreach, education, and community engagement in these critical areas: language access, health literacy, cultural sensitivity, community and ethnic media outreach, and anti-bias and stigma resources.
The grants are funded by $1 million that I voted to approve as part of emergency funding for the county’s COVID-19 response. You can read more information on the program here.
United Way of King County
The United Way of King County has set up a site where non-profits can list any volunteer opportunities and in-kind donation needs they may have during this crisis – the link to that site is https://volunteer.uwkc.org/volunteer-response-covid-19/.
Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation
The King County Council has put together a list of resources to help navigate different agencies and how to file for unemployment or workers’ compensation. Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus, had to self-quarantine, or take care of an infected relative should file for unemployment insurance. Governor Inslee announced a one-week waiver period to receive unemployment, getting people resources they need more quickly. Anyone whose job brought them into direct contact with an infected person should apply for workers' compensation
Housing Stability
Last week Governor Inslee announced a 30-day statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants.
Food Assistance
If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.
Small Businesses
Governor Inslee will make up to $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Funds available in the form of grants to help keep small businesses afloat. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it has signed a disaster declaration for Washington State, including King and Pierce counties. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. The Department of Labor announced on Friday that it will make $100 million available for Dislocated Worker Grants. These grants will provide both disaster-relief employment and employment training activities.
Other helpful resources for small businesses:
- Governor Inslee set up a webpagewith a list of resources to support employers and workers with economic recovery related to COVID-19.
- WA State’s Small Business Guide webpagewith links to more information and guidance on employment security, paid sick leave, and other resources.
- Washington State’s SBDCs also set up a website with state and federal resourcesthat may be helpful to small business owners, including a helpful Business Resiliency Guide.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Dave Upthegrove
King County Council – District 5
Dave.Upthegrove@kingcounty.gov | (206) 477-1005
www.kingcounty.gov/upthegrove
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