Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Today I want to highlight a new way for you to give back to your community. King County just launched my initiative Project CARE—a new resource to connect you with ways to support your community during the COVID-19 response.

I was inspired to create Project CARE after hearing from so many people who wanted to get involved and give back, but didn’t know how. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to find a way to contribute, whether it’s by supporting a struggling business, checking in on a neighbor or friend, or donating to one of your neighborhood service organizations. There are many simple ways to make a difference!

As our community continues to navigate the Governor’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order, more resources have become available to help everyone make it through this challenging time. I’ve included those below—and remember, you can always visit www.kingcounty.gov/council/gethelp for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 financial help.

I hope you and your family had a happy and healthy Easter, and that you will continue to enjoy the sunshine while maintaining a safe distance from those around you.

Take care,

Reagan Dunn

Reagan Dunn Vice Chair Metropolitan King County Council

Want to contribute to the COVID-19 response? Check out Project C.A.R.E.

Visit www.kingcounty.gov/care to check out Project C.A.R.E. find a way to help!

I’ve also created a few videos to illustrate ways you can support your community during this challenging time. Click the links below to watch!

Stay Home, Stay Healthy: How to make your own seed starters

Stay home, Stay healthy: Building raised bed gardens

Project CARE: Blood Donations Help Your Community

Project CARE: Support Your Local Food Bank

Project CARE: How to help your local hospital

Questions about COVID-19? Dial 2-1-1

If you have questions about the coronavirus, you can now simply dial the three digit number 2-1-1 on your phone to reach a professional from 6AM-10PM, seven days a week.

2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. If you are outside of Washington or have a problem dialing 2-1-1, please dial 1-877-211-9274.

Rent Payment Assistance Available

If you're a King County resident who is falling behind on rent, United Way of King County if offering one month of rent payment assistance. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis, so people are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information and to apply, please visit: www.uwkc.org/renthelp. 

This program is made possible by through a public-private partnership: $1.5 million from King County, $1 million from the City of Seattle’s Housing Levy, and a $1.5 million grant from the Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The rest of the funds are from Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, WaFd Bank, AT&T, and the generous individuals who donated to the United Way’s Community Relief Fund.

Free Childcare for Essential Workers

Last month, I joined my fellow councilmembers in unanimously approving an emergency free childcare program for essential workers. This program reduces pressure on working parents who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response who have children at home who need care.

Essential workers are defined in Gov. Inslee’s March 23 Proclamation and include healthcare professionals, first responders, corrections officers, grocery store employees, and others.

If you are an essential worker who lives or works in King County outside the City of Seattle and you are interested in accessing the free emergency childcare slots, please call the Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center at 1-800-446-1114 to complete an intake with Family Center staff.  After intake, a resources specialist will work to match you with an eligible childcare provider that meets your family needs.

If you are an essential workers who lives or works in Seattle, the City of Seattle is rolling out its own emergency childcare program. Please visit the City of Seattle’s website to fill out an interest form.