Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/15/2021 03:33 PM PDT
A graphic image of a house with flowers growing around it in a circle. Text at top says "Queer the Land"

Queer the Land Supports Marginalized Communities with a Focus on Land Access and Housing

Queer the Land is a collective working to directly address the root causes and power structures that marginalize and displace queer, trans, and Two-Spirit Black, Indigenous, people of color. Their mission is to create a space for affordable transitional and semi-permanent housing anchored by a community center. Recently, the group acquired a 12-bedroom house in Beacon Hill and are in the process of developing a housing cooperative and gathering space. We recently chatted with Queer the Land to learn more about their work and the progress and vision for the Beacon Hill House project.

Read excerpts from our interview on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

Equitable Communities Initiatives Task Force Provides Recommendations to City Council for BIPOC Community Investment: These investments will begin to correct disparities caused by government-sanctioned and racist policies that have negatively-effected Black and Indigenous communities at disproportionate rates. (more)

City Council Passes Legislation to Authorize Acquisition of Land for Affordable Housing: The legislation authorized the Office of Housing to acquire two South Park parcels for the development of housing for those making at or below 60 percent of area median income. (more)

Postponed Demolition Creates Pop-Up Space for Women and BIPOC Owned Small Businesses: The Office of Economic Development and Ballard Alliance have partnered to utilize the old Ballard Blossom retail store as a business incubator space after the economic impact of the pandemic halted demolition. (more)

West Seattle Bridge Program to Hold Virtual Public Meeting about Reopening: Join repair team members to hear more about their work to reopen the bridge mid-2022 and ask questions about the project and current progress. (more)

Low-Income Customer Advocate Candidate Sought for City Light Review Panel: The vacant position will help with the input and engagement of Seattle City Light customers, reviewing rate proposals, and the consideration of cost allocation changes. (more)

Free Tickets to Seattle Center Festival Offered at Welcome Back Week Vaccination Pop-Ups: The first 100 people to receive their first or second does of the COVID-19 vaccine at the City’s pop-up vaccination clinics will receive a free ticket to the Day In • Day Out festival in September. (more) 

Free Lunch and Playground Activity Program Available through Summer: The program ensures children have access to healthy food and exercise by providing a meal, snack, and drop-in activities for kids ages 5-18 on weekdays, rain or shine. (more)

In The Community

A young Filipino boy looking down with his chin resting in his hands. Photo looking down from above his head slightly.

Filipino Youth Program Focuses on Grief Support and Mental Health

Local nonprofit, API Chaya, launched its Filipino Youth Reunite to Elevate (FYRE) program to destigmatize mental health and make space for intergenerational healing and community organizing by offering “Grief Support Gatherings” for Filipino youth in King County ages 12-24. Four virtual gatherings will be held throughout the summer and are made possible through a collaboration between FYRE, Seattle Children’s Hospital Journey Program, and the Safe Crossings Foundation.

Read the full story in the South Seattle Emerald.

Share Your Feedback

Community Input Needed for Future Programs to Benefit Underserved Youth: Feedback from both youth and adults will help develop funding opportunities to serve Black girls, young women, and Black queer and transgender youth. (more)

Help Guide Street Improvements in Pioneer Square: Learn about progress on the updated design for east-west streets and share your thoughts on the project. (more)

Provide Input on Plans to Phase Out Maritime Emissions: The public is invited to provide feedback on draft implementation plans for a comprehensive strategy to address climate change and phase out seaport-related air emissions. (more)