Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

Students collecting backpacks and school supplies at outdoor event

Gifts of Hope Builds Community with Back-to-School Supply Giveaway

Gifts of Hope, a Neighborhood Matching Fund Small Sparks recipient, supports community members in need by connecting them to assistance services, hosting supply giveaways, providing employment training and educational workshops, and much more. We recently chatted with Founder and CEO Samona Burleson to see how this funding is helping them advance their mission.

Learn more about this work on the Front Porch Blog.

Other City News

West Seattle Bridge Expected to Reopen on September 18: Crews have entered the final stages of the repair project. Before the bridge opens on 9/18, they will perform numerous tests to confirm the bridge is structurally sound and ready for the public. (more)

City of Seattle Invests $22 Million in New Affordable Housing Projects: Investments were made by the Office of Housing to support the production of 267 new rent- and income-restricted homes in the Northgate and South Park neighborhoods. (more)

Back-to-School Event Gives Out Free Supplies in Skyway: This community event will give out 500 backpacks with school supplies on a first come, first served basis, and will provide free food, haircuts, t-shirts, and resources for parents. (more)

Applications for Environmental Justice Fund Open Through September 16: Grants of up to $75,000 are available to support projects benefiting communities most impacted by environmental inequities, including Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, refugees, low-income individuals, youth, and the elderly. (more)

Funding Available to Support Historic Landmark Properties in King County: Landmark Capital Grants support projects focusing on the stabilization or restoration of historic landmark properties and those who are working to rehabilitate them. (more)

Preservation Grants for Historic Black Churches Available Now: Grants from Preserving Black Churches range from $50,000 to $200,000 and are intended to help historic Black houses of worship, preservation organizations, and community groups care for historic structures. (more)

In The Community

Three people standing against a wall with art on it

Worker Owned Restaurant, Jude’s, Breaks Barriers in Rainier Beach

Located on 57th Street just off Rainier Avenue, Northwest Cajun-inspired Jude’s is paving the way for other establishments by being a rare example of a co-op restaurant in Seattle. Co-owner Mark Paschal says the 10 co-owners have one more meeting to finalize their bylaws, which will be presented to the City of Seattle as the operating principles of their LLC.

Read the full story in South Seattle Emerald.


Colorful graphic illustration with text that reads "CID Block Party"

Chinatown International District Block Party Returns to I-5 Underpass

For the first time since 2019, the Chinatown International District (CID) Block Party will take over the I-5 underpass with a lineup of Asian-American artists, DJs, food trucks, a beer garden, vendors, and community sponsors and partners. This year, the CID Block Party joined forces with community partners for a district-wide effort to celebrate a day in the neighborhood, so that residents and visitors can spend the whole day supporting local businesses and enjoying local culture in the heart of the CID.

Read more in the International Examiner.

Share Your Feedback

Share Your Thoughts on Seattle’s Food Action Plan: The City is looking for community input to help update its roadmap for an equitable, sustainable, and resilient local food system that supports healthy, vibrant communities. (more)

Participate in Designing New Rainier Beach Skatepark: Community input is needed to help shape the layout and design of a new multi-use public skatepark in Rainier Beach. Learn more and share your thoughts on this community-led project. (more)

Comment Period Extended for Seattle Comprehensive Plan: The Office of Planning and Community Development has extended the public comment period on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement to August 22. (more)