Seattle Human Services Newsletter - August 2025

Human Services logo
Tanya Kim Photo

Director's Note—August 2025

In August, HSD’s Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) interns are wrapping up their six-week internships throughout city departments and in our communities. I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all 282 interns and our host agencies/supervisors for their hard work and dedication. SYEP demonstrates our collective commitment to young people and their career exploration journey. 

If you or someone you know is interested in joining next year’s SYEP summer opportunity―either as an intern or a host agency―applications will open in January 2026. SYEP also provides a Learn and Earn Foundations program in the fall and winter to build job readiness skills and explore career planning. Stay tuned for more information.

The Summer Food Service Program is happening now to ensure youth across Seattle have access to nutritious food during this critical out-of-school time. Kids ages 1-18 enjoy free healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks now through Aug. 22. No registration or ID is required. Get more information about this essential program, including the list of food sites and their hours.

Did you know August is National Immunization Awareness Month? Please review and share the immunization resources available at the Public Health-Seattle King County website. Our region is fortunate to have a strong local Public Health that works hard every day to keep all of us healthy and safe.

In community,
Tanya Kim

Spotlights

Employee Spotlight: Ken Astrein graphic

Employee Spotlight: Ken Astrein

Ken Astrein has been working with HSD for 36 years. In our latest Employee Spotlight, Ken explains what led him to community development work and his passion for helping communities develop the infrastructure needed to promote healthy, thriving neighborhoods. Visit our Human Interests blog to learn more about why Ken loves his work at HSD.

 

Graphic image in purple showing a hot steaming beverage and the word Civic Coffee with HSD and Seattle Public Library logos underneath

August Civic Coffee: Fall Prevention

On Thursday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m., Age Friendly Seattle will host its monthly Civic Coffee. Come learn on how to make your home safer, improve your balance and stay independent as you age. Join us in-person at GenPride, 1521 Broadway, Suite A, Seattle, 98122, or virtually online or by phone. Click here for more information about the upcoming Civic Coffee event. Watch video recordings of previous events posted on our YouTube playlist.

News You Can Use

Social Security 90th birthday graphic

Happy 90th Anniversary, Social Security!

On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. It created a program that has become the foundation of retirement security for millions of Americans. Social Security not only helps us retire with dignity, supports people with disabilities, and provides income after the loss of a loved one.

This month, HSD’s Aging and Disability Services division and Age Friendly Seattle are celebrating Social Security’s 90th anniversary by urging folks to join AARP’s community celebrations planned in the Seattle area this month. All the following events are free, but pre-registration is required. Follow the links for details and to register.

TUESDAY, AUG. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- Celebrating in Seattle, a 90-minute clinic on getting the most out of Social Security, at Town Hall Seattle (The Wyncote NW Forum), 1119 8th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101. Lunch included.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- Celebrating in Bothell at UW Bothell’s North Creek Event Center, 18325 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA, 98011. Lunch included.

 


Boost Local Projects Via the Neighborhood Matching Fund

Photo of a community project that received NMF dollars.

Department of Neighborhoods is currently accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, which provides matching dollars for neighborhood improvement, organizing, or projects developed and implemented by community members. This granting program consists of two funds:

  • The Community Partnership Fund provides up to $50,000 for large and lasting impacts in your community such as public art projects, park improvements, cultural events, and more. Applications are open now through Sept. 8, 2025.
  • The Small Sparks Fund provides up to $5,000 per project to support small community activities such as neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, community art projects, workshops, and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Oct. 31.

The NMF team is hosting a virtual workshop Aug. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for those interested in applying. It will provide an overview of the grant, the qualities of a strong application, and the review process. Get more information, including the meeting link, at the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods blog Front Porch.

 


Emergency preparedness: Have a plan!

OEM Be Prepared graphic

Last month’s tsunami alert for West Coast states was a good reminder that we should all be vigilant and prepared in case of an emergency. Like many other major cities, Seattle is prone to multiple disasters, from earthquakes to cyber attacks and disruptions. These disasters can have disproportionate impacts on people of color and other vulnerable groups and can increase the inequality that already exists in communities.

But we need not live in fear. The City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds all that being prepared for an emergency is as simple as planning ahead. This begins with thinking about your daily activities, the people you care for or who rely on you, and how a disaster could disrupt your lives.

The OEM website has great information and resources in multiple languages to help you prepare yourself, your family, home, neighborhood, workplace, and school for emergencies. In addition, OEM offers free emergency preparedness training to help you create a culture of preparedness for your family and within your community.

 

Around the Blogosphere

On Front Porch: Seattle Wins 2025 All-American City Award -- Seattle’s presentation to the National Civic League highlighted multiple City initiatives, including the Food Action Plan. 

On AgeWise King County: Celebrating Summer, Disability Rights, and Social Security’s Legacy

On Greenspace: Highlights from a busy month of climate action events across the Pacific Northwest, showing King County, Seattle’s national climate leadership

On Public Health Insider: Withstanding the heat: a domestic violence survivor’s story | Leer en español

From the Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell: Mayor Harrell announces expansion of available shelter, adding more than 100 new tiny houses

HSD Links and Resources

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) connects people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work, and take part in strong, healthy communities. Seattle.gov/Human-Services

HSD logo in color with tagline: Equity, Support & Community

Do you need immediate help or resources?

HSD Funding Opportunities
HSD Employment Opportunities
Age Friendly Seattle
Aging and Disability Services (Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County)