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Director's Note—September 2024
I hope you enjoyed the Labor Day weekend and had some time to recharge. This month is especially significant as we look ahead to Mayor Bruce Harrell’s unveiling of the 2025 proposed budget. As always, our focus remains on delivering core services to Seattle’s most vulnerable.
September also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of our Latinx community. We are proud to honor the diversity within our department and the incredible work of our community partners serving Latinx residents. This month’s newsletter shines a spotlight on leaders from our Latinx Caucus and highlights organizations making a difference in our city. I also encourage you to visit the Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Latinx heritage in the Pacific Northwest.
September is also Suicide Prevention Month. Like so many, I know from personal experience the importance of knowledge, communication and care. As the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states on their website, “If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.” I’m proud of the work HSD does to support our community, whether it’s supporting students through telehealth therapy services or educating older veterans about depression. Follow our social media channels this month for mental health resources and tips for supporting your loved ones.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission.
In community,
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 Community Corner: Sea Mar Community Health Centers
This month's Community Corner focuses on Sea Mar Community Health Centers, which provide quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos. Sea Mar aims to increase access to services that empower marginalized communities, serving everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or ability to pay. Visit humaninterests.seattle.gov to learn more about their work.
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 Employee Spotlight: Selena Ortiz
Selena Ortiz has been with HSD for 12 years, and currently serves as a Senior Counselor with HSD Aging and Disability Services Care Coordination Program, providing support to the Team’s Supervisors and Case Managers that are uniquely embedded in Seattle Housing Authority buildings. She also collaborates with our community partners to help support SHA residents. Visit humaninterests.seattle.gov to learn more about Selena and her impact on our community.
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 Community Corner: Entre Hermanos
This month's Community Corner focuses on Entre Hermanos, a community-based organization that improves health and well-being for the Latine LGBTQ+ community through wraparound support services, legal immigration consultation and representation, support for prevention of HIV and care for those living with HIV, media outreach on Latine and LGBTQ+ issues, education and advocacy for human rights and civic engagement, and community building and cultural celebration. Visit humaninterests.seattle.gov to learn more about their work.
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 Civic Coffee: Home Modifications
Join the Age Friendly Seattle Civic Coffee on Thursday, September 26 (10:30–11:30 a.m.) at Kin On (4416 S Brandon St, Seattle 98118). This month’s event focuses on home safety—practical tips and expert advice on modifications designed to help older adults maintain independence and stay safe at home. You have an option to join online.
Did you miss July's Civic Coffee focused on brain health? Click here to read a recap of the event!
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Grandparents Day 2024
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Join the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders, Seattle Human Services, Aging and Disability Services, Age Friendly Seattle, and community partners in celebrating grandparents on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 2–4 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum. Visit AgingKingCounty.org/GrandparentsDay for details. |
$200 Clean Energy Credits Still Available
Seattle City Light is providing a $200 bill credit to income-qualified customers through the Washington State Climate Commitment Act. Funds are limited—apply now at WACleanEnergyCredits.com. (You may also qualify for the Utility Discount Program that our department administers on behalf of Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities. Visit Seattle.gov/UDP for information.) |
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 5
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Did you know there is one place online that anyone can visit for accurate, nonpartisan voting and election information tailored to where they live? VOTE411.org, a service of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters, is a “one-stop-shop” for information about election dates, absentee ballots, voter registration, and what’s on your ballot. |
Falls Prevention Awareness Takes a Community
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Every September, we celebrate National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. This year’s dates are September 23–27. We are fortunate our state has dedicated and passionate professionals and agencies that provide innovative and valuable programs to keep older adults healthy, safe, and as independent as possible as they age in place. Help raise awareness about the impacts of falls on the health of our older Washingtonians. |
Social Security Services the Hispanic/Latinx Community
For nearly 90 years, Social Security’s programs and services have been a lifeline to people throughout the United States, including the Hispanic/Latinx community. Their Spanish-language website Seguro Social (www.ssa.gov/espanol) provides important information about retirement, disability, and survivors benefits for those whose primary language is Spanish. People can learn—in their preferred language—how to get a new or replacement Social Security card, plan for retirement, apply for benefits, manage their benefits, and much more. |
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