Weekly COVID-19 Community Webinar

What you need to know about current City efforts to support communities.

You are invited to participate in this City of Seattle webinar series aimed at providing consistent and updated information about COVID-19 and its impact on your communities. Please feel free to share this invitation with your staff, trusted advocates, and community partners.

COVID-19 Community Webinar
April 3 | 2:30 - 4:00pm

What you need to know about business and community stabilization funds, food access, public health, transportation projects and other current City efforts to support communities.

Join via Skype: http://bit.ly/DONwebinar

Join via Phone: 206-386-1200 ext 720627#

• This webinar is intended for agencies and community members working and living in the greater Seattle area. 
• Get accurate and updated information about COVID-19. 
• Hear from several City departments and government agencies.
• Participate in a live Q&A session.

Limited capacity of 250 people. This webinar will be recorded.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods will be hosting weekly webinars every Friday from 2:30-4:00pm that connect community to information regarding COVID-19. Each week will cover different topics.

To view recordings of previous webinars, please visit our blog.

The City of Seattle encourages all residents to stay informed. Get up to date information from kingcounty.gov/covid.

Starting May 18th All King County Residents are Directed to Wear Masks

https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/05/18/media-release-face-covering-directive-goes-into-effect-today-prevent-spreading-covid-19-when-unable-to-maintain-6-feet-of-distance

Here is a great article reminding us how to were our masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/how-to-properly-wear-a-face-mask-to-slow-the-spread-of-coronavirus/

Free Food Sites

These are some free food sites in our general area in case you or others you know are in need.

• Epic Church

10510 Stone Ave

Food bank: Mondays: 9:30 to 12:45

• North Help Line/ Bitter Lake Food Bank

13000 Linden Ave

Food bank: Saturdays: 10:00 to 2:00

• Greenwood food bank (at salvation Army site)

9501 Greenwood

Food bank: Tuesdays; 4:30 to 6:30 / Wednesdays: Seniors 11:00 to 2:00 All 12:00 to 2:00

• Bella B mobile Park

133333 N. 125th

Meal- Youth & young adults

Monday thru Friday: 12:00 to 12:30

• Broadview/Thompson

13052 Greenwood

To go meals- Seattle public school students

Monday thru Friday; 11:00 to 1:00

• St. Dunston's church

722 N. 145th (Shoreline but on border of Seattle)

To go meals

Tuesdays at 4:30

Mayor's North Region Town Hall

Please join Mayor Jenny Durkan and City of Seattle Department Directors for a conversation about North Seattle community needs and how we can work together to support our communities, especially those most impacted, during this pandemic.

Community members are the City's most vital resource, and the best solutions often come from communities, not from the top down which is why we're working to bring City Hall to you.

Following our community discussion, we'll hold a webinar so you can work directly with our City departments on essential services, resources, and solutions that are important to you.

When: Thursday, April 30 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM

Who: North Seattle residents, Mayor's Office representatives, and representatives from the following departments: Department of Neighborhoods, Office for Civil Rights, Office of Economic Development, Office of Labor Standards, Human Services Department, Office of Housing, Office of Sustainability & Environment, Seattle Public Utilities, and Seattle City Light

Where: Please RSVP here

Join the meeting

New 24/7 Shelter Opens in North Seattle for 40 Homeless People

Seattle, WA - In response to Seattle Mayor Durkan’s Proclamation of Civil Emergency in the fight against COVID-19, the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is opening Lakefront Community House, an enhanced shelter located at 600 North 130th St. in the Bitter Lake neighborhood of Seattle. Lakefront Community House will have 24/7 staff, on-site case management and will shelter homeless individuals and couples referred by the city’s Navigation Team.

“Many homeless seniors and those with compromised health conditions are living unsheltered on the streets and are at risk of exposure to the coronavirus. They need a supportive place to live during the pandemic. In addition, individuals who’ve had surgery and who have been discharged from a hospital need a safe, warm place to recover and should not be returned to the streets,” states Sharon Lee, LIHI Executive Director. All shelter residents must test negative for COVID-19 or show no symptoms when admitted. Residents must also sign and abide by a strict Code of Conduct.

"The opening of this new shelter means that Seattle's enhanced and tiny house village capacity has increased by nearly 100 spaces since March--an unprecedented effort to create safe places for people living unsheltered," said Jason Johnson, director of the Seattle Human Services Department. "Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Durkan and all the City departments involved, coupled with the strong partnership with LIHI, we are able to serve more vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Thank you to everyone that made this happen so quickly."

In partnership with the Seattle Human Services Department, LIHI opened up 95 tiny houses and beds for homeless people in response to Covid-19. In addition to Lakefront Community House, last week LIHI opened a new tiny house village in the Central Area, T.C. Spirit Village, located at 612 22nd Ave., and doubled the size of Lake Union Village (LUV) located at 800 Aloha St. in South Lake Union.

Lakefront Community House includes 28 furnished residential rooms with separate rooms for men, women and couples. People with pets are allowed. The 18,000 SF building also includes a community dining room, commercial kitchen, activity rooms, counseling offices, and management and security offices. The building has around the clock staffing and an apartment for an on-site live-in manager. Case management staff will help residents obtain housing, employment, health care, education, and other services. The village is receiving operational support from the Seattle Human Services Department. LIHI owns the property, which was previously leased by another agency to provide residential treatment for women in recovery from chemical dependency and their children.

In less than a month, LIHI staff, neighbors and volunteers worked together to set up Lakefront Community House quickly—and with careful adherence to social distancing.

In February, the Seattle City Council voted to amend the original permitted encampment ordinance to allow the continuation of the existing tiny house villages that would have otherwise sunset and permit up to 40 sites which could include tiny house villages, other forms of enhanced shelter, tent encampments, and safe parking to be authorized throughout the city.

If interested in learning more about LIHI’s enhanced shelter, tiny houses, or other programs or if you wish to donate items, email tinyhouses@lihi.org. If you wish to volunteer, email volunteer@lihi.org. Find more information about enhanced shelter or tiny houses on LIHI’s website: lihi.org/tiny-houses.

COVID-19 Resources for North Seattle

A team of North Seattle Librarians finished compiling and organizing resources in a Google document viewable by all, available via the links below. Thanks so much to all of you who got back to me to share your current service updates; if anyone else would still like to share updates, this is a living document that will be updated frequently. Please feel free to share it with your networks, and anyone else who may benefit from its contents (listed on first page of the document).

Short version: https://tinyurl.com/ugz4lpc

Long version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nwg7IFDpL81s8MJZHmiNng3wcXYk5pKEXBzg5-VdTTI/

Covid numbers to limit 911 calls

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, or are a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact King County's novel coronavirus call center at 206-477-3977 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. People can also call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.

More info HERE

Transit Alert – Metro service reductions and other transit responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

Metro continues schedule reductions and provides added measures to support social distancing in an effort to keep riders and employees safe while providing essential services.

Transit is operating during the COVID-19 emergency with no payment of fare required. There is no need to tap your ORCA card or to pay at the farebox.

'Reduced Schedule' operation Metro's temporary Reduced Schedule operation is designed to maintain a sustainable transit system, able to keep our region moving until full service can be restored. Some routes are not affected, a few routes are completely canceled, and most routes have some trips that are canceled.

Since last week, some trips have been added on several routes in order to provide more space where it's needed.
Routes with no changes Routes 11, 22, 60, 71, 73, 105, 118, 119, 128, 131, 154, 164, 166, 204, 224, 309, 348, ST 554, 901, 903, 906, 908, 914, 915, 916, 917, 930, the RapidRide A Line, 628 - Snoqualmie Community Shuttle and 631 - Burien Community Shuttle have no changes.

Routes & services that are completely canceled While many routes have some individual trips canceled, the routes and services listed below are canceled until further notice.
Metro routes 9, 29, 37*, 47, 78, 125, 200, 208, 237, 308, 330, 630 - Mercer Island Community Shuttle, DART Route 910 & Everett Boeing Route 952
Black Diamond/Enumclaw Community Ride, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Community Ride, Normandy Park Community Ride, Sammamish Community Ride, Juanita Community Ride& new Bothell/Woodinville Community Ride
Sound Transit Express Bus Route 541

The South Lake Union Streetcar
The Seattle Center Monorail
Via to Transit

*Nearly all trips on Route 37 are canceled, with the exception of one late afternoon trip leaving downtown Seattle from Second Avenue and Bell Street at 5:52 PM.

For most of the routes that are canceled, there Is some alternate service. Find specific canceled trips To identify whether a specific trip is operating or canceled, the following tools are available:
Visit the check canceled trips tool on the Reduced Schedule page.
In real time, text your stop ID to 62550 to find the next few departure times at your stop with Text for Departures. 

Use the 'Next Departure' feature in Metro's Trip Planner website or apps.
Call 206-553-3000 on weekdays, 6 AM-8 PM.
Ask @kcmetrobus on Twitter weekdays, between 6 AM-8 PM

Watch for updates, as conditions are subject to change.

Bus riding guidelines Metro continues to promote and support riders' ability to maintain distance from other riders.

Safety straps have been installed to provide separation on buses and other transit vehicles. Informational signs and decals are also posted. If you are able to, please board and exit buses via rear doors. Riders who need to, are welcome to use the front door.

When using the front door on vehicles with only one door, or because you need to in order to be safe, please observe distancing practices in and around the driver's and ADA areas.

Other Metro services
Metro's Customer Information phone line at 206-553-3000 is available during its regular weekday hours of 6:00 AM-8:00 PM for trip planning and general information, and from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM for ORCA transactions and submitting comments.

Metro's walk-in fare media sales and lost-and-found offices in Pioneer Square are currently closed.

ORCA queries and transactions, submitting comments and reporting lost items can all be done on Metro's website, or you are welcome to call the number above during regular operating hours for assistance.

Additional Information
King County Metro Transit
Reduced Schedule
Metro Matters blog posts on COVID-19
King County Public Health
Public Health – Seattle & King County's COVID-19 webpage
Other King County services
Changes because of COVID-19

Thank you for riding and for using Metro's services. Be safe.

District 5 Update

Dear Neighbors,

On Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order. This action is a ban on all gatherings and will close many businesses, excluding those deemed essential. Essential businesses include emergency services, health care, critical manufacturing, childcare providers, grocery stores, financial services, and more.

What does this mean for you? For the health and safety of everyone, especially our elders and most vulnerable, we must stay home as much as possible. I understand how difficult this time will be for everyone, especially for families with children.

If you must go out to the grocery store, doctor's office, or take a walk, please wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, and vigilantly remain 6 feet or more away from other people. Cough or sneeze into your elbow.



Our Seattle Parks and trails remain open for walking, biking, running and nature viewing. We have closed our community centers and playgrounds. Please do not gather in our parks for picnics, bonfires, games, or team sports. Respect the social distancing and remain 6 ft away from others. Learn more about our park closures here.

To serve you, the City of Seattle has created a new website with centralized resources regarding COVID-19: http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19

The Mayor's Office and the City Council are working diligently to provide relief and remedies for those most impacted by this epidemic, including workers and small businesses. Our actions include emergency legislation, but there is still more to do.
Preventing utility shut-offs for non-payment
A temporary moratorium on rental evictions
Deferring business taxes
$1.5 million for the Small Business Stabilization Fund
Expanding paid sick and safe leave

My office remains open, though my staff and I are working from home. You can call us at 206-684-8805. The office line is forwarded to cell phones and we are answering calls. We are also responding to emails and prioritizing correspondence from District 5 residents.

We are all in this together.

Additional Resources

Seattle Area Grocery Stores:
Special Shopping Hours

Local grocery stores are offering exclusive shopping hours for seniors and those with compromised immune systems.



Seattle Public Schools

While schools are closed, Seattle Public Schools are distributing food for students, providing child care for essential workers, sharing learning resources, and more. Visit their website to learn more.



Donating Blood

Seattle hospitals blood banks are critically low on blood supplies. If you are able, please donate blood to help others. Donating blood is a safe action to save someone's life.

Recreation Areas Closed; Community Centers, Pools, Fields, Picnic Sheters, Playgrounds

What’s closed

• Recreation areas in parks operated by King County and Seattle; including picnic shelters, athletic fields and tennis/basketball courts. King County Parks and Seattle Parks and Recreation announced the closure of recreation areas in Seattle and King Country parks on Friday, saying that “pick-up games, picnics and other large gatherings will not be permitted.” Effective immediately, all playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic shelters are closed. Except for hygiene shower services, Seattle Parks and Recreation has cancelled all programming, childcare, rentals, and permitted events, and will close all community centers, pools, and environmental learning centers to the public. This will last until at least April 13. We will be in continued contact with public health officials to evaluate our options beyond this timeline. See our blog for details. You can also follow our Twitter feed.
• All Seattle Public School (SPS) playgrounds and playfields district-wide are to be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24. This is a crucial step to increase public safety and social distancing. The closure of SPS playgrounds and playfields will be in effect until further notice. Please remind children and others about social distancing recommendations and review the guidelines for gatherings of children and youth while schools are closed. 
• State campgrounds. According to a news release from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, all campgrounds in Washington State Parks are closed through April 30.
• Some national park facilities. While state parks have all closed to camping, the National Parks Service is “modifying operations” for locations that cannot comply with public health guidance on more of a case-by-case basis. Park facilities that have closed include Seattle’s Klondike Gold Rush Museum and Mount Rainier’s Longmire Museum, Paradise Jackson Visitor Center and Paradise Snowplay Area. The latest park closure information for Washington is available online.

What’s open

• Day-use areas and trails in state parks. Visitors are “encouraged to practice social distancing and good hygiene while enjoying the outdoors” and to avoid ocean beaches due to a high volume of visitor traffic.
• Parks maintained by King County and the city of Seattle. While their playgrounds and ballfields are closed, the parks will remain open, as will park restrooms, which will be frequently cleaned and sanitized. This extends to “natural lands, regional trails, backcountry trails, and beaches where social distancing can be maintained.
• Some national parks. While state parks have shuttered, the national parks’ response has been more of a patchwork, with closures scattered throughout the network in Washington. The latest park closure information Washington is available online.

Seattle Public Schools "Right Now Needs Fund" Available

The Alliance for Education, in partnership with Amazon, has provided all 104 Seattle Public Schools with a Right Now Needs Fund, which is still available during the school closure. The fund assists with basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, school supplies, and medical costs. To request use of the fund, please reach out directly to your school principal or school staff. You can learn more on the Alliance for Education COVID-19 resource webpage.

If you have additional questions, call Petaki Cobell at (206) 205-0337, or email RightNowNeeds@alliance4ed.org

Weekend Student Meal Support, March 27

Last Friday, over 1,600 bags of food were distributed and available at the 26 Student Meal Distribution Sites to support families through the weekend. This service will be provided again at all sites on Friday, March 27, for families in need. Learn more on the student meal page. With support from Seattle-area food bank volunteers, who are gathering and putting the weekend food bags together, all families in need can go to one of the school sites listed below to pick up food for weekend needs. Meal support for weekends provides non-perishable food items such as canned goods, snacks, juice, etc., is available for all families in need.

Northwest School Sites:

• Ballard High School (Google map), 1418 NW 65th St Seattle, WA 98117. Enter and exit through the east doors near portables/courtyard into commons area.
• Broadview-Thomson K-8 (Google map), 13052 Greenwood Ave N Seattle, WA 98133. Enter and exit through door at northwest corner of building, facing Greenwood Avenue. Cafeteria will be directly ahead across the hall.
• Robert Eagle Staff Middle School (Google map),1330 N 90th St Seattle, WA 98103. Enter and exit from the east side of the building through cafeteria doors on courtyard.

UW Medicine Launches COVID-19 Response Website and Donation Center, Weekdays 10 AM - 2 PM

UW Medicine has seen an unprecedented outpouring of inquiries from the community asking how they can help UW Medicine staff working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, UW Medicine has set up a website where individuals can make cash or in-kind donations and leave messages of support for healthcare workers. Starting today, March 23, UW Medicine will be collecting in-kind donations for items specifically needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, provide care for patients and ensure the health and well-being of its frontline medical teams. In-kind donations can be shipped or dropped off to the designated receiving site (4515 25th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The website provides additional information along with a form to start an in-kind gift. All in-kind donations must be made through the drop-off center rather than individual hospitals and clinics. You can also email covidgifts@uw.edu if you have any questions.

UW Medicine is able to accept the following list of items in unopened and original packaging:

• Disposable face masks- all types, including N-95 respirators
• Clear face shields
• Clear safety/medical glasses or goggles
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Systems
• Exam and surgical gloves
• Isolation gowns
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand sanitizer

Messages of support for frontline healthcare workers are also being collected on the website. One recent community member wrote, "Thank you UW Medicine staff for watching out for Seattle!" "Some of our staff have had few breaks as we see an increasing number of coronavirus patients and change how our hospitals and clinics are operating," said Lisa Brandenburg, president of UW Medicine hospitals and clinics. "Kind notes and positive messages have been greatly appreciated. UW Medicine has an amazing team that is working to care for our community in this unprecedented time."

In the past week, online donations to the UW Medicine Emergency Response Fund have exceeded $250,000. Funds support the expansion of COVID-19 testing, increased inpatient care capacity, telehealth, research, and other critical efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and care for those in our community affected by the virus.

UW Medicine includes Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake, UW Medical Center – Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, Airlift Northwest and the UW School of Medicine.

King County Frequently Asked Questions – Isolation & Quarantine

What is isolation? Isolation is used for people who are currently ill and able to spread the disease and who need to stay away from others in order to avoid infecting them.

What is quarantine? Quarantine is for people who are not currently showing symptoms but are at increased risk for having been exposed to an infectious disease. Quarantine is for people who could become sick and spread the infection to others.

Who is likely to be temporarily housed in Isolation and Quarantine sites?
Examples of people who may occupy the facilities:
• First responders and health care workers
• Travelers
• People who can’t safely self-isolate or quarantine at home, e.g., a student living in a congregate dorm room
• People experiencing homelessness

Why do we need this action?
It is critical to do all that we can to 1) reduce the spread of the illness; and 2) keep our hospital beds available for people with acute healthcare needs. Public Health has been clear that isolation and quarantine help keep the community safe by containing illness.

How many beds are available at each location? Kent: 30 rooms initially. Total capacity is 84. White Center: Eight modular units with four separate rooms per unit. Total: 32 Aurora: Six modular units with four separate rooms per unit. Total 24. Interbay: Room for 72 persons.

Can people bring their pets to the Isolation and Quarantine facilities?
No, but King County has made arrangements to board any pets at the Regional Animal Services of King County for the duration of a person’s stay in isolation and quarantine.

How will we decide who stays in these facilities?
Public Health-Seattle & King County will triage calls to the King County COVID Call Center and assess individual need for isolation or quarantine. They will make a determination of the need for self-isolation at home or assignment to a facility. A referral will be made by PHSKC.

How will they get there? Transportation to and from will be provided by the most appropriate source, including ambulances or other contracted transportation providers.

How will you monitor the health of those in the facilities? Isolation and quarantine is a proven Public Health practice, giving people a place where they can go to wait out their exposure and keep their family members safe. In most cases, isolation and quarantine monitoring is handled via regular telephone contact. Trained health and, where appropriate, behavioral health professionals will speak regularly with each person in I&Q and monitor any changes in health status and any need for additional care.

Will there be onsite medical assistance? In most cases, health and behavioral health care will be closely monitored by phone. As the situation in our community changes, it may be necessary to make changes in our response, including the possibility of adding an onsite medical or behavioral health component.

Will there be onsite security? Yes, there will be 24/7 onsite security at all locations and an on-site manager.

How will people get their other needs met - food, water and other supplies? Staff will check in with every patient multiple times per day to identify any needs, including food, water, or other requests. Supplies will be delivered to their door. There will be no person-to-person contact between patients and delivery persons.

Who will provide the food? King County is contracting with FareStart and possibly other food delivery outlets. Dietary restrictions, allergies and cultural needs will be addressed through the food options.

Will the individuals be allowed to leave the premises? Isolation and quarantine means that you stay away from the general public. Every person will have a phone number they can call if they need anything, or if their condition changes. In addition, staff will check in with every patient multiple times per day to identify any needs. Supplies will be delivered to their door. They will have no need to go out to get anything.

Who decides when they get to leave? Will they have transportation upon departure? Medical staff will monitor each person’s condition and make an individual determination as to when it is safe for the individual to leave the isolation and quarantine site. They will receive transportation to return to their home or shelter when they have been cleared to leave by PHSKC staff.

Why were communities not consulted in advance of siting? Executive Constantine signed a proclamation of emergency, enabling the County to take swift measure to find locations that could house people in isolation and recovery, to maintain the effectiveness of our overall health system. In an emergency, swift action is key. The County’s real estate people identified and moved on properties that met the requirements of Public Health. We are communicating with communities in Kent, White Center, and Seattle, the first locations announced. We are meeting with community-based organizations, local businesses, and residents to explain the unfolding situation and to gather their questions and respond. The Executive Office and the Department of Local Services have been leading this work. We are absolutely committed to ongoing communications with our communities and our residents.

King County is in negotiations on additional properties throughout the region. This is a countywide emergency. It is not contained to one city or neighborhood, but is an emergency for our entire region. Subsequent announcements from the City of Seattle and King County have identified additional sites on land owned by the city or county. King County is continuing to explore additional sites countywide.

How will you get information to people who speak languages other than English? The Public Health website has information available in multiple languages on the COVID-19 outbreak, including what to do if you suspect you have been exposed to the illness or are experiencing symptoms. The King County emergency appropriations ordinance includes funding for language access services, community engagement and outreach/education pertaining to the COVID-19 response.

What is the future use of these locations? We are focused on the public health emergency and creating spaces for people to safely isolate and quarantine. Future use of any of the emergency community services locations being created now is a conversation for a future time.

How does community connect to ask questions about sites? If there are questions that are not included in this FAQ sheet, please contact our ‘contact us’ via the dedicated subcategory on this issue at (https://blue.kingcounty.gov/about/contact/)

Northgate School Lunch Deliveries Needed March 30th

The Northgate Elementary School PTO needs 3-4 people to help deliver lunches to 8 Northgate families starting March 30th. The think the pick-up will be at Olympic Hills Elementary School around 11am. Then it will take probably 30-40 minutes to deliver (3 stops), so plan about an hour or so. 

They would like to have one person per day, so this would be a weekly delivery for each volunteer. They have someone for Mondays already. Please let them know what day you could deliver (consistently) and they will send more detailed instructions and schedule. 

Please email northgatepto@gmail.com.

North Aurora Facility Accepting Occupants March 23

The following is an update from Calli Knight, Deputy Director of External Relations for King County Executive Dow Constantine. The North Aurora Isolation and Quarantine facility will be ready to accept occupants tomorrow, Monday 3/23.

It is important to note that while the facility will be ready to house individuals in need of isolation or quarantine, there may not be any occupants as of tomorrow. Along with a 24/7 security guard and site manager, nursing staff will also be located on-site at this facility.

For the most up-to-date information about local health orders, translated educational materials, case numbers, and the work public health staff is doing to slow the spread of COVID-19, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid.

King County Regional Donations Connector Links People and Organizations

The King County Regional Donations Connector is now available online to link up individuals, businesses, non-profits, and others who have resources with those who need them during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Donations Connector will help make sure services, supplies, and funding reach health care providers, first responders, and social service entities working on the front lines.

The website at kingcounty.gov/emergency/donate serves three major functions:
A system that allows donations and offers of assistance to be used in the response effort.
An online "marketplace" where offering organizations can be matched to those in need.
An easily searchable list of ways the public can get help.

Donating businesses, agencies, and individuals are invited to share what they have to contribute (such as funding, medical supplies, masks, counseling, or other goods and services) and link up with organizations involved in the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Who is the Donations Connector for?

• Private and public entities with items or services to donate
• Community and faith-based organizations
• The general public

What types of donations are requested?

• Funding
• Food (both perishable and non-perishable)
• Medical supplies
• Sanitary supplies
• Facility space
• Services such as counseling (legal, mental health, etc.), labor, janitorial, catering, event planning, and more

People who want to volunteer their time should contact local volunteer groups or register through the United Way of King County at volunteer.uwkc.org/volunteer-response-covid-19. Also, the Connector is intended for donations of goods in bulk quantities - smaller donations should go through existing community donation channels. Once donor and recipient are connected, they will need to independently arrange for pickup and delivery as needed. For more information about the Donations Connector, email donations@kingcounty.gov. For updates about the pandemic and response, see kingcounty.gov/COVID.

Nextdoor Groups & Help Map Launched

Proximity matters — there has never been a more important time to know your neighbors. At Nextdoor, we're working to keep families, friends, and neighbors safe — and connected. We're inspired to see so many of you reach out with offers of help for those in need, or show your more vulnerable side by asking for help when you need it most. This is why we exist. And this is why it's so important to help your neighbors connect with you on Nextdoor.

This week, we launched two new products to better help you connect right now.  The first feature we've launched will facilitate neighbors helping neighbors. It's called Help Map. The Help Map allows those in need to easily identify which neighbors have raised a hand to assist with an errand — or just give a call to check-in. The second is Nextdoor Groups. Some of you may have used an early version of this tool to organize around shared interests like hiking or reading. We have officially launched Nextdoor Groups so neighbors can organize for those who may need assistance during this challenging time. In my neighborhood, we pulled together a group in the hopes of directing some kindness into our community as we feel the impact of social distancing.

It's also worth noting that many areas now have guidelines in place on how best to interact, so please check with your local health officials to protect both yourself and your neighbors. We know communities are stronger together, so please encourage others to join you on Nextdoor. And thank you for being a good neighbor.

Ridwell Pickup: Supplies to Support our Community; March 28th

Ridwell is working with Mary's Place and Pike Market Food Bank and Senior Center to provide hygiene supplies for some of the city's most vulnerable citizens. They're also partnering with the Seattle Humane Society to stock their Pet Food Bank, which helps prevent the need for owners to surrender pets due to economic instability. If you don't use Ridwell ask a neighbor who does if they'll accept your supplies to be donated March 28th. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

Help Collect PPE for COVID-19 Response

Fire, emergency medical services, police, and medical facilities in the region are in critical need of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their personnel. The City of Seattle, Public Health - Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health are joining forces to solicit donations. Supplies needed at this time include new and unused N95, P100 and surgical masks, gloves, disposable gowns, eyewear, and more. Please help us connect people and organizations you know with this effort! Think creatively about industries and contacts who may have these supplies on hand.

Anyone from King County who has supplies available, please fill out this short survey surveymonkey.com/r/2MLD3L7. Upon receiving the information, City employees will follow up with the donor to determine the best option for drop-off or pick-up of donations. The State of Washington is also working to identify needs and fill shortages. The State is soliciting donations from large companies, purchasing from sources outside of normal contracts, and coordinating with manufacturers that are willing to shift gears and repurpose their manufacturing operations.

Temporary Changes to The Home Depot's Store Hours, Closing at 6:00 PM

 

We want you to know that we are temporarily adjusting our store hours to close at 6 p.m., beginning Thursday, March 19. Our opening hours will remain unchanged. We're keeping our stores open during these uncertain times to give businesses and homeowners access to urgently needed items such as hot water heaters, refrigerators, batteries, as well as electrical and plumbing repair needs. The adjusted hours will give us the ability to restock and perform additional cleaning and sanitizing of our stores.

If you've been in our stores recently, you may notice that we've experienced increased demand for certain items like face masks, hand sanitizers, and cleaning supplies. Understandably, manufacturers have prioritized some of these items for health care providers. Our merchants and supply chain teams are working to replenish available product as quickly as possible, but you may see purchase limits on some items and availability may vary at times.

We're grateful to our thousands of associates and suppliers who are working diligently to provide our customers and communities with essential products and the best shopping experience possible. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to continue to serve you.

Our thoughts are with anyone who has been impacted by COVID-19. We are staying in close contact with the CDC and will continue to make sure that our business practices are consistent with the most up-to-date information. To learn more about what we're doing to prepare and respond to COVID-19, you can visit our company newsroom at corporate.homedepot.com.

Sincerely,

The Home Depot

Message from Seattle Public Schools, Closed until April 27th

Governor Inslee made the difficult decision to close all public and private schools until at least Monday, April 27 in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. We recognize how disruptive this has been to daily life. It has been reassuring to see families, educators, community partners, and staff coming together in this time of uncertainty to support students and each other. It is a strong reminder of Seattle's resilience and ingenuity.

As this continues to be an evolving situation, Seattle Public Schools is committed to keeping you informed and sharing information as it becomes available. You can depend on communication directly from the Office of Public Affairs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. Please help us by passing along this information to friends, neighbors, and your networks.
Hear directly from Superintendent Juneau in today's message: https://youtu.be/jRw18kGbopA

Student Meal Distribution
Schools are foundational to the infrastructure of our communities and we appreciate our staff's commitment to student and family wellbeing. Our first priority has been to reduce barriers to food and support basic needs. This week, our dedicated staff served close to 2,500 meals (breakfast and lunch) over the course of two days. Student meal sites operate from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are 26 locations across the city, and meals can be picked up by anyone in your family. You can learn more, including where the student meal sites are located, on the COVID-19 resource page. On Friday, March 20 over 1,500 bags of food to support families in need will be delivered to all 26 Student Meal Distribution Sites. Families should go to the meal site that is most convenient for them and are invited to take the non-perishable items needed for meals over the weekend. We will assess participation and increase or decrease the number of bags for the following Friday. A huge thank you to the Backpack Brigade, a group of volunteers and partners who have graciously coordinated these efforts.

Access to Learning Resources
Starting Monday, March 23, we will be providing educational programming on SPS TV, social media, and our website. These videos will feature Seattle Public Schools educators in short segments to support optional learning in a variety of subjects and grade levels. We will also be offering aligned, printed materials at school lunch distribution sites for families who do not have access to TV or internet.We cannot replace the amazing instruction that our teachers offer in the classroom. Teaching is an art and a science that takes years of college preparation, expert mentoring and collegiality, and lots of professional development to perfect instructional practice. While in-classroom instruction cannot be replaced, we will do our best to make sure that the resources we provide are high quality and supportive of your efforts at home. We will provide more information, including a schedule of the provided programing, in our Friday family communication. We will start on March 23 with K-5 programming and other grades and subjects will be added in the coming weeks. These resources will be supplemental to communications and support from your child's regular teacher or teachers. Many educators have already reached out to support families and students. A huge thank you to our incredible educators who have been unwavering in their commitment to student learning and emotional wellbeing during this time. Teachers have been asked to continue communicating with families and students about academic work. Specifically, they have been asked to communicate with families at least two times per week via Schoology, email, phone, or the typical way they connect with families throughout the school year. For most students, recommended tasks or activities will be optional, ungraded work and focused on reviewing material, concepts, and skills already addressed.Additional centrally coordinated learning resources can be found on the COVID-19 Resource webpage.

Child Care Resources
Child care is top of mind for many families, especially those on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Many of our parents work in the healthcare industry, are providing emergency meals to families, and providing critical safety services. While the district is not a child care provider, we want to do our part to support the broader community's COVID-19 efforts. Seattle Public Schools is working with our existing child care providers -- City of Seattle, Public Health Seattle and King County, and the State Department of Children, Youth, and Families -- to develop potential approaches for families with the most critical need, including first responders to COVID-19. We continue to receive updated guidance from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families on how school-based providers might offer child care as safely as possible in our buildings while ensuring recommended social distancing. SPS does not have funding to pay for child care. We are working with philanthropic and other municipal partners to find solutions to support operational and staffing costs. We will continue to keep families informed if child care options become available.

Athletic Fields and Playgrounds
School playgrounds and athletic fields remain open at this time for community use but will not be supervised by SPS staff and play structures are not being disinfected. Please remind children and others using our open spaces of social distancing recommendations.
JSCEE will remain closed until March 30
The JSCEE has been closed to the public this week, and this will extend through next week, March 23-27, in an abundance of caution and in alignment with social distancing recommendations from Public Health. Even though the building is closed, staff are still working to provide critical services including enrollment and customer service. Please check our website www.seattleschools.org for more information. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility in this uncertain time. A lot has changed over the last two weeks and the landscape continues to evolve. We want to express our deep gratitude to our students and families for navigating this unprecedented situation with us. It is important that we continue to respond to each other's needs and concerns with compassion and urgency. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with suggestions, questions, and concerns. Your engagement helps us better support you, your child, and your family.
Please continue to stay in contact through publicaffairs@seattleschools.org and look for the next family communication, including the SPSTV broadcast schedule, on Friday, March 20.


-Office of Public Affairs

How Target is Supporting our Guests and Team, Closing at 9:00 PM

Every day, for weeks now, you've turned to Target to stock up on supplies as you cope with the impact of the coronavirus. As we all continue to adapt to the country's fast-changing needs, we want to make sure we're doing everything we can to keep our stores open and support our team. We've announced a couple of changes that will go into effect today and last until further notice.

We'll reduce hours and close all stores by 9 p.m. daily. This will help us as we replenish and deeply clean our stores for our guests. And it builds on measures we shared earlier this month, including enhanced cleaning and more staffing for in-demand services that support social distancing, like Order Pickup and Drive Up. We'll also reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday to support vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns. In addition to these changes, we're fast-tracking the flow of products that are in highest demand, including food, medicine and other essentials. We'll continue to maintain limitations on in-demand items and respectfully ask all guests to consider their immediate needs and purchase accordingly so more families can find the products they need.

Taking care of our team
During this challenging time, I can assure you that the Target team is working hard to be there for you and your families – and we're doubling down on everything we can to support them. We recently announced changes to our back-up care benefit , so in the face of school and other care-facility closures, back-up care will be available to all, including frontline team members who are doing so much right now. This comes on top of temporarily waiving our absenteeism policy and covering quarantine and confirmed illness pay. We'll also continue to offer benefits like paid family leave and free counseling services for the range of challenges our team might be facing.

So much of what we've seen over the last few weeks has been heroic, from our dedicated teams working in our stores and supply chain, to the way you and your families have banded together. As I've said from the outset, a commitment to help all families is at the heart of Target's purpose. Our goal is to be here for you and keep navigating through this uncertainty together – and we will do everything in our power to live up to that promise.

Brian Cornell
Chairman and CEO

For the latest updates on our response to coronavirus, go to Target.com/ABullseyeView.

COVID-19 Community Response Fund, $25,000.00

Community Brief  COVID-19 Community Response Fund On March 10, 2020, the King County Council approved a suite of emergency legislation proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine to aid in the county's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The final package included $1 million for the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) to provide flexible resources for engagement and outreach to populations on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to community based organizations and other stakeholders serving impacted communities. OESJ will prioritize funding to partners working with communities at the highest risk of immediate and long term negative health, social and economic impacts, with an emphasis on communities located near isolation, quarantine and recovery sites. Please download the COVID-19 Community Response Fund overview and criteria and application for the fund at the Equity and Social Justice website. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. Questions and completed applications must be sent to info-covid@kingcounty.gov. Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We're stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Please utilize these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma. www.kingcounty.gov/equity

A Message from the Seattle Fire Department, Calling 911

We respond to all life-threatening emergencies. If you have a fever or difficulty breathing, it doesn't mean you have COVID-19. If you believe you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please call 911. We respond to all life-threatening emergencies. If you suffer from a fever or shortness of breath, it doesn't always mean you have COVID-19. If you believe your symptoms are life-threatening, please call 911. Tell the dispatcher all of your symptoms so we can better assist you.

Don't feel ashamed if you have symptoms (fever or difficulty breathing) of COVID-19. Call 911 if your symptoms are life-threatening- we will help you. Tell the dispatcher all of your symptoms so we can arrive in the appropriate protective equipment. #COVID19Seattle

Northgate Elementary & Epic Life Church, Daily Donations 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Northgate Elementary School is partnering with local churches to help stock local food banks as Covid-19 continues to spread and limit local supplies. Please watch the video below to see how you can help. 

Please donate 3-4 items from your food storage and drop off at Epic Life Church at 10510 Stone Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133 between 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Volunteers may also be needed to go to Robert Eagle Staff to pick up lunches and deliver them to doorsteps of Northgate families who are not able to get themselves to the free lunch pick-up location.

Special YMCA Program Starts Wednesday, March 18

New post on Hazel Wolf K-8





The YMCA has been working in partnership with Public Health, Department of Children Youth and Families, and local school districts to find ways to support working families who need child care. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the YMCA will offer full-day programming at most YMCA branches throughout King County, including the University YMCA, which runs Kid's U, Hazel Wolf's afterschool program.

The purpose is to provide a safe and nurturing place for youth while first responders and health care providers of direct services, and parents/guardians who need to work and do not have support systems readily available. To register for programming at University YMCA, visit: https://apm.activecommunities.com/seattleymca/Activity_Search?detailskeyword=372052
Please note, YMCA is using a NEW registration process to allow flexibility for families by providing daily options. If you have any questions, please email registration@seattleymca.org.

YMCA PREVENTATIVE HEALTH PRACTICES

• Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to remain home.
• Wellness check will be conducted for all staff and youth before attending program, including a temperature check. Anyone with 100.0 F degree or higher will not be allowed to remain.
• Ongoing cleaning will be scheduled during the day, especially in common areas.
• Frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizers will be used.
• Nightly disinfectant cleaning will be done as an additional measure.
• During the program hours, youth will be organized in small groups (9 youth and 1 staff) and rotate for activities as part of social distancing and meet the developmental needs of youth.
• Parents/Guardians will be dropping off and picking up at the entrance and not allowed to access the program space.

The YMCA is glad to be able to continue to support our community through this difficult time. If you would like to support the Y's work, please consider making a donation at https://www.seattleymca.org/donate. This will help support families in need, homeless youth programs, and providing meals for youth.

For more information about Kid's U and Hazel Wolf's afterschool programming, visit the Afterschool Programs page.

Update from Creative Dance Center, Closed through April 24th

To Our Creative Dance Center Community,

We want you to know everyone at the Creative Dance Center is holding you and your loved ones in our thoughts as we make adjustments in our lives, working together to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. In our wildest dreams we could never have imagined writing those words! It is astounding how this disease has impacted every aspect of our lives. Each day brings new information and we appreciate your patience as the Creative Dance Center adapts and responds to this crisis.

With the latest recommendations from the Governor and King County Public Health, the Creative Dance Center will remain closed at minimum through April 24. We are compelled to do our part in reducing further transmission of this disease. Our focus is on the health of you, your family, our employees, and the greater community at this critical time. We care about you and will continue to proceed with the greatest caution and concern for the health of our community.

These are uncertain times as we feel the delicate balance of our economy go off kilter. We care deeply about our teachers and employees who are so vital to our organization. CDC has made the firm decision to financially support our teachers, accompanists, and our staff in this crisis. However, our ability to support our employees and keep our organization fiscally solvent is impacted tremendously by this pandemic. As with most non-profits, our operating costs are barely covered by our programming fees and fundraising efforts. We anticipate great losses with the cancellation of events, performances, workshops, and classes. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure CDC will recover and come out stronger on the other side of this pandemic. Additional support from our community will be necessary to ensure the future of CDC.

The Creative Dance Center has been a vital member of the non-profit dance world for 39 years because of our caring and wonderful community. During this time of crisis please consider supporting CDC any way you are able. Make a donation in honor of your teacher or because you know how critical it is for CDC to continue the life-changing work we do! Another easy way to support CDC is through the Amazon Smile program. When you shop at smile.amazon.com Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Just choose the Creative Dance Center as your charitable organization.

Please check our homepage for updates as we move forward through these uncharted times. Do check out our Creative Dance Center/Kaleidoscope Dance Company Facebook page for resources and content including fun ways for all ages to keep moving and creating. Know that we value you with all our hearts and we are so happy to have you in our community.

From all of us at the Creative Dance Center,

Terry Goetz, Bronwen Houck, Anna Mansbridge, Anne Green Gilbert, Sarah Alaways, Gail Heilbron, Kechelle Jackson, Hayley Shannon, Elizabeth Sugawara, Tom Bergersen, Andrew Rishikof, and the CDC Board of Directors

P.S. Please enjoy the attached gift from CDC Founder Anne Green Gilbert; a follow along BrainDance for people of all ages to find moments of calm, grounding, and balance in the midst of this chaos. BrainDance for Home If you are a currently enrolled student, we have emailed you updates related to your current class. Check your spam folders and please add terry@creativedance.org and bronwen@creativedance.org to your safe list to ensure you are receiving the most updated information.