Community Resources

Updates on Resources, Programs and Events

washington college grant - scholarships & financial aid

Washington offers the nation’s most generous need-based financial aid program in the Washington College Grant.

Households making up to $120,500 are eligible for at least some money towards college or career training. And a huge variety of available scholarships could further discount the cost of your coursework.

Far too many families miss out on money by failing to file their FAFSA. The Washington Student Achievement Council says that 70% of jobs in Washington require some form of training after high school, so filing your FAFSA and scholarship applications might help you get the education you need to reach the career you dream of.

Amazon Access

Amazon Access is a program offered by Amazon to provide customers with services and features that make their shopping experience more inclusive and affordable.

Key Features of Amazon Access

  1. Discounted Memberships:

    • Amazon offers discounted Prime memberships for customers who qualify for government assistance programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

    • This reduced-cost Prime membership provides the same benefits as standard Prime, including free shipping, streaming, and more.

  2. Amazon Layaway:

    • A payment option that allows customers to reserve items and pay over time without fees or interest.

    • Helps customers manage budgets for larger purchases.

  3. Payment Flexibility:

    • Accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and SNAP for eligible grocery items.

    • Provides flexible payment options for customers without access to traditional credit or debit cards.

  4. Amazon Clinic:

    • Accessible healthcare services and consultations through the Amazon platform for a reasonable cost, though availability varies by location.

  5. Simplified Navigation and Accessibility:

    • Features to help people with disabilities or those new to online shopping navigate the platform more easily.

    • Tools like voice commands (via Alexa) and text-to-speech options.

Visit the Amazon Access page to learn more and sign up.

Halloween pop-up market

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s EcoDistrict is hosting a pop up Halloween market at Capitol Hill Station Plaza.

When: Thursday, October 31, 2024

Time: 4 - 8 PM

Where: Capitol Hill Station Plaza ( 920 E Barbara Bailey Way, Seattle, WA, 98122 )

Who: The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s EcoDistrict with support from Seattle Office of Economic Development

What:

  • Sounds from DJ Bri

  • Trick-or-Treating with BIPOC retail and food vendors

  • Fun family-friendly activities

Click here for more details about this spooktacular event.

FREE seattle symphony concert

In collaboration with Key to Change, The Seattle Symphony will be in concert in Renton, WA. The details of the events are as follows:

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Time:

  • 6:15 PM (Pre-Concert Recital) by the students of Key to Change Studio

  • 7:30 PM (Show starts)

Where: Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center ( 400 S 2nd St, Renton, WA 98057 )

Who:

  • Sunny Xia, Conductor
    Eden Pawlos Violin – Key to Change student
    Key to Change Studio
    Seattle Symphony

What:

  • MOZART Adagio-Allegro from Symphony No. 38 in D major, K. 5041

  • FAURÉ Sicilienne from Pelléas et Mélisande Suite

  • J.S. BACH Allegro moderato from Concerto for Violin No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041

  • STILL Wood Notes

  • Soon Hee Newbold Lion City

You can RSVP for the even here.

For more information about the event, see here.

State Home energy assistance program (SHEAP)

OLYMPIA, Wash - Sep. 30, 2024:

The new State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP) will use $35 million in Climate Commitment Act funding to support more people in Washington in paying their utility bills and switching to low- and no-carbon heating and cooling options. SHEAP has two components: $21 million for energy bill assistance; and $14 million for weatherization, which includes efficiency improvements and potentially installing new equipment, like electric heat pumps. The program spans two divisions at the Department of Commerce.

“Bill assistance and weatherization will both be available by Oct. 1. Community agencies in counties across Washington will work with consumers individually to determine their need and potential amount of assistance.”

About the Grant:

This grant will support eligible community members with:

  • Financial assistance with energy bills

  • Assessing their household’s energy needs

  • Replacing unsafe heating/cooling systems in their homes

  • Purchasing a heat pump or other tech that is more energy-efficient

Eligibility:

Available to utility customers who make up to 80% of the area median income (AMI).

In 2024, 80% of the AMI was approximately:

  • $110,950 for a family of four in King County

  • $78,300 for a family of four in Spokane County

  • $94,400 for a family of four in Clark County

You may use this Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Calculator to calculate your household’s AMI.

Applying for SHEAP:

For energy assistance, you must schedule an appointment with a partner organization that offers services in your area.

King County:

Spokane:

Clark:

More information on counties and SHEAP available on the Department of Commerce Website.

YMCA of Greater Seattle Resources

Jobs - Visit here for apply for jobs at the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

During registration, many families asked that we make critical resources available now.  We’re pleased to share that additional programs, resources, and benefits are now available here. Click here for resources provided by the YMCA of Greater Seattle, including Financial Assistance for Membership, Swim Lessons, Diabetes Prevention, Weight Management Programs, Mental Health Support and other programs. Other resources including mental health counselling and support, rental assistance, eviction prevention support, food support, etc., can be found at YMCA Social Impact Center and FindHelp.

ACT! Program - Actively Changing Together - Learn Healthy Habits - Free Program (includes 3 Month Y Membership!). Visit here for more details. Register at seattleymca.org/act.

Applications Now Being Accepted for the Working Families Tax Credit

Up to $1,200 to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Feb. 1, 2023 – The Department of Revenue has begun accepting applications for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC). Up to 400,00 eligible Washington workers and their families may receive money back this year. The new program returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program which is considered one of the best tools for reducing poverty nationwide.

“We are excited to begin accepting applications for this incredible program and getting money back to those people who need it the most,” said Revenue Acting Director John Ryser. “WFTC is part of a broader campaign to reduce poverty in Washington and our agency is proud to be a part of this effort.”

About the Credit

  • Provides payments of up to $1,200 to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements

  • The WFTC refund is in addition to what someone may receive under the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.

  • The WFTC is a recurring program and can be applied for each year.

  • The application period begins Feb. 1, 2023, for the 2022 tax year, and will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2023.

Eligibility

Individuals and families are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit if they meet all of the following requirements:

  • Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN)

  • Lived in Washington state a minimum of 183 days (over half the year).

  • Are 25-64 years old OR have a qualifying child in 2022.

  • Filed a 2022 federal tax return.

  • Eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2022 tax return (or would meet the requirements for EITC but are filing with an ITIN).

  • Meet certain income requirements.

For more information about WFTC, visit here.

Energy Assistance - Courtesy of PSE

Unlock earnings with Flex Rewards

Have you heard about Flex events? They're times when the demand for energy temporarily peaks, and we encourage conservation to help maintain grid reliability.

With Flex Rewards, you can get paid for participating in Flex events!

Earn $25 for enrolling now, and when a Flex event is scheduled to occur, you’ll receive a notification by email or text. Then, take simple energy-saving actions, like turning off large appliances, and you’ll earn an additional $1 for each kilowatt-hour saved.

Flex Rewards offers you the flexibility to conserve as much or as little as you're comfortable with. There is never a penalty for opting out of a Flex event, which will only happen between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and last an average of just four hours.

Join the thousands of others who are already part of Flex Rewards and get $25 today!

LEARN MORE HERE

Click here to see, in multiple languages, the new Bill Discount Rate program that rolled out Oct. 1, 2023. PSE customers can apply online to receive a discount of 5% to 45% off their electric or gas bill. In addition, when they sign up for Bill Discount Rate, they will be signed up to receive a PSE Help credit of $100 to $1000 to their PSE account.

 Here are somethings to note regarding those two programs:

 Two programs, one online application.

  • Bill Discount Rate

    • 5% to 45% off PSE bill

    • Discount is valid for one year (must reapply each year)

    • Discount will appear on PSE bill the month after application is submitted

  • PSE Help

    • Credit of $100 to $1000 to PSE account

    • One time yearly payment

    • Credit will take 2 to 3 months to show up in PSE account

    • No need to contact Multi-service Center, Hopelink, or Byrd Place for appointment anymore

 There is NO need for PSE customers to upload any documents or proof of income to the application, however income does need to be noted on the application for all household members over the age of 18 and the customer must meet PSE’s income guidelines. Also, 5% of our applicants will be audited and will need to provide proof of income at that time.

Discover Pass Free Days -

Washington State Parks and the Washington Departments of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) and Natural Resources (DNR) offer several "free days" when a Discover Pass is not required to visit these lands.

  1. Following are the 2024 Free Days

    • Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day

    • Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

    • March 9 -- Billy Frank Junior's Birthday

    • March 19 — State Parks’ 111th Birthday

    • April 22  — Earth Day

    • June 8 — National Get Outdoors Day

    • June 9 — Free Fishing Day

    • June 19 — Juneteenth

    • Sept. 28 — National Public Lands Day

    • Oct. 10 -- World Mental Health Day

    • Nov. 11 — Veterans Day

    • Nov. 29 — Autumn Day

    Free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities). Free days are valid at state parks and Washington State Departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife lands. Sno-Park permits are still required on free days at designated Sno-Parks during the winter season.

    Additional Resource List -