In King County:

People who are “undocumented” can now get coverage through the “Alien Emergency Medical” (AEM) program for COVID-19 and treatment. In King County, there are Health Insurance Navigators on the CHAP Line and at our Community Health Centers to help folks get the clients enrolled. They have Spanish bilinguals navigators and also can connect to phone interpretation.

 

The phone number to call is: 1-800-756-5437. Also, here is the site link: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/locations/health-insurance/access-and-outreach/community-health-access-program.aspx

 

 

From: Protecting Immigrant Families-Washington Subject: COVID-19 and Public Charge: What Immigrant Communities Need to Know

 

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COVID-19 and Public Charge: What Immigrant Communities Need to Know

Immigrants who are subject to a public charge inadmissibility test when they apply for a visa or green card should know that USCIS announced it will NOT consider testing, treatment, or preventive care (including vaccines if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 in the public charge assessment, even if the health care services are covered by Medicaid.This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time.

· It is best to see the doctor if you need care. There are laws in place to ensure your doctor honors your right to privacy. You do not need to share any information about your immigration status unless you apply for Medicaid or other health coverage. 

· You can still see a doctor without medical insurance. This includes care you receive in the emergency room, at community and migrant health centers, free clinics, and public hospitals. If you don’t have a doctor, call a local community health center for assistance.  You can find a health center here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ 

· Hospitals and health care spaces are safe to visit. Federal guidelines prohibit immigration agents from conducting arrests or other enforcement actions at health care facilities, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, health clinics, and urgent care facilities except in limited circumstances.

· Eligibility for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces has not changed.

· Emergency Medicaid coverage has been expanded in Washington State to cover diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and the Health Benefit Exchange has opened a special enrollment period through April 8, 2020.  

CLICK HERE to learn more about your rights when accessing health services.

 

 

Funding Opportunity: King County COVID-19 Community Response FundGrants of up to $25,000 available for organizations serving impacted communities, with an emphasis on communities near isolation, quarantine and recovery sites.

 

 

TAKE ACTION

Unfortunately, many of the Senate's COVID-19 relief proposals have left many low- and moderate-income immigrants out of both public health and stimulus packages. Send a message directly to Congress TODAY in support of a package that eliminates barriers to care and supports immigrants.

 

 

COVID-19 Assistance and Public Charge FAQ for Immigrants

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for immigrants who want to know more about how the issue of public charge might affect their ability to access healthcare and other services during this COVID-19 outbreak.

Practical Info from Seattle, King County, WA State & the federal government on getting healthcare, unemployment and worker's comp, rental assistance, food, utility bill help, small business loans and more.

 

 

NWIRP has an 11-minute Facebook live video in both English and Spanish about the coronavirus and immigrants' access to healthcare. Please share and promote widely!

 

 

Did you miss the Feb. 24 Public Charge Info Session for service providers? It's now fully online thanks to the Seattle Channel!

 

 

Community Resources

 

"Does Public Charge Apply to Me?"

EnglishArabicAmharicBurmeseChineseFrenchHaitian CreoleHindiHmongKoreanOromoRussian NEWSpanishSomaliTagalogTigrinyaUkrainian NEWVietnamese

What Legal Advocates Need to Know About Public Charge (detailed overview)

Accessing Healthcare for Immigrant Families(detailed overview) NEW

"Should I Keep My Kids Enrolled in Health & Nutrition Programs?"EnglishAmharicArabicBurmeseChinese NEWFrench NEWHaitian Creole NEWHindi NEWSpanishVietnamese

Know Your Rights: Public Charge Messages for Community MembersEnglishAmharicArabicBurmeseChinese NEWFrench NEWHaitian Creole NEWHindi NEWHmong NEWKorean NEWSpanishTagalogVietnamese 

 

 

Up-to-date COVID-19 info from King County Public Health & City of SeattleEnglishAmharicArabicChineseFrench NEWJapanese NEWKhmerKoreanMarshallese NEWRussianSomaliSpanishThaiVietnamese

 

 

Bookmark these online tools!

 

Estimate Your Public Charge Risk — this tool is for family-based and employment-based green card applicants to see whether their circumstances mean they're at risk for being denied on the basis of public charge.

Keep Your Benefits — available in English, Spanish and Chinese! This tool is for anyone receiving public benefits to determine if public charge applies to them. It is best used to help people rule themselves out. 

 

 

Know someone who has been, or will be harmed by public charge? Someone who has disenrolled from health, nutrition or other services out of fear? Please document examples here for national advocacy.  

 

Know someone who should get these emails? Anyone can subscribe here!

In Solidarity,

Eric Holzapfel (Entre Hermanos)Sarah Sumadi (OneAmerica)Huma Zarif (NW Health Law Advocates)PIF-WA Co-Chairs

 

 

 

Copyright © 2020 Protecting Immigrant Families-WA, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

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Seattle, WA 98144-1905

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Jobs & Community Resources – 3/25/20By staff on Mar 25, 2020 12:26 pm

FREE COVID-19 TESTING FOR HIGH-RISK PEOPLE WITHOUT ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

WHEN: Walk-up/drive-through hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am– 3:45pm; no appointment needed

WHERE: Downtown Public Health Center (2124 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121)

WHAT: Free COVID-19 testing is now available from Public Health – Seattle & King County for people with symptoms of COVID-19 who are at highest risk for severe illness from the disease and don’t have regular access to health care. Symptomatic health care providers, workers in congregate care settings, and people working in critical infrastructure occupations will also be served.

Any staff or resident of a shelter with any of the following symptoms are eligible for testing:

· A new fever (100.4°F or higher), or a sense of having a fever*

· A new cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition*

· New shortness of breath that you cannot attribute to another health condition*

· A new sore throat that you cannot attribute to another health condition*

· New muscle aches (myalgias) that you cannot attribute to another health condition, or that may have been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)*

This clinic will specifically serve people with symptoms in the following categories:

· Individuals in high-risk groups (e.g., elderly, underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and people living homeless)

· Healthcare workers or workers in congregate care settings (including: hospital, department of corrections, juvenile detention centers, mental/behavioral health clinics, long-term care facilities, permanent supportive housing and shelters)

· People working in critical infrastructure occupations (e.g. congregate settings such as homeless shelters)

*Please note: When you arrive, please remain at least 6 feet away from others. We may ask you to wear a mask while you are screened and awaiting testing.

WA STATE COVID-19 FOOD, CASH, & MEDICAL SUPPORT

To find out if you are eligible for expanded food, cash, and medical supports available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Food, Cash, Medical webpage.

KING COUNTY COVID-19 CALL CENTER

WHEN: Open daily, 8am-7pm, PST

WHAT: King County has opened a call center to answer COVID-19 questions. The best source of information for you and your family during this evolving situation is Public Health- Seattle & King County.

QUESTIONS? Who to call:

· If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact the Novel Coronavirus Call Center: 206.477.3977.

· For general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State’s response, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800.525.0127.

· If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving your home. Do not go to the emergency room; emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

· If you are having a medical emergency, call 9.1.1.

MORE INFO: Visit www.kingcounty.gov/COVID and alert.seattle.gov for the most up-to-date information, and  sign up for @AlertSeattle, the City of Seattle’s emergency notification system, to receive customized alerts via text, email, voicemail, Facebook, or Twitter (msg and data rates may apply).

WEBINAR: FILING ONLINE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS IN WA STATE

WHEN: Repeats daily March 25, 26, & 27, 3-4pm (you need to only participate in one session)

WHERE: Your computer or phone

WHAT: Due to the extremely high demand for Unemployment Insurance (UI) services at this time, WA State Employment Security Department (ESD) is offering a new option for customers to get help with setting up a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account and filing their UI claim via eServices online. To respect individual confidentiality, it is important to point out that this webinar is not an opportunity to answer questions about individual or personal situations; it will be facilitated using slide presentations and audio instructions. For that reason, it would be best if customers could be at a computer when joining the meeting.  However, a phone option is available as well.

The webinar will discuss:

· Setting up a SAW account

· Filing a new UI Claim

· Filing a weekly claim

· Guidance on standby and work search requirements

· General UI requirements and information

· Services and programs offered through the WorkSource Offices

HOW TO JOIN WEBINAR:

· Join by phone: Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only): 397.1516 or 877.309.3457 US Toll Free.

· Join from a video system or application: Dial 967345490@esd.webex.com – or dial 243.2.68 and enter your meeting number:-Meeting number (access code): 967 345 490-Meeting password: gVmfpbgx336

· Join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business: Dial esd@lync.webex.com.

SEATTLE DACA SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE

WHEN: Until funds run out

WHERE: No walkins; apply online or by phone; must have capacity to video chat

WHAT: Through a partnership with the City of Seattle Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) and Facebook, El Centro de la Raza will administer DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) scholarship funds on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Successful DACA scholarship grantees will receive a check made out to the Department of Homeland Security to submit with their DACA renewal application.

There is no minimum or maximum income requirement. While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends filing for renewal between 150 and 120 days from when your DACA expires, requests received earlier than 150 days and up to 365 days in advance are currently being accepted. However, this could result in an overlap between your current DACA and your renewal.

Scholarship funds are available to individuals who:

· Have or previously had DACA status AND

· Have a completed DACA renewal application AND

· Who reside, work, or go to school in Seattle

TO APPLY:

1) Complete your DACA Scholarship Application (download in Word or PDF)

· Note that the address on your scholarship application must be the same as the address on your DACA renewal application.

· You must have a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)available during your appointment.

2) Schedule a Phone Appointment (no walkins, and you must have the capacity to video chat)

· Go to El Centro’s DACA scheduling webpage OR

· Call Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez at 957.4605x 305 OR

· Email dgvasquez@elcentrodelaraza.org

DACA Renewal Resources:

· USCIS page for DACA forms

· NWIRP’s free DACA renewal clinics

· City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs website

QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Contact Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez at dgvasquez@elcentrodelaraza.org or 206. 957.4605x 305 or visit El Centro’s DACA webpage.

WASHINGTON HEALTHPLANFINDER SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

WHEN: Tuesday March 10 – Wednesday, April 8, 2020 (call Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm)

WHAT: In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is offering a limited-time special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This SEP allows uninsured people 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Individuals seeking special enrollment must contact the Customer Support Center or a local certified broker or navigator, request the SEP, and select a plan by April 8 for coverage start date beginning April 1, 2020. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost. Customers who experience another qualifying event (such as marriage, birth of a child or a move) are also eligible to shop for coverage, and for those who qualify for Medicaid through Washington Apple Health, it is available year round on Washington Healthplanfinder. Note: Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice of 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.

TO ENROLL: Until April 8, contact the Customer Support Center Monday-Friday between 7:30am-5:30pm, at 1.855.923.4633 | TTY: 1.855.627.9604.

BE COUNTED! 2020 CENSUS

WHEN: Thursday, March 12 – Friday, July 31, 2020

WHERE: Everywhere in the United States!

WHAT: The census is a count of every single person in the country – regardless of immigration status – conducted by the US Census Bureau (a nonpartisan government agency, similar to the US Postal Services). It’s important, because it’s a tool to create more equity in our country! Census information is a critical component of how the government allocates funds for things like food stamps and affordable housing. Census data helps determine public transportation routes, where to build new homes and improve neighborhoods, and where to build businesses to create new jobs.  And the results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets – so your response directly influences our political power!

Timeline/How to be counted:

· Starting March 12, people will receive invitations in the mail to respond to the census.

· After April 1, census takers will visit residences to help count anyone who hasn’t responded.

· You have three ways to participate: 1) phone, 2) mail, or 3) online.

· The easiest way to be counted is online – and you can complete it online up until July 31.

Everyone counts: Your safety & privacy

· The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.

· The 2020 Census does count everyone living in the country, including noncitizens.

· The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement.

· Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country – they cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits.

· The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.

MORE INFO: Visit www.2020census.gov for lots of information, including Census 2020 Language Guides in many different languages. You may also call one of these toll-free language lines to be counted and/or ask questions about the census.

· Arabic: 844.416.2020

· Chinese (Cantonese: 844.398.2020; Mandarin: 844.391.2020)

· English: 844.330.2020 (Puerto Rico residents: 844.418.2020)

· French: 844.494.2020

· Haitian Creole: 844.477.2020

· Japanese: 844.460.2020

· Korean: 844.392.2020

· Polish: 844.479.2020

· Portuguese: 844.474.2020

· Russian: 844.417.2020

· Spanish: 844.468.2020 (Puerto Rico residents: 844.426.2020)

· Tagalog: 844.478.2020

· Vietnamese: 844.461.2020

· Telephone Display Device (TDD): 844.467.2020

YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2020

WHEN: Application deadline: Monday, March 30 at 11:59pm; Program dates: Sunday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 15, 9am-5pm (+ evening activities)

WHAT: The University of Washington Foster School of Business is offering a unique opportunity for rising high school seniors interested in studying business. During this 3.5-day academic /residential immersion program, young women will take their first steps into the business world at one of the top public universities in the nation. The Foster Young Women’s Leadership Summit focuses on leadership development, networking to create student and alumni connections, team building activities, and faculty lectures in the areas of finance, information systems, and operations and supply chain management. In the evening, the fun continues with exploration activities around the residence halls and the university. Join us and connect with other like-minded young women while exploring the world of business through faculty and current student interactions!

Student Program Fee = $250: The cost of the 3.5-day program includes accommodations, meals, activities, and program materials. A scholarship application is available for students with demonstrated financial need. First generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

· Be a rising high school senior (Class of 2021)

· Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale (unofficial transcripts are required). Note that a lower GPA does not automatically disqualify you; please take the opportunity to share why your GPA may be lower in your application.

· Participate in extracurricular activities (as showcased through your activities and achievements submission in the application)

· Have a demonstrated interest in learning more about business (either through activities, coursework, or as exhibited through the personal statement)

· Submit a fully completed online application before the deadline (this includes a parent/guardian permission form, if applicable)

TO APPLY: Complete the online application at wlsfoster2020, and submit your unofficial transcripts.

QUESTIONS? Contact Andrea Pesola, Student Engagement Program Manager, at 206.543.4625 or pesola@uw.edu.

PCC CENTRAL DISTRICT JOB FAIRS

WHEN: April 4 & 6, 2020

WHERE: Douglass Truth Branch – The Seattle Public Library (2300 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122)

WHAT: Join PCC at one of our upcoming job fairs. Meet with our hiring team about full- and part-time positions at our Central District location, opening this year. Applications will be accepted from candidates ages 16 and over.

· Saturday, April 4: 10:30am – 1:30pm

· Monday, April 6: 3:30 – 6:30pm

PCC Community Markets is Seattle’s original – and the nation’s largest – certified organic, community-owned food market. We’re a passionate community that believes in the power of good food and the potential of good people; a place where the best of the Northwest comes together, from the produce we stock to the people we hire – and we’re now hiring at multiple Seattle-area locations.

Benefits include:

⇒Competitive wages ⇒Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance ⇒Paid vacation and sick time ⇒15% staff discount ⇒Free membership in the co-op ⇒Reduced rate on ORCA cards ⇒Retirement plans ⇒Free PCC Cooks classes

APPLY NOW! Save time by applying in advance at pccmarkets.com/jobs.

QUESTIONS/MORE INFO: Please do not hesitate to connect! Contact Alyssa Moore, Recruiting Specialist at Alyssa.Moore@pccmarkets.com or 206.717.6527.

CLEANERS – MERCER ISLAND

WHEN: Posted through 6/10/2020

WHERE: Apply online

WHAT: MGR Construction Services Inc. is looking for Cleaners on Mercer Island, WA. Compensation is $15-$16 per hour depending on experience.

Responsibilities:

· Cleaning tables, wiping down surfaces

· Cleaning restrooms

· Mopping and sweeping floors

· Changing garbage  cans

Qualifications:

· Cleaning experience an asset

· Ability to work independently

· Must have access to company mobile app on an electronic or data enabled device

APPLY NOW: Please apply online at WorksourceWA.com (Job ID: 216665897).

** ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES **

POSTPONED until further notice!

WA STATE PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE

WHAT: New Washington state legislation means Paid Family & Medical Leave is available when you need time off to care for yourself or a family member. There are three main types of paid leave available: Medical Leave, Family Leave, and Military Leave. Each one is related to a different type of “qualifying event” – the thing that happens to you or a family member that qualifies you for paid leave.

MORE INFO/TO APPLY: Visit the Washington state Paid Family & Medical Leave website to find out how it works and to apply, or email paidleave@esd.wa.gov with your questions.

FAMILY MATTERS CLINIC FOR LGBTQ+ FAMILIES

WHEN/WHERE: Ongoing; meeting times and locations are set when families are matched with attorneys

WHAT: QLaw Foundation supports all of the ways that our community makes families. We serve parents who are low income, QTPOC, formerly incarcerated, trans/nonbinary, poly, immigrant/refugee, and/or living with disabilities. We have no limitations based on citizenship or income level.

The Family Matters clinic for LGBTQ+ families in King County is a full-representation clinic for:

· people who are parenting, but who don’t have legal recognition of their role

· families recognized under Washington law who want an adoption or parentage order just to be safe

· families parenting kids from their partner’s prior relationship

· parents not married to the kids’ other parent who want to make sure their relationship with the children is protected in a worst-case scenario

· families with three or four (or more!) people parenting children who want to make sure each parent has legal recognition

REGISTER NOW!

MORE INFO: Contact info@qlawfoundation.org or 206.483.2725.

WA GET PROGRAM OPEN ENROLLMENT 

WHEN: 2019-2020 enrollment runs through May 31, 2020

WHAT: The Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program is Washington state’s 529 prepaid tuition program that helps families save today for future college costs. It offers a guarantee tied to in-state tuition prices, backed by state law. It also offers tax benefits, flexible payments and a nationwide choice of colleges. GET provides families the opportunity to start saving for future college costs while their children are young. While GET account values keep pace with in-state tuition, beneficiaries have the freedom to follow their ambitions wherever they choose, as GET can be used at nearly any public or private university, community college, or technical school in the country.

MORE INFO: The unit purchase price is $121. GET’s website offers details, charts, planning tools and answers for questions that families may have about the program. Washington residents who want to help a student save for future education costs can open a GET account online with no enrollment fee.

CONTACT: GET Contact Center staff at GETInfo@wsac.wa.gov or 800.955.2318.

HAS YOUR FAMILY LOST ACCESS TO TANF?

If you were kicked off TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) due to:

· sanctions that led you to be permanently disqualified OR

· the 60-month limit, and you and your family are currently homeless

… you are again eligible for TANF, due to changes in the law effective July 28, 2019.

To reapply for TANF, you must submit an application either in person, by mail, or online. Visit washingtonconnection.org for an online application, or bit.ly/dshs-offices for a list of DSHS offices throughout the state.

If you’re being denied these new benefits, here are some legal support resources:

· King County residents: Contact Solid Ground’s Benefits Legal Assistance: 206.694.6742.

· Residents outside of King County: Contact CLEAR Legal Hotline: 1.888.201.1014.

OPEN ORIENTATION FOR CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM

WHEN: Every Tuesday, promptly at 9:30am

WHERE: FareStart (700 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Ring the buzzer at the Virginia Street entrance for receptionist.

WHAT: FareStart is a free culinary training and placement program. Our job placement rate is currently 90%! No referral or appointment needed; simply attend an orientation to get started.

Students receive:

· 16 weeks of hands-on culinary training in working professional kitchens

· Coaching to become successful in your work and help finding a job

· Support services for personal needs, including housing assistance

QUESTIONS? Visit the FareStart website or contact them at 206.267.6218. 

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