by Devin Chicras (with help from WHCA Directors)
ℹ️ NOTE: This post will be updated regularly (first published 3/23/2020)
Neighbors, we find ourselves in somewhat uncharted territory. We’re hyperfocused on the news, we’re figuring out childcare or homeschooling, we’re learning to work virtually or navigating unemployment. In this time of social distancing and quarantine, how do we find the resources we need to make it through, and if we have a tiny bit of bandwidth left – how do we help others to get through this with us? We’ve done our best to compile some resources, opportunities, and trustworthy sources of news below.
⚠️ First, a message from Washington State’s official COVID-19 site: “If you are ill with fever and a cough or shortness of breath, stay home. If you are unsure of how to care for yourself or are concerned about your condition, call your health care provider for advice. If you feel you need to visit your doctor, call them first. Keep yourself separated from other people and animals in your home. Cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.”
Businesses & Services
✅ Check out our directory here!
Find Assistance & Information
📚 King County Library System: Skyway Library is currently closed, but there are still plenty of online resources and digital items available (ebooks, audiobooks, streaming tv and movies, and more). Don’t have a card? Quickly apply online for instant access.
🚌 King County Metro: Follow for updates on service reductions, fare discontinuation, and other news.
🎒 Renton School District: All Renton School District schools are closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year and will start the 2021 school year with in-home learning. See their website for at-home activities, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch sites, and more.
📝 Resource Lists & Latest News
- COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers: The Governor’s Office has compiled this partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19 coronavirus.
- Department of Local Services (DLS): Economic development and small business assistance for unincorporated King County.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information and resources from the federal government.
- Washington State’s official COVID-19 site: Statewide stats, volunteer opportunities, resources for employers and workers.
- Public Health – Seattle & King County: Current King County stats, resources, King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center hotline.
- King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay: Resource list includes financial services, health insurance, and testing for COVID-19.
- Renton Innovation Zone Partnership (RIZP): View a Google Doc full of resources for families in the greater Renton area, including translated materials.
Ways to Help Others
Grandma’s Hands: A Skyway nonprofit is currently sewing cotton masks to donate. They are in need of 1/4″ thick elastic bands. Please email Ms. Alesia Cannady if you can help.
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.
Donate blood to Bloodworks NW: Every two seconds in the United States someone needs blood to survive. Donating blood is a safe activity and by appointment only for safe social distancing.
Urban Family has been creating and distributing Care Kits for local communities like Creston Point. Support their nonprofit work here.
Like having a more engaged, informed and vibrant community? You can make a huge impact by joining your neighbors in giving $5 or more a month to the leanest, hardest working all-volunteer nonprofit in the neighborhood.