FREE EACH VOLUME 34 MONTH ISSUE 4 A community-based newspaper serving the Puget Sound area since 1981

April 2015 Articles translated into six languages

The newspaperTheThe of Neighborhood House VoiceVoice — visit our website at www.voicenewspaper.org SHA residents rally in Olympia for fair, affordable housing

By Troy Smith homelessness. Special to The Voice They explained there are several dif- ferent bills working their way through the On Tuesday, Feb. 17, about 15 residents system, but felt they had little chance of of Seattle Housing Authority met in Olym- passing the Republican-controlled Senate. pia with thousands of other Washington “Like many attendees, I believe that every- state residents to lobby our legislature on one has the right to a clean, safe home,” said the subject of homelessness and affordable Matthew Anderson, president of University housing. It was all part of participating in House Council.“This year’s meeting was this year’s Housing and Homeless Advocacy also a valuable learning experience for me. I Day. We left Seattle at 7 a.m. and stayed had the opportunity to be part of the Advo- until 3 p.m. Our first order of business was cacy Day planning committee and to serve to sign in and find out what districts we live as a co-district lead for the 43rd district. in. We then met to discuss the proper way to Everyone deserves a home, please email and engage with senators and house members. call your state legislators and tell them how One highlight was the pep rally on the steps important funding for housing is.” of the State Capitol Building, which we at- For those who missed the February meet- tended with more than 600 others. Those ing, the 25th Annual Conference on Ending of us lobbying for affordable housing wore Homelessness, will be held at the Greater Photo by Troy Smith red scarves. Tacoma Convention and Trade Center May We met with representatives from the 13 and 14. The 2015 conference promises Seattle Housing Authority residents and some 600 others who attended the 2015 43rd district: Sen. Jamie Pedersen, Rep. to bring over 600 homelessness providers Housing and Homeless Advocacy Day rallied in support of more affordable housing Brady Walkinshaw, and Speaker of the and advocates from across the state to help Feb. 17 in Olympia. The event, sponsored by the Washington Low Income Housing House, Frank Chopp. These folks are all end homelessness in Washington. Alliance, gave attendees the chance to attend free workshops and meet with Washington Democrats who are already advocating for state legislators. This was the second year that SHA residents attended. more affordable housing and ways to end AmeriCorps team volunteers at historic Yesler youth put their ‘big El Centro de la Raza community event brains’ to the test By Alex norman Special to The Voice ‘Superheroes’ in training at Yesler Terrace after-school program

On Friday, March 6, the Neighborhood By Meredith Wenger House AmeriCorps team devoted their day- Special to The Voice light hours to a groundbreaking ceremony at El Centro de la Raza, an organization Imagine a place where Yesler youth grounded in the Latino community in have fun learning and doing home- Beacon Hill. work together, and remaking their The event was a commemorative cel- world together. For kids who hang out at ebration of the construction of the Plaza Yesler Terrace Community Center after Roberto Maestas, a mixed-use affordable school, The Big-Brained Superheroes Club housing development named for the late strives to be that place. founder of El Centro. Every Monday and Wednesday from 5 to Roberto Maestas was a social activist 7 p.m., kids over the age of three can drop and member of “The Four Amigos” who in, have an apple, work on homework, and advocated locally for multiracial harmony create an electric circuit, a LEGO structure, Destiny Guggsa solders a transistor to and unity. or a magnetic sculpture. More importantly, help develop a binary counter for the His wife, Estela Ortega, now serves however, all members of The Big-Brained Big-Brained Superheroes Club. Kids over as a member of the Seattle City Council Superheroes Club are rewarded for exercis- age three meet after school Mondays and Advisory Committee and works with City Photo by Khadija Abdi ing any of twelve real-world superpowers, Wednesdays. Photo by Meredith Wenger. Council toward finding solutions to home- such as Kindness, Creativity, and Critical lessness and the affordable housing crisis Thinking. Once they have demonstrated Members from the Neighborhood House Science, Technology, Engineering or Math in Seattle. sufficient mastery of their superpowers, (STEM)-oriented projects, such as creating AmeriCorps team assemble flyers and Big-Brained Superheroes (BBS) can earn programs for the El Centro de la Raza new gadgets and educational tools for the their way into BBS Accelerator, in which club and for themselves. ground-breaking ceremony March 6. they get extra time in the club on Fridays Please see “AmeriCorps” on Page 8 and Saturdays to work on more advanced Please see “Superheroes” on Page 4

Neighborhood House Nonprofit org. In this issue Jesse Epstein Building U.S. postage PAID 905 Spruce Street Seattle, WA Page 2 Seattle, WA 98104 Permit #8887 Health Notes Get serious about colon cancer

SHA News Page 3 Outdated pull cords removed

Translations Page 7

2 – THE VOICE APRIL 2015

Be Safe Health Notes Shopping smarts for A column devoted to your online encounters By Alex Vallandry inspecting an item or negotiating the well-being Seattle Neighborhood Group final price. Plus who else is going to Colon Cancer: Prevent it, treat it, beat it. help you lift that couch? Buying and selling spring cleaning • If you absolutely must have a buyer By Neighborcare Health Affordable testing castoffs online is an exciting way to find come to your house, avoid being Preventing colon cancer or finding it deals or help clean out closets while mak- home alone. Have a friend or adult For men and women combined, colon early doesn’t have to be expensive. There ing a few extra dollars. Agreeing to such family member wait with you. cancer is the second leading cause of cancer are simple affordable tests available. Apple purchases online usually means meeting • Always let someone know where you death in the United States. Yet it is also one Health (Medicaid) and most health insur- with the other person to inspect the items will be, how long you expect to be of the two types of cancer that can actually ance plans cover the lifesaving preventive and exchange payment. gone, and any details you have about be prevented with regular testing (the other test. In addition, Public Health-Seattle & Over the years I have safely bought and the person you are meeting. is cervical cancer). Knowing the facts could King County also provides Breast, Cervi- sold three cars, several pieces of furniture, • Take a cell phone with you in case save your or a family member’s life. cal & Colon screening for individuals who and a few computers this way. One time I of emergency and be prepared to The good news is that colon cancer rates don’t qualify for health insurance. Call even adopted a lonely Lhasa Apso from a quickly use it. have dropped 30 percent in the United the Community Health Access program shelter posting on social media! The major- • Do not be afraid to walk away if the States over the last 10 years among adults 50 (CHAP) 1-800-756-5437 to learn more. ity of online traders are trustworthy, well item might be fake or stolen. Items to and older. The bad news is that 35 percent What should I do? intentioned, and interesting to meet. But be especially wary of include small of these adults are still not up-to-date on • Talk to your medical provider about there are still those few out there who will popular electronics, sports memora- their screening. screening. Ask your provider about seek easy opportunities to commit petty bilia, bicycles, and tickets. Who should be screened? when you should be screened and the crime. Take an extra effort to practice these • Always trust your instincts. If some- If you are age 50 or older, colon health recommended testing options. good personal safety tips. thing seems unusual, you are prob- screening could save your life. With regular • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet is a • Find a safe public meeting spot. My ably right. screening you can stop colon cancer before delicious way to help prevent colon favorites are police precinct parking • Do not reveal personal information. it starts. Colon cancer starts with a growth, and other types of cancer. Fruits and lots and inside busy coffee shops. This is purely a casual business also called a polyp, which is not cancer. Co- vegetables are full of cancer-fighting Both are very visible with many po- transaction. There is no need to give lon screening can find and remove growths nutrients and fiber. Try to eat at least 5 tential witnesses. If the other person your Social Security number or bank before they develop into cancer and before servings every day. is hesitant to go to the police station account information. you have any symptoms. • Increase your activity level. Physical or meet in public, this should be a If you are a robbery victim, do not resist. African-Americans in the United States activity can help prevent colon cancer. giant red flag that you are walking Money and personal belongings can eventu- have the highest rate of colon cancer of all It can also help you sleep better, have into a bad situation. ally be replaced, you cannot. Be prepared to the racial groups. It is especially important more energy and improve your mood. • When buying expensive items such give your location first and then information for African-American men and women to Try to get at least 30 minutes of activ- as cars with large amounts of cash, about the crime second. If you can, try to be screened. ity, like walking or gardening, every consider meeting inside a bank give a description of the person you just Easy screening options day. It’s fine to spread the minutes out lobby instead of carrying the money met (age, ethnicity, clothing, license plate, There are four recommended screening during the day. around town. etc.) and their direction of travel. Do not be tests for colon cancer, including a simple • Meet during the day in a well-lit embarrassed to call 911 if needed. take-home test. Talk to your medical pro- Neighborcare Health is the largest provider area. This further increases the By practicing good personal safety, vider to find out which test is best for you of primary medical and dental care in Se- chances that you will be seen. you can prevent crime while enjoying the and when you should be screened. attle for low-income and uninsured families • Never meet at one location and then ease and fun of online bartering for new People who have a family history of and individuals, serving the community for travel to a second. Also, unless treasures. colon cancer may need screening earlier more than 40 years. More information is dealing with heavy furniture, avoid than age 50. available at www.neighborcare.org. going to each other’s homes or giving Alex Vallandry ([email protected], 206-323- out your address. 7084) is a project coordinator at Seattle • Bring a buddy when meeting pub- Neighborhood Group. Feel free to contact Scholarship deadlines approaching licly. There is safety in numbers and him for crime prevention tips or help with your friend can spot potential dan- your safety and security concerns. By Seattle Housing Authority Management Association offers scholar- gers while you are distracted while ships of at least $2,000 to high school This time of year marks the time when seniors, or adults who hold a high school many high school seniors are planning their level diploma or GED certificate. This futures and evaluating their college plans. It program is a way for students and adults Enrolling Now! is also the time to apply for financial aid and to receive financial support while starting scholarships that will help ease the burden or attending college. This application can PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (Children from 3-5 years old) of paying for college. only be completed online, and has a May Head Start & ECEAP The Higher Education Project, in part- 29 deadline. nership with the Seattle Housing Authority Please visit http://www.seattlehous- (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) (SHA), has two different scholarships avail- ing.org/residents/education/scholarships/ able for students and residents who live in for information about specific eligibility Serving low-income pregnant women and families with assisted housing through SHA. Students requirements and instructions on how to may apply for more than one scholarship. apply. children ages birth to five, including those with special Offered through the Housing Authority Now is also the time for students to needs and significant disability, living in the Seattle Housing Insurance Group, several $2,500 scholar- complete their Free Application for Federal Authority garden communities. ships will be awarded to individuals pursu- Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step ing any kind of higher education program in applying for any college financial aid. through a college, university, trade or Visit www.fafsa.org to learn more. Students professional institution. The scholarship can also visit WashBoard, (washboard.org), application is due April 30. which provides a number of scholarship Also, the National Affordable Housing listings and application instructions.

Editor The Voice Contributing Writers Nancy Gardner Kat Kranzler • School year program 206-461-8430, ext. 227 Kathryn Minar • Skilled, qualified, and experienced teachers serve children 3-5 [email protected] Alex Norman years old; children must be 3 by Aug. 31 of enrollment year Troy Smith • Serves low-income families Meredith Wenger • Helps with kindergarten transition process when kids turn 5 The Voice, the newspaper of Neighborhood House, is published monthly with the • Half day program: Monday-Thursday, 3 ½ hours each day support of Seattle Housing Authority. Neighborhood House helps diverse communi- • Full day program: Monday-Friday, 6 hours each day ties of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence and community building. The Voice contributes to that mission by • Offers comprehensive services: Special Needs, Family Support, providing low-income people, immigrants, refugees and other concerned parties and Screening and Health Information with timely, relevant news. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, Neighborhood House or Seattle Housing Authority. We welcome articles and tips from the community and reserve the right to edit all submissions. The Voice For more information, please call (206) 461-8430, extensions 247, 248 or 250. is published online at www.nhwa.org and at www.seattlehousing.org.

THE VOICE APRIL SEATTLE HOUSING NEWS 2015 News and information about Seattle’s neighborhoods - visit our website at www.voicenewspaper.org New Yesler job training program celebrates first graduates

By Nancy Gardner mastery of the English language. wanted to build on them,” said the 29-year- The Voice editor It’s all part of SHA’s broader goal to old mother of five and native of Somalia. assist public housing residents with better Organizers say the practical, real-world Career options have become training to obtain living-wage jobs with work environments have enabled the brighter for 13 Yesler Terrace Yesler neighborhood employers. graduates to see a clearer picture of what residents thanks to a new collabo- At the graduation ceremony, held at the is expected of them in various positions. ration between Seattle Housing Authority Epstein Opportunities Center, program par- “This program meets the needs of the (SHA) and Seattle Central College (SCC) ticipants said they learned valuable skills residents as well as the employers,” said and local employers. that will help them get a leg up on others Ron Jenkins, SHA’s Economic Opportuni- On March 26, the pilot program, Yesler who compete for the same jobs. ties Coordinator. “It gives the residents and Employment Pathway Initiative, celebrated “I’ve never worked in a hospital before, employers an opportunity to kick the tires its first group of graduates, all of whom so I have learned so many new skills ‘so to speak,’ and to figure out if this is the are SHA residents, March 26. Participants through this program,” said Safiya Mo- right employment opportunity or not.” in the roughly three month-long training hamed, a graduate of the class. “Through Jenkins also said that the program allows engaged in paid job-shadowing and intern- my job shadowing at Swedish Hospital and the residents to gain valuable experience ships at places like Harborview, Swedish the job interviewing skills SHA has taught in the classroom as well as the workplace, Medical Center and the City of Seattle. me, I feel more confident that I’ll be able to which are two distinct settings. The key players in this pilot program They were paid $12 per hour through the find a job soon.” Photo by Nancy Gardner duration of their internships. Mohamed said she believes the classes will now debrief, assess the outcomes and While receiving 150 hours of job shad- in improving English language skills will regroup in the fall when they hope to pro- Safiya Mohamed celebrates completion owing, residents also were enrolled in Eng- allow her to land a job in housekeeping vide more classes and potentially expand of a new job shadowing program given lish Language Learning classes, enabling services. the scope of training to more residents. through local employers, Seattle Central them to improve their understanding and “I already know a lot of skills and I College and Seattle Housing Authority. Pull cord removal in SHA properties begins New ‘Family Connectors University’ By Seattle Housing Authority other services. By merging pull cord remov- al with annual housing quality standards Seattle Housing Authority has begun (HQS) inspections, bed bug building sweep teaches parents advocacy skills removal of mechanically outdated emer- inspections and fire alarm inspection, newfound knowledge to become ‘connec- gency pull cords from 28 high-rise build- SHA was able to accommodate residents’ By Seattle Housing Authority tors,’ between their students at home, their ings, concerned that leaving them in place requests for privacy by condensing the schools and the greater community. might cause residents to think they are still services into a 1-3 day period. As a parent you want the best for your “Public education policies affect the stu- a functioning way to call for help. The successful pilot program has enabled children, especially when it comes to their dents,” says Mohamed Roble, an educator That is not the case: SHA staff or other SHA to understand the variations in time education. However, the public school at the NewHolly Gathering Hall on South emergency personnel are not available to that occur during these services, and moni- system can be difficult to navigate, par- Beacon Hill. Roble is genuinely passionate respond. The best option for a resident who tor the effectiveness of combining them. ticularly when you don’t know how that about giving the enrolled parents what he is experiencing an emergency is to call 911. The pilot program also gave residents the system works. calls a “learning edge.” Throughout the There are also a number of wearable medi- opportunity to give feedback on the process Family Connectors University is a pro- 10-week course a number of expert speak- cal alert devices available that will contact so that, as SHA continues these services gram that teaches families how best to ad- ers address the classes, expanding on the emergency services when activated. in other buildings, they can best respect vocate for their children and their commu- specific lesson plan laid out each week. So far, cords have been removed in three residents’ privacy while maintaining their nities. The aim is to give parents and other Roble says collaboration helps, and em- buildings, including Queen Anne Heights, safety and comfort. SHA is currently or- adult relatives the tools and knowledge to phasizes his belief that the more parents get Harvard Court and West Town View, as part ganizing a plan to complete the remaining positively affect their children’s experience involved and feel comfortable interacting of a pilot program. 25 buildings. in the public school system while helping with the public school system, the greater Residents have requested that entry to to build communities. the positive affect. their units be as limited as possible, which This 10-week series of classes addresses Parents who know how to navigate is why SHA combined cord removal with a number of subjects ranging from how the Seattle public education system works through the system can go to schools and to how legislative processes work and the work with other parents to share their Reminder: SHA Section 8 potential impact an individual can have on knowledge, adding their own culture to a local, statewide and national level. The the schools. waitlist lottery closes April 10 program is free for families whose children Roble and his colleagues believe in qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch building stronger communities and have By Seattle Housing Authority Only one person per household may Program and costs $32 for other families. created a safe space for parents to become register, and a household may only register Participants get college credit from educated about maintaining an effective Registration for Seattle Housing Au- once. Registering for the lottery is not the North Seattle College, and if you’re worried school environment for their children and thority’s lottery for a position on a new same as applying for housing; applications about what to do with your children while a flourishing social life for the community. waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher for housing must be filed separately. Those you attend you needn’t be because kids are Family Connectors University is a part- Program closes at 5 p.m. PDT on April randomly selected for the waitlist will re- welcome. There is free childcare available nership between Seattle Public Schools and 10. Registration is only available at ceive more information about submitting to participants, which includes tutoring for North Seattle College. For more informa- seattlehousing.org/waitlist, not on any an application. the older children. tion please visit http://bit.ly/FamilyConnec- other website. Registration is free; if It is important to have the following Classes are offered at several different torsUniversity or contact Mohamed Roble, any website asks for money to complete information ready before starting the locations and each site focuses on a specific who acts as School Family Partnership registration then it is not the correct site. registration process: community, with classes taught by Somali, Liaison, at [email protected] or The chances of being selected for the • The date of birth and social secu- Spanish and Chinese speaking profession- by phone at 206-252-0696. waitlist are the same no matter when a rity number for each member of the als. The goal is to engage directly with each household registers during the open pe- household; community. Participants can then use their riod. Once registration closes on April 10, • Total annual income of the house- 2,500 applicants will be chosen at random hold by computer to be placed on the waitlist. • An email address for confirmation When applicants complete the online of registration registration they will be given a confir- • An address where the household can mation number. They should write down receive mail from SHA about the that number and keep it. Everyone who Section 8 lottery. registers in the lottery will receive a letter More information is currently avail- by May 15 informing them whether or not able at seattlehousing.org/waitlist. If you they were selected to be on the waitlist. have any questions, or don’t have access Registration is open to adults 18 years to a computer and need a list of locations old or older or emancipated minors. Cur- where public computers are available, rent residents of SHA housing are eligible please call SHA’s waitlist hotline at 206- to register. People who signed up for the 239-1674. King County Section 8 waitlist lottery in February may also register.

THE VOICE 4 – THE VOICE APRIL 2015

Superheroes Community notes Continued from Page 1

Innovation is a high priority for the club as Big-Brained Superheroes are creators New Transit Board seeking applicants Seattle residents interested in serving rather than just consumers. Luckily, the Big on the Advisory Board should submit Brains are extremely well-suited to the task. The City Council recently voted to create a Seattle Transit Advisory Board, a resume and a letter of interest to Bill The vast majority of the kids practice LaBorde of the Seattle Department speaking multiple languages on a regular and Mayor Ed Murray announced his intention to sign the legislation into of Transportation at Bill.LaBorde@ basis, and the direct relationship between seattle.gov. multilingualism and creativity is well- law. Photo by Meredith Wenger The Board will provide recommenda- researched and well-documented. So, one Labor Temple hosts homeless forum way the program encourages Brains to ex- Program volunteer Jack Bennetto gets tions and oversight on the spending of approximately $45 million which will be A public forum on homelessness, ercise their creativity in the club is to make troubleshooting advice from Big-Brained drug addiction and affordable housing things—many, many things. Aside from Superhero Charles Jones, right, on a 3-D raised for transit service in Seattle as a result of the approval of Proposition 1 will be held April 18 from 1 until 5 LEGO structures and magnetic sculptures, printer recently donated to the club. p.m. at the Labor Temple on 2nd Ave in they make 3D art of all kinds, and draw, last fall. The Board will also advise the Mayor, Council, and City departments Seattle. Speakers will include members color, and paint. Recently, they have been of the Duwamish Tribe and Seattle Dis- working together to design and decorate on all other matters related to transit company the learning process. And because within Seattle, such as implementa- placement Coalition. Kristen O’Donnell, their space in Yesler Terrace Community many of our engineering and technology representing Seattle Housing Author- Center, inventing an illuminated Seattle tion of the Seattle Transit Master Plan development projects appear practically and operation of the City’s streetcar ity’s Resident Action Council, will also skyline made out of hardware cloth, garden impossible to Big Brains at the outset, ask- give a presentation. stakes, LEDs, and electricity. system. ing specific questions is not only acceptable “Taxpayers deserve to know their Topics will include the causes of drug For various reasons, the kids love to but necessary. addiction, how covenants and restric- design and develop electronics in the club. money is well spent, which is why we’re Another way in which club members creating this Seattle Transit Advisory tions impact the cost of housing, and Part of that is related to the club’s seeds of learn to solve big problems is through dis- other issues that contribute to Seattle’s origin, which were planted by Asfaha Lem- Board,” said Councilmember Tom Ras- cussions of and reliance on real-world su- mussen, the legislation’s sponsor. “We’re homeless problem. lem, head of Yesler Community Center’s perpowers. Whenever Big Brains engage in The forum is free and is sponsored by RecTech computer lab. looking for thoughtful, dedicated people self-defeating behaviors, we try to take the to advise on how our new transit hours the Progressive Party, the Green Party Additionally, the hands-on electronics opportunity to remind them that they have and the Tenants Unions of Washington development, including basic electrical are dedicated, and I’ll be relying on their the power to manage the feelings behind feedback for future decisions.” State. For more information contact engineering and product design, in which those behaviors in a positive way. We tell Linde Knighton at waprog2@gmail. they now engage offers a tangible way to The Board will be comprised of 11 them they have willpower and persistence, members, plus a member of the Get com. teach what goes on underneath all that and a sense of adventure that all work to- Get help going Green computer code. Engaged program, all of whom will gether, helping them to try new things and serve staggered two or three-year terms. Interested in putting together a com- Last summer, for instance, several Big accomplish their goals. munity event for Earth Day, April 22, Brains (with the help of Seattle’s Technol- Five appointments will be made by the They have teamwork, leadership and Council and six appointments by the but just need a little boost to make it ogy Matching Fund grant) built the club’s respect that enable them to multiply their happen? electric circuits and digital logic lab. Since Mayor. The Board is expected to meet efforts by working with others. And they monthly. The Office of Sustainability & Envi- then, Big Brains have introduced circuits have empathy and adaptability, and above ronment has small climate grants (up to and digital logic to hundreds of people Board members will be sought to all, empowerment, all of which give them representative different geographic ar- $500) available for groups or individuals throughout the city at big events, such as the insight, resilience, and confidence they who want to create opportunities for GeekGirlCon, as well as, most recently, eas of the city, and different transit rider need to become uniquely powerful forces groups, including seniors, low-income their communities to get involved in a Town Hall talk about immigrants and for good in their communities and in the climate or broad environmental action. robotics. riders and people with disabilities, world. and those who use different modes of Visit http://www.seattle.gov/environ- Even with all these tremendous strengths, Which is, let’s be honest, the only role ment/climate-change/community-cli- we still find ourselves fighting epic battles transportation, like streetcar, bus and truly worthy of the Big-Brained Superhero. ferry riders. mate-projects or contact Sara Wysocki, almost every day. Kids are complex indi- The only requirement for those wanting 206-233-7014 for any questions. viduals, and research has clearly demon- to join is they must adhere to The Big- strated that their mindset and self-identity Brained Superhero Oath: “I, Big-Brained can dramatically influence their ability to Superhero, do passionately promise to try Finding solace in First Hill’s learn new things. hard, be kind, and have fun!” If kids see themselves as ‘stupid,’ un- ‘Mindfulness Meditation’ class focused, or incapable in any way, the act Meredith Wenger has been applying her of learning causes anxiety, which then master’s degree in human-centered design By Nancy Gardner compels them to fidget, seek distractions, and engineering to diverse educational and The Voice editor or ‘act out’ in other ways. One helpful social causes for over ten years. She has aspect of our various activities is that they been developing The Big-Brained Superhe- It’s a bright sunny March afternoon and are unique in many ways, so Big Brains roes Club with youth at Yesler Community dozens of people are scurrying into the Frye are less likely to be hindered by all the Center on a voluntary basis since 2011. Art Museum on First Hill. preconceived expectations that can ac- But they’re not hurrying to see the latest exhibit or even to enjoy lunch in the cafe: Forum on SHA housing maintenance April 8 at RAC they’re on their way to a “Mindfulness Meditation” class, held each Wednesday Have you ever wondered how the Seattle Housing Authority prioritizes resident at 12:30 p.m. building maintenance issues? Find out at the Resident Action Council on Wednesday For five years, area residents, curious April 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Jefferson Terrace. Rod Brandon, SHA Director of guests and visitors have been attending these calming, meditative sessions, where Housing Operations, and Jake LeBlanc, SHA Property Management Administrator, Photo by nancy Gardner will answer our questions. all are welcome to take a step back from our Come early at 1 p.m. for a light lunch and an opportunity to meet people from other information-overloaded lives. The weekly “Mindfulness Meditation” public housing communities. Jefferson Terrace is located at 800 Jefferson Street, Katie Schroeder, who works in database class, led by physical therapists from across the street from Harborview hospital. The nearest bus service, routes 3, 4 and analysis and who attends regularly, says she Swedish Hospital, is a popular, free way to 60, stop at 9th and Jefferson Streets. We will reimburse your bus or Access fare and was drawn to mindfulness meditation at leave stresses behind and focus on positive will also reimburse mileage for carpool drivers. the Frye because she was looking for some thinking. Between 50-100 people attend For more information check our website: http://www.residentaction.org/ or leave relief from the daily stresses of work. the class, held each Wednesday from a telephone message for RAC President Kristin O’Donnell at 206-930-6228. 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the Frye. Please see “Meditation” on Page 6

Visit our website: About The Voice The Voice is a monthly newspaper published by Neighborhood House with voicenewspaper.org financial support from Seattle Housing Authority. The Voice is developed and edited by Neighborhood House with help from Seattle Housing residents and staff. It strives to provide a forum for objective news and information of interest to low- • Exclusive content • Updated income people and those living in Seattle Housing Authority communities. weekly • Share articles over If you’d like to submit an article, or if you have a question about anything you’ve read in this publication, please contact Editor Nancy Gardner at 206-461-8430, email or on Facebook Photo courtesy of michael maggs / wikimedia commons ext. 227 or by e-mail at [email protected]. All submissions are subject to editing for accuracy, style and length.

THE VOICE APRIL 2015 THE VOICE – 5

Money Matters Open mics and readings at Get smart about savings this Financial Literacy Month Seattle Public Libraries in April By Voice staff Editor’s note: 3. Set a financial goal. Whatever your Wondering what to do on a rainy April The region’s first Financial Empower- goals might be, you have a better chance afternoon? The Seattle Public Library will ment Center (FEC), operated by Neigh- of achieving them if you write them down. offer a variety of poetry readings and open borhood House at Rainier Vista, opened As you write your goals, divide them into microphone sessions for all ages. last April and can help with financial three categories: short-term, medium-term, counseling and affordable banking. The and long-term. Check out the following events: main center is located at 4431 Martin • Poetry Appreciation Group - Luther King Jr. Way S., and is open Mon- 4. Start Saving. Having adequate sav- Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, day through Friday. There are six other ings on hand for financial emergencies can 14, 21, 28 at the Central Library, emeritus of sociology at the Univer- FEC satellite centers throughout the city. ensure that a short-term setback doesn’t 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 6, Books sity of Washington. The event will For locations or more information, call turn into a long-term financial crisis. Sav- Spiral 6 Meeting Room, 206-386- end with a Q&A session, followed 206-923-6555 or email [email protected]. ings is a cornerstone of all financial plans. 4636. A drop-in weekly reading by an open mic session. By Tina Houston Learn how to protect your financial future group presented by the Washington Special to The Voice by saving for both goals and emergencies. Center for the Book where poetry • Ladies Musical Club - 3 p.m. to 4 For most people, planning and achieving lovers read and discuss poems by p.m. Sunday, April 12 at the West April is Financial Literacy Month! It’s a goals requires a savings plan. The earlier contemporary and classic authors. Seattle Branch, 2306 42nd Ave. great time to become smart about money. you save, the more you’ll have. S.W., 206-684-7444. A monthly Knowledge is the first step in becoming • PoetsWest - 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sat- performance by local musicians. financially literate. Financial Literacy 5. Reduce Your Debt. If you want to urday, April 11 at the Green Lake This month’s selections include will empower you to take charge of your control your money—rather than allowing Branch, 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. French composers and, in honor finances and make sound financial deci- your money to control you—it is important N., 206-684-7547. A monthly open of National Poetry Month, Emily sions. Begin today by following these steps. to learn how to manage your debt. Carrying mic that takes place on the second Dickinson poems set to music. a credit card balance each month is not help- Saturday of each month, featuring 1. Schedule an appointment with a Fi- ing. The money going towards payments readings of poetry and prose. This • Evening Book Group - 6:30 p.m. nancial Empowerment Center Counselor. could be put to good use in another area. month features readings by Mary to 7:45 p.m. Monday, April 20 at Find out where you stand financially. This Be careful not to charge more than you can Crane, Laura LeHew and Roy Seitz. the University Branch, 5009 Roo- means meeting with a FEC counselor for afford to pay off in a reasonable amount of sevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063. an honest appraisal of your income, debt, time (90 days or less). • Writers Read - 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A monthly book group for adults. spending and savings habits. Sunday, April 12 at the Columbia This month’s discussion is about 5. Understand and protect your credit. Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., poetry; attendees are invited to pick 2. Establish a budget, set limits and Good credit is an asset. Compare at least 206-386-1908. A monthly open mic up a discussion packet with poetry prioritize. A FEC counselor will work with three offers before you choose a credit card; with selected author readings on the selections at the University Branch. you to determine the difference between look for low interest rates and no annual second Sunday of each month, pre- wants and needs. Live within your means. fees; try to pay more than the minimum sented in partnership with African- Library events are free and everyone is Frugal living isn’t about being cheap – it’s payment. American Writers’ Alliance. This welcome. Registration is not required. Free about being smart. Living within your month features Joseph W. Scott, parking is available at Library branches. means is another step toward becoming co-author of “Little Ethiopia of the For more information, call the Library at financially literate and empowered. Spend Houston is manager of the Financial Pacific Northwest,” and professor 206-386-4636 less than you earn. Empowerment Center. Fitness for everyone Family biking in and around Seattle Housing Authority Communities

By Lena Scott If your children are biking to locations Properly fitted helmets are a vital part of Special to The Voice alone for the first time they should know biking. If cost is a barrier to helmets there where and how to secure their bikes before are several community events coming up With the celebration of Earth Day this they head out. If they will be biking to a this year with helmet giveaway and fittings month I decided to focus on biking which community center, for example, scope out organized by Seattle Children’s Hospital is not only a great way to stay active and fit, facilities ahead of time to see if there are and sponsored by Kohl’s. For informa- but also is a way to conserve energy when proper racks or a space indoors to secure tion about upcoming events contact the compared to driving. As an inexperienced bikes. Practice proper use of locks. Also Kohl’s Helmet Safety Program at Seattle To find out more visit their website at biker myself I turned to Joy Bryngelson, discuss the do’s and don’ts of bike sharing Children’s at 206-987-1569. Some fire sta- bikeworks.org. Cascade Bicycle Club has Seattle Housing Authority community with friends or neighborhood kids. This tions can also help with locating helmet coordinated bike rodeos at elementary builder, to find out more about biking, preparation will reduce the chances of resources. schools near New Holly and High Point. paying special attention to bike safety for bike theft. When venturing beyond SHA communi- families in Seattle Housing Authority’s Joy brought up another important safety ties onto busier streets, your family needs to communities of High Point, Yesler Terrace, issue, which is to plan for coordination keep current with ever changing bike laws Rainier Vista and NewHolly. when families are biking together or us- and lanes. For example, Yesler Way will Lena Scott is a health educator and certi- With helmets and even bikes sometimes ing different modes of transportation. For soon be intersecting with a streetcar line, fied EnhanceFitness Instructor. available for free or low-cost through example if you are pushing a stroller and and there will be a designated bike path. friends or community agencies it’s possible a child is biking, and another child is on a Learn about how to interpret signage before to start biking inexpensively. However, scooter, how will you communicate impor- venturing onto streets. For bike laws and up- an important item not often provided are tant safety instruction such as when to stop, dates visit the City’s “Bike Smart” website: bike locks. Locks are part of a bike storage slow, or avoid dangerous obstacles. Have a seattle.gov/transportation/bikesmart.htm. Content guide plan. A good lock is worth the investment discussion and practice how you will com- And for a beginner cyclist of any age, to keep a bike safe. Decide the best place municate using key words and visual cues plan your route and walk it out before to store bikes at home, whether its indoors as safety instruction. tackling it on wheels. Walk the path first Don’t see your neighbor- or outside. looking for obstacles and figure out how to hood section? Consult the guide address them. City routes can be researched below to find the logos that on Seattle’s Department of Transporta- correspond to your community. Voice Reporters Wanted tion’s interactive bike map on their website. Routes can be planned for fequent, average High Point Herald The Voice invites readers to share story ideas and tips. or beginner riders: seattle.gov/transporta- Seattle Housing Authority residents will receive payment for tion/bikemaps.htm. their articles if selected for publication. To find out more about A couple of great organizations in the NewHolly Notes how you can contribute to this publication, please contact area committed to promoting biking are Editor Nancy Gardner at 206-461-8430, ext. 227 or by e-mail, Bike Works and Cascade Bicycle Club. Rainier Vista News [email protected]. Located in the Rainier Valley near both All submissions are subject to editing for accuracy, style Rainier Vista and NewHolly, Bike Works Yesler Happenings and length. is geared to people of all backgrounds, abilities and incomes.

THE VOICE 6 – THE VOICE APRIL 2015 COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Neighborhood House Executive Meditation Director Mark Okazaki Continued from Page 4 addresses a crowd of more than 500 at the organization’s 109th Anniversary Breakfast, held “For me, the benefits have extended far March 24. Okazaki reminded beyond alleviating work stress,” Schroeder supporters that 22 percent of the said. “Mindfulness Mediation has really nation’s children live in poverty. helped bring peacefulness to my life and has In King County alone, 6,000 given me tools to act with deeper compas- children are homeless. Said sion toward myself and others.” Okazaki,“We’re not a nation The Voice caught up with instructors of quitters, we’re a nation of Carolyn McManus and Diane Hetrick, and

doers, and we must keep the Frye Art Museum Senior Deputy Director Photo by Nancy Gardner courage and conviction to never Jill Rullkoetter to ask about the class and give up, even when the odds are what those who are uninitiated can expect. The Frye art museum on First Hill at 704 tough.” Terry Ave, has been offering the drop-in The event raised over $182,000, Question: What brought about these meditation classes for five years. which will help some of our classes? area’s most vulnerable people Answer (Jill Rullkoetter): In summer of to suppress, deny or exaggerate them. As get out of poverty and attain 2010 I was developing public programs for we become less attached or identified with self-sufficiency. the exhibition, Séance: Albert von Keller our thoughts, feelings and sensations, we and the Occult. are less inclined to get swept away by nega- Photo by Sullivan Hester While Keller was fascinated by the tive reactivity in the face of life’s stressors paranormal and the mysteries of the human and challenges, and develop more capacity psyche, he was equally enthralled by the to meet our lives with curiosity, creativity, powers of mystical healing, hypnosis, and patience, wisdom, trust, skill and ease. dream-line states of trance, and several of Question: What can meditation do or his paintings show women in these states. not do? The public programs the Museum pre- Answer (Diane Hetrick): There is quite a sented offered multiple opportunities for bit of good research on the effects of mind- audiences to engage with the art of Keller fulness meditation when done over a period and explore key topics in depth related to of time. Participants in the eight-week long the artist’s work. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction class Question: Can you describe the tech- that Carolyn and I both teach at Swedish niques one uses to engage in mindful Hospital have been found to develop less meditation? anxiety and depression, better immune Answer (Carolyn McManus): Rest the system functioning, better ability manage mind in the present moment with open- stress and even ease chronic pain. ness, acceptance, friendliness and curiosity. Question: Is the practice based on When the mind wanders, return to your Buddhism? present moment experience. Answer (Carolyn McManus): Yes, We breathe in the present moment. although all spiritual traditions have a People pay attention to the immediate sen- contemplative component. Also, it does not sations of breathing in and breathing out. require any religious affiliation to rest the Question: What advice would you give mind in the present moment with openness, to someone considering trying out these friendliness and curiosity. classes who may be skeptical? Answer (Diane Hetrick): Mindfulness is The Frye Art Museum is free of charge. It a non-judgmental, kind and receptive mind- is closed Mondays. If taking public transit, set. One observes thoughts, feelings, and Metro routes 3,4 or 12 have stops nearby. body sensations as they are, without trying

THE VOICE APRIL 2015 7 – THE VOICE TRANSLATIONSTRANSLATIONS TRANSLATED ARTICLES FROM THE VOICE

Recordatorio: La lista de espera de sección 8 de la Autoridad de Напоминаем: запись в очередь на Восьмую программу г. Vivienda de Seattle cerrará el 10 de abril/By Leahla Contreras Сиэтла закрывается 10 апреля/ By Irina Vodonos

La Autoridad de Vivienda de Seattle serán escogidos al azar y sus nombres serán Интернет-лотерея для распределения Принять участие в лотерее (Seattle Housing Authority) abrió una registrados en la nueva lista de espera. талонов “Housing Choice” (“Выбор может любой человек в возрасте nueva lista de espera en marzo para bonos Uno se puede registrar para la lotería si жилья” или т.н. Восьмая программа), от 18 лет, либо дееспособный de elección de vivienda (sección 8) usando tiene 18 años o más, o si es un menor eman- организованная Жилищным несовершеннолетний, вне зависимости un sistema de lotería basado en el internet. cipado, sin importar donde viva. También управлением г. Сиэтла, закрывается от места жительства. Для того, чтобы Estos bonos proporcionan ayuda financiera se puede registrar si reside actualmente en 10 апреля в 17:00 ч. Талоны помогают зарегистрироваться, необязательно жить para la gente de bajos ingresos para que una vivienda de La Autoridad de Vivienda малоимущим жителям Сиэтла в доме, принадлежащем Жилищному puedan rentar viviendas que pertenecen a de Seattle (SHA). арендовать частное жилье в черте управлению Сиэтла. propietarios en la ciudad de Seattle. Solamente es permitido que una persona города. Зарегистрироваться на участие в La inscripción para esta lotería abrió a de cada domicilio se inscriba para la lotería, Регистрация на участие в лотерее лотерее может только один человек на las 8 AM del 23 de marzo y cerrará a las y solamente se puede registrar una vez. началась 23 марта и заканчивается в семью. Зарегистрироваться можно всего 5 PM del 10 de abril en la hora estándar Registrarse para la lotería NO significa 17:00 ч. 10 апреля. Записаться можно один раз. Регистрация для участия в del Pacífico. Después la gente ya no podrá que se esté aplicando para una vivienda. только на веб-сайте SEATTLEHOUS- лотерее не означает, что вы подаете inscribirse. Solamente se puede inscribir Si usted es escogido para la lista de espera, ING.ORG/WAITLIST. Ни через какие заявку на получение жилья. Если после en la página de SEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/ recibirá mayor información acerca del pro- другие сайты регистрация невозможна. проведения лотереи вас поставят на WAITLIST, siendo así imposible registrarse ceso de solicitud de vivienda. Если во время регистрации вас попросят очередь, вы получите дополнительную en cualquier otra página del internet. La Más información está disponible en la заплатить деньги - значит, вы зашли на информацию о том, как подать заявку inscripción es completamente gratis. Si se página de SEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/ фальшивый сайт. на жилье. le pide dinero, usted no estaría en la página WAITLIST. Usted se puede registrar desde Ваши шансы попасть в очередь на Дополнительная информация correcta. esa página al partir del 23 de marzo. Si no Восьмую программу не зависят от того, доступна на сайте SEATTLEHOUSING. Su probabilidad de ser escogido para la tiene acceso a una computadora, o si tiene когда именно вы зарегистрируетесь в ORG/WAITLIST. Если у вас нет доступа к lista de espera es igual sea cuando sea que se preguntas relacionadas al asunto, por favor течение всего срока регистрации. Когда компьютеру или если у вас есть вопросы, inscriba durante el periodo de inscripción. llame a la línea directa de apoyo de la lista регистрация закончится, с помощью обращайтесь в специальную горячую Una vez que ésta se cierre 2,500 candidatos de espera de SHA al 206-239-1674. лотереи будут выбраны 2,5 тысячи линию Жилищного управления Сиэтла человек, которых запишут в очередь. по телефону 206-239-1674. ናይ ስያትል ሃውሲንግ ምዝገባ ገዛቲ ሰክሽን 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) ሚያዝያ10 ክውዳ እዩ!/By Habte Negash ማስታወሻ: የሲያትል ቤቶች ለሴክሽን 8 ተመዝግቦ ለመቆየት የሚያስችለው የመጨረሻ ቀን ሚያዚያ 10 ነው/By Assaye Abunie ምምሕዳር ገዛውቲ ስያትል ምዝገባ ገዛውቲ ዝኾኑ ሰባት ኣበይ ከምዝነብሩ ብዘየገድስ ኣብቲ ሰክሽን 8 ወርሒ ሚያዝያ 10 ሰዓት 5 ድ. ቀ. ( 5 ዝግበር ሎተር (ዕጫ) ንምስታፍ ኪምዝገቡ ይኽእሉ የሲያትል ቤቶች ባለስልጣን ተመዝግቦ ለመቆየት ይመረጣሉ:: p.m) ክውዳእ እዩ፡፡ ምዝገባ ሎተሪ ብኦንላይን እዮም፡፡ ኣብዚ እዋን እዚ ኣብ ገዛውቲ ናይ ምምሕዳር በመጋቢት ወር ለቤት ቾይስ ቮቸር እድሜው ከ18 ወይም ከዛ በላይ (online) ኪኸውንዩ፡፡ እዚ ፕሮግራም እዚ ትሑት ኣባይቲ ስያትል ዝነብሩ ዘለው ተካረይቲ ይኹኑ (ሴክሽን 8) ተመዝግቦ ለመቆየት የሆነና ራሱን የቻለ በየትኛውም ኣታዊ ንዘለዎም ሰባት አብ ናይ ውልቀ ሰባት አባይቲ ካልኦት ኪምዝገቡ ይኽእሉ እዮም፡፡ የሚያስችለውን የኢንተርነትን የሎተሬ አካባቢ የሚኖር መመዝገብ ይችላል:: ተኻሪዮም ኣብ ከተማ ስያትል ንክነብሩ ዝግበር ናይ ካብ ስድራ ቤት ሓደ ሰብ ጥራይ እዩ ኪምዝገብ ሲስተም የምዝገባ ቀን የሚያልቀው ለመመዝገብ የግድ በሲያትል የቤቶች ገንዘብ ሓገዝ እዩ፡፡ ዝግባእ፡፡ ሓደ ግዜ ጥራይ ኪምዝገብ እዩ ድማ ሚ ያ ዚ ያ 10 ነ ው:: ይህ ቮ ቸር የ ሚ ረዳው አስ ተዳደ ር ው ስ ጥ መ ኖር የለብ ዎት ም:: ንዕጫ ዚግበር ምዝገባ ካብ 23 መጋቢት ሰዓት ዝፍቀድ፡፡ እዚ ንሎተሪ (ንዕጫ) ዝግበር ምዝገባ፡ ዝቅተኛ ገቢ ላላቸው ሰዎች የገንዘብ በአንድ ቤት ውስጥ የሚኖር አንድ 8 ናይ ንግሆ ክሳብ 10 ሚያዝያ ሰዓት 5 ድሕሪ ነቲ ብምምሕዳር ኣባይቲ ስያትል ዝካረ ገዛውቲ እርዳታ እንዲደረግላቸውና በሲያትል ሰው ብቻ መመዝገብ ይችላል:: ቀትሪ ፓሲፊክ ታይም ክጸንሕ እዩ፡፡ ምዝገባ ኣብ ዝምልከት ምዝገባ ኣይኮነን ፡፡ ከተማ ውስጥ በሚገኙ በግለሰብ ቤቶች የሚመዘገቡትም አንድ ጊዜ ብቻ SEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/WAITLIST ጥራይ ናይ ሰክሽን 8 ገዛውቲ ክትካረዩ ዕጫ ውስጥ መከራየት እንዲችሉ ነው:: ነው:: ለሎተሪው ተመዘገቡ ማለት እዩ ዚኸውን፡፡ ኣብ ካልእ ወብሳይት ምምዝጋብ እንተበጺሑኩም ዘድሊ ቅጥዕታት ምእንቲ ይህ የሎተሪ ምዝገባ የጀምረው ለሲያትል ሃውሲንግ ተመዘገቡ ማለት ኣይከኣልን እዩ፡፡ ምዝገባ ብነጻ እዩ፡፡ ንምዝገባ ገንዘብ ክትመልኡ ብእዋኑ ክሕበረኩም እዩ፡፡ ማርች 23 ሲሆን እስከ ምሽቱ 5 አይደለም:: ተመዝግቦ ለመቆየት ክትከፍሉ ዝሓትት እንተኮይኑ ግና ቅኑዕ ኣይኮነን ጌጋ ነዚ ዝምልከት ሓበሬታ ኣብ seattlehousing. ሲሆን ምዝገባው እስከ አፕሪል 10 ከሚያስችለው ከተመረጡ ተጨማሪ ወብሳይት እዩ፡፡ org/waitlist ተመልከቱ፡፡ ንምዝገባ ዝምልከት ድረስ በፓስፊክ ሰዓት አቆጣጠር መረጃዎች ይላክልዎታል:: ናይ ሰክሽን 8 ገዛውቲ ናይ ምዝገባ ግዜ ምስ ቅጥዒ ድማ ካብ መጋቢት 23 ጀሚሩ ምስኡ ይቆያል:: ይህ ምዝገባ የሚካሄደው በ በተጨማሪ መረጃ ለማግኘት ተወድኤ፡ ካብቶም ዘመልከቱ 2,500 ሰባት ብዕጫ ክትሓሓዝ እዩ፡፡ ብኮምፕዩተር ምምዝጋብ ጸገም SEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/WAIT- በSEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/ ከምዝምረጹ ኪግበር እዩ፡፡ እምበኣር እቲ ዘድሊ ኣንተሃልዩኩም ወይ ድማ ሕቶ እንተሃልዩኩም ኣብ LIST ብቻ ሲሆን በሌላ ዌብሳይት WAITLIST ይመልከቱ:: በዛ ገጽ ኣብቲ ተወሲኑ ዘሉ ናይ ምዝገባ ግዜ ምምዝጋብ ተሌፎን ቁጽሪ 206-239-1674 ብምድዋል ግቡእ መመዝገብ አይችሉም:: ምዝገባው ላይ በሚገኘው ማርች 23 ጀምረው እዩ እምበር መን ቀዲሙ ተመዝገብ መን ድሒሩ ኣገልግሎት ክትረኽቡ ትኽእሉ ኢኹም፡፡ ነጻ ነው:: ገንዘብ የሚጠይቋችሁ ከሆነ መመዝገብ ይችላሉ:: ኮምፒተር ተመዝገበ ዝብል ኣይኮነን፡፡ ኣብ ምዝገባ ግድን የተሳሳተ ዌብሳይት ነው:: ማግኘት ካልቻሉ ወይም ጥያቄ ቀዳማይ ተራ ዘይሓዝኩ ዘብል ጉዳይ የለን፡፡ ተመዝግቦ ለመቆየት በሚያስችለው ካ ለ ዎት የሲ ያትል የቤቶች አሰተዳደ ር ን ዕድሜኦም 18 ዓመት ወይ ድማ ካብኡ ንላዕሊ እድል ለመመረጥ በተሰጠው የጊዜ ተመዝግቦ ለመቆየት የሚያስችለውን ገደብ መመዝገብ ብቻ ሲሆን መስመር በስ ልክ ቁጥ ር 20 6 -23 9 -1674 NHẮC NHỚ: VIỆC GHI TÊN VÀO DANH SÁCH CHỜ ĐỢI CỦA CHƯƠNG ከ ተመዘ ገ ቡ ለሁሉም እኩ ል እ ድል ነ ው ይደውሉ:: TRÌNH SỐ 8 CỦA CƠ QUAN GIA CƯ SEATTLE SẼ ĐÓNG VÀO የሚደርሰው:: ምዝገባው ከተዘጋ በኋላ NGÀY 10 THÁNG 4/By Long Luu ካመለ ከ ቱት ው ስ ጥ 2,50 0 አመልካ ቾች Cơ quan gia cư Seattle Housing Author- Quí vị có thể ghi tên nếu quí vị đủ 18 ity sẽ mở danh sách chờ đợi mới trong tháng tuổi trở lên, hay là một trẻ vị thành niên Xasuusin: boonadii guriyaynta Seattle (Section 8 ) waxa uu Ba cho chường số 8, qua hệ thống rút thăm sống độc lập cũng hợp lệ, dù ở bất cứ nơi ku egyahay 10ka April/By Mahamoud Gaayte trên mạng. Những tờ tín phiếu này cung nào (lúc ghi tên). Quí vị có thể ghi tên cho cấp trợ giúp tài chính cho người nghèo để dù quí vị hiện đang cư ngụ trong khu gia Liiska sugaha ah ee boonda section 8, si nasiib ah loo dooranayaa 2,500 oo arji thuê mướn nhà từ các chủ nhà tư ở trong cư SHA hay không. hey’ada guriyaynta Seattle, ee laga buuxi- kuwaas oo gelaya liiska sugaha ah. thành phố Seattle. Chỉ cần một người trong gia đình ghi nayo baraha internetka waxa uu ku egyahay Qoys kasta waxaa iska diiwaan gelinkara Việc ghi tên để rút thăm sẽ bắt đầu lúc tên mà thôi, và chỉ cần ghi tên 1 lần là đủ. 5ta galabnimo, 10ka bisha april. Boonadani hal qof, hal mar oo qudha. Is diiwaange- 8 giờ sáng ngày 23 tháng 3 đến 5 giờ chiều Nếu quí vị được rút thăm chọn vào danh waxa ey ka cawineysaa dadka dakhliga yar linta barnaamijkani lama mid aha codsiga ngày 10 tháng 4 – giờ địa phương. Quí vị sách chờ đợi, quí vị sẽ nhận được thêm các si kirada guryaha aaney dawladu lahay ee guriyaynta. Hadii aad ku guuleysato yaa chỉ có thể ghi tên ở trang mạng SEATTLE- thông tin cho thủ tục vào đơn. ay iska leeyihiin dadka shibilka ah e reer nasiibka waxaa laguu soo diri doona faah- HOUSING.ORG/WAITLIST – quí vị không Nhiều thông tin có sẵn trên trang mạng Seattle. faahin ku saabsan sidii aad guriyayn u thể ghi tên qua bất cứ trang mạng nào khác SEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/WAITLIST. Arjiga bakhti-yaanasiibka ah waxa uu codsanlahayd. được. Việc ghi tên thì miễn phí. Nếu (lúc Quí vị có thể ghi từ trang mạng này kể từ furmayaa 23ka bisha March dadkuna waxa Faahfaahin dheeraad aha ka hel SEAT- ghi tên) mà bị buộc phải trả tiền, thì là quí ngày 23 tháng Ba. Nếu quí vị không có máy ey haystaan ilaa 5ta galabnimo ee 10 bisha TLEHOUSING.ORG/WAITLIST. Waxaad vị không ở đúng trang mạng. vi tính, hoặc có câu hỏi, quí vị có thể gọi April, waqtiga pacific (Seattle). Meesha iska diiwaan gelin kartaa baraha kor ku Cơ hội để được rút thăm chọn ra ngang điện thoại đến SHA đường dây nóng ở số keliya oo aad arjiga ka buuxsan kartaan waa xusan 13ka March. Hadii aadan haysan nhau không kể lúc nào quí vị ghi tên. Khi (206)239-1674. SEATTLEHOUSING.ORG/WAITLIST – computer ama aad qabto sua’aal fadlan soo thời gian ghi tên chấm dứt, sẽ có 2,500 ma jirto goob kale oo arji lga buuxsankaro. wac Heya’ada Guriyaynta Seattle (SHA’s người nộp đơn sẽ được chọn ra cách ngẫu Fursada aad u leedahay in aad ku guu- waitlist hotline at 206-239-1674). nhiên và được đưa vào danh sách chờ đợi leysato boos, ku ma xira xiliga is diiwaan mới. gelinta. Marka diiwaan gelinta laxiro waxa

THE VOICE 8 – THE VOICE APRIL 2015 OUROUR COMMUNITIESCOMMUNITIES STORIES FROM OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

High Point poised to get traffic safety improvements to 35th Ave. SW

By Shukri Olow High Point Community Builder

About 100 High Point residents and neighbors attended a transportation safety meeting March 10. Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Project Manager Jim Curtin pre- sented two design alternatives, pictured at far right, that are being considered to help make 35th Ave. SW safe for drivers, bicy- clists and pedestrians. “Increased safety is the primary goal of this project from Arbor Heights through High Point to Fauntleroy,” Curtin said. “In the High Point area, there have been several fatal collisions over the years and we intend to create conditions that prevent serious, life-changing crashes.” Photo by Shukri Olow According to SDOT, in the past 10 years, more than 1,000 crashes, 412 injuries, and High Point residents listen to proposals five deaths have occurred on 35th Ave SW from Seattle Department of Transportation between Roxbury and Alaska Streets. on plans to make the troublesome 35th Both options were problematic to audi- Ave. SW safer for cyclists, drivers and ence members and created much discussion. pedestrians. Options are shown at right. Option A was an issue to the audience because of the reduced speed to 30 mph as well as the vehicle delays of three to opportunity for public input and implemen- four minutes. Option B also had the same tation in 2015 and beyond. vehicle delays. He added that city officials will be com- In October 2014, SDOT hosted a meet- ing back to the community in June with ing with High Point residents to address their full traffic analysis and recommenda- its findings from a study on the 35th Ave. tions for the corridor SW corridor. “We’ll take comments on the proposed The goal of the project’s road improve- changes at that meeting before making our ments include improving safety for all, final decisions for 35th,” Curtin said. “We strengthening enforcement, short and long- hope to start making changes to the road- term engineering solutions, and providing way in late summer.”

event coordinators welcomed the support AmeriCorps of the Neighborhood House AmeriCorps Continued from Page 1 Reflections on Easter, Passover volunteers. During the event, the Neighbor- By Kathryn Minar synagogue services, and still others with The new plaza is to be one such solu- hood House AmeriCorps team greeted the Special to The Voice time-honored traditions and rituals. tion. With convenient access both to El attendees and assisted with set-up, ushering, Boisterous family celebrations, Easter Centro’s many social services and to the parking, food distribution and clean-up. Hello, my name is Kathryn and I live bunnies (chocolate or otherwise), Easter Beacon Hill Light Rail Station, the Plaza The Neighborhood House AmeriCorps at Lake City House. I would be honored if baskets, or silent worship of these ancient Roberto Maestas, upon completion, will team’s committed service at El Centro de you would allow me to share some of my traditions all abound. None is right; none offer 112 residential units as affordable la Raza was a boon not only for El Centro thoughts about this special time of year. is wrong. They are all a part of the whole. housing options for low-income families staff and attendees but for the members Everyone has heard sometime in their At Lake City House and Lake City Court, in South Seattle. themselves. AmeriCorps members at the lives the old adage, ‘April showers bring most will celebrate in their own ways. Some The plaza also is being constructed under end of the event expressed their satisfac- May flowers.’ I feel that there are also other will sing in church choirs and some will Washington State’s Evergreen Sustainable tion not only at getting to help out at the things that this time of year brings–­things color Easter eggs. Some will gather together Development Standards and will be certi- important event but also at being able to that travel to deep within the soul. in quiet whispers and some will join hands fied “green” under the Seattle Built Smart witness firsthand the legacy of the work of Just as Christmas, in the dark clutches and raise their voices on high. Others will program. the Four Amigos. of winter, brings hope, springtime brings simply enjoy the sunrise or the beauty of Overall, the event was felt by attendees he Plaza Roberto Maestas, that same hope that we all experienced a new buds trying to bloom. and AmeriCorps members alike to be a few short months ago. Others will share time with loved ones Tupon completion, will offer thoughtful expression of El Centro’s mis- Renewed hope and the promise of new while others take comfort in their memo- 112 residential units as afford- sion, “to build unity across all racial and ries. Just as Christmas time can be a joyous life is in my way of thinking one of the gifts able housing options for low- economic sectors, to organize, empower, that this season, which this year happens to time and indeed sometimes a sad time, so and defend our most vulnerable and mar- income families in South Seattle. be in April, gives us. can these holidays. But remember, just be- ginalized populations and to bring justice, April marks two of the most important cause you’re alone doesn’t mean you have dignity, equality, and freedom to all the holidays for Christians and Jews. Holy to be lonely. The groundbreaking ceremony itself peoples of the world.” Week begins April 3 and culminates a week Take comfort in the knowledge that we featured live music and a prestigious line- later on Easter Sunday. In the Christian are here, that our hearts are beating, that up of speakers composed of community AmeriCorps is a national service or- tradition, this is by far the holiest week of we are a part of all our eyes, our minds and members, politicians, and social activists. ganization, sometimes called a domestic the year. It celebrates the life, death and our hearts see, and that we are all inevitably Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Congress- Peace Corps, that engages its members in resurrection of Jesus Christ. And Passover, connected to that which has gone before and man Adam Smith were both in attendance. year-long service in community and envi- the Jewish celebration at this same time of all that is to come. Immediately following the groundbreaking ronmental organizations and non-profits year, commemorates and celebrates the To everyone regardless of what you ceremony, attendees gathered inside El around the United States. For their service, emancipation of the Israelites from slavery believe or even if you believe nothing at Centro for a reception with plentiful food, members receive a small monthly stipend as in ancient Egypt. This year it is celebrated all, may these holidays bring you comfort, drink, dessert and more live music. well as a Segal Education Award upon the from April 3 to 11. The centerpiece of softness, laughter, belonging and hope. Originally, event coordinators had an- completion of their service term. Passover is the Seder meal. Both of these Thank you for letting me share some of ticipated a turnout of about two hundred traditions are a rich and colorful historical my thoughts about this special time. It has people at the outdoor ceremony, but unsea- Norman is an early childhood education and mystical tapestry. been an honor. Finally, in keeping with sonably warm and sunny weather pushed AmeriCorps member at Rainier Vista. Some of us remember these holidays my beliefs and traditions, I wish you all a their expected numbers up to five hundred in silent reflection, some with church or Happy Easter! attendees. Given this unexpected boost, the

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