FREE EACH VOLUME 35 MONTH ISSUE 4 A community-based newspaper serving the Puget Sound area since 1981

April 2016 Articles translated into six languages

The newspaperTheThe of Neighborhood House VoiceVoice — visit our website at voice.seattlehousing.net SHA resident emerges a Neighborhood House community leader and activist celebrates 110 years Lynn Sereda lost her job and her home, along with mil- Section 8 resident lions of others. However, instead of letting these events take control of her, she took Violet Lavatai had the standing-room- action and carved a new life out of a six-year only crowd at City Hall pumping journey that has led to community leader- their fists in the air and cheering her on as ship as well as a new home as a Seattle she spoke about the failure of the city’s ten- Housing Authority (SHA) Scattered Site year plan to end homelessness. Lavatai was resident. a panelist at Seattle City Councilmember At first it was difficult. She pounded the Kshama Sawant’s Town Hall on housing pavement looking for a job (she had done held Feb. 27 and was chosen to speak due office work in the past), but found that no to her strong viewpoints and experience one was hiring. She had to move in with her navigating the system. sister in Skyway. She applied for housing "It’s time to stop talking about the lack of and was fortunate enough to get a spot on affordable and decent housing and it’s time the SHA Wait List before it was temporarily for our leaders to actually listen to us, take closed. She made sure to call the automated Photo by Nancy Gardner action and start doing something," Lavatai Wait List system monthly as directed in Seattle City Councilwoman Lorena González addressed a crowd of more than 400 told the audience. order to keep her place on the list. donors and business leaders at the nonprofit's 110th Anniversary Breakfast held Taking action is what Lavatai is all about. March 23. González described how, as a former migrant farm worker and child of When the great recession hit in 2009, she Mexican immigrants, she knows what it means to excape poverty. The event raised Please see “Violet” on Page 8 over $165,000, which will help some of our area’s most vulnerable people overcome economic challenges and achieve self-sufficiency. Pictured above is emcee Angela King. Rainier Vista, City of Seattle embark on traffic safety projects 'Pavement to Parks' $70,000 grant provides much-needed green space for community activities

By Adam Dodge Special to The Voice on-the-ground changes took place. Tired of the situation, Rainier Vista neighbors The Seattle Department of Transportation organized together and formed the Rainier (SDOT) has selected Rainier Vista Vista Traffic Safety Committee to provide (RV)as the location of one of four a unified voice to advocate for a safer and new pilot projects for the Pavement more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. to Parks program. This program takes an existing underused section of street and New traffic circle coming converts it into a park. Last year the Committee achieved its first major win with the city approving and Genesee Street's transformation funding the installation of a traffic circle at Residents have been asking for years to S Oregon Street and Renton Ave S—one close the loop around Rainier Vista’s Cen- of the most dangerous intersections in the tral Park to prevent speeding around the neighborhood. Funding for this project is park. Thanks to a $70,000 grant from the provided through the city’s Neighborhood city a short section of Genesee Street will be Park and Street Fund (NPSF), which is a opened up to people and transformed into a competitive grant program for community- place for the community to gather and play. proposed projects. The Rainier Vista Traffic Safety Com- Thanks to the neighborhood’s over- mittee and SDOT will be reaching out to whelming support during the NPSF com- nearby residents over the next few months petitive process, Rainier Vista’s applica- for design ideas for the park. Construction Courtesy of Adam Dodge tion sailed through and received the grant is planned for this summer. funding. The traffic circle is expected to be Rainier Vista neighbors are working with SDOT to transform the block of S. Genesee For years neighbors complained to the installed late this summer. Street between Jill Place S. and 29th Ave. S. into an extension of Central Park. city that the street was dangerous and needed to be made safer, however no Please see “RV Traffic” on Page 3

Neighborhood House Nonprofit org. The Weller Building U.S. postage PAID In this issue 1225 S. Weller St. Suite 510 Seattle, WA Be Safe Page 2 Seattle, WA 98144 Permit #8887 Feeling safe around the homeless

SHA News Page 3 Kudos to two Lake City residents

Feature Page 6 Visit Beacon Hill's Food Forest

Translations Page 7 2 – THE VOICE APRIL 2016 Health Notes Be Safe A column devoted to your Safety is paramount for well-being all community members By Seattle Neighborhood Group prepared to describe the location where the Is stress keeping you on pins and needles? Why encounter occurred, and other important Do you sympathize with the homeless, information such as what he or she was not take up a crafty hobby like sewing or knitting? but feel physically uncomfortable with their wearing or what condition the person was in. By Neighborcare health growing presence on the streets of Seattle? If you have a concern regarding the Do they sometimes scare you? homeless in your area, call your Seattle April is National Stress Awareness Yes, there is a significant percentage of Police precinct and ask to speak to a Com- Month, a reminder we need to consider homeless who suffer from mental illnesses munity Police Team (CPT) officer. Precinct our stress level and learn tips for reducing and/or are drug-addicted. According to the contact information can be found at it (hint: knitting and crafting can help!). Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness, www.seattle.gov/police/contact/. Stress and its health effects a local nonprofit, 35 percent of homeless For some people, when directly asked by Stress isn’t always a bad thing. Our bod- people were found to have a mental illness, others for help, the natural inclination might ies have a natural stress response that can and about 25 percent are or have been ad- be to give whatever spare change you might protect us in times of danger. This is often dicted to drugs. have in your pocket or to ignore the person referred to as fight or flight. These reactions However, experts generally agree that and quickly walk away. should be short-term. When we experience most of the homeless are not a serious or It doesn’t take much on your part to po- too much stress for too long, it’s not only dangerous threat to society. Roughly 25 litely reply, "Sorry, I don’t have any change." inconvenient, but can affect our health and percent have committed a crime against a It’s your choice, but why not go the extra well-being. hoods, local organizations offer knitting and person or property, compared to 35 percent step by familiarizing yourself with organi- Part of that natural response to stress other crafting programs for residents. of the general population. zations that provide services for the home- is the release of hormones into the body. "The reason that the Yesler Terrace Keep in mind that being homeless isn’t less so that you can refer those who need These hormones can increase your heart Knitting Club is successful is because it is a crime. help to these resources. Organizations that rate and blood pressure, and raise the community-led," said Community Builder This isn’t an easy problem to tackle, but understand the needs of the homeless can do amount of sugar in your blood. This can Joy Bryngelson. "Neighbors of all ages and let’s consider a few very basic safety tips so much more with funds to help a person. increase your risk of developing health who speak different languages teach and that can help keep everybody secure. Remember, for many of us, homelessness problems, including the following: anxiety, learn from each other." First, allow practical, common sense might be just a paycheck away. Most who depression, heart disease, sleep problems, Check to see if there is already a group to be your guide if you are approached by find themselves in this unwanted situation weight gain and challenges focusing. near you or start a group yourself. You’ll someone who says he or she is homeless and struggle daily to survive. Ensuring one's A stitch in time can reduce stress be surprised how something so simple can asks for your help. personal safety is important to every human New research shows that crafting (such go a long way in lowering your stress and Think of how you would like to be being, regardless of socioeconomic status. as knitting and crocheting) reduces stress improving your health. treated under any circumstance. Treat all levels, improves depression and overall people with dignity. Be polite and avoid mental health, and helps exercise the mind. SHA crafts & sewing resources confrontation. One study found that people who craft If you’re uncomfortable engaging with The mission of Seattle Neighborhood were less likely to have memory loss and What: Yesler Terrace Knitting and someone and he or she appears to need Group is to prevent crime and build other signs of mental aging. Crafting has Sewing Club assistance, call the City of Seattle’s non- community through partnerships with also been shown to have a calming effect Where: Epstein Opportunity Center emergency number, 206-625-5011. In the residents, businesses, law enforcement on people. Knitting and crafting can also When: 6-8 p.m. 2nd and 4th Thursdays event of a medical emergency, immediately and other organizations. Contact SNG at help people quit smoking, and improve of every month call 911. If you do call either number, be 206-323-9666. their outlook on life. Gone are the days that Contact: Joy Bryngelson, knitting was just for grandmas. In fact, one [email protected] in every three women in the U.S. between age 25 and 35 knits. There is also a growing What: Soul Sewing for Beginners Around the Sound number of men and children knitting and Where: High Point Community Center crocheting. It’s not unusual to see people When: 6:15-7:45 p.m., Thursdays (6- New initiative to help prevent youth and family poverty kicks off knitting on buses and trains. Some college week sessions) students say knitting in class can help them Contact: 206-684-7430 or 206-684-7422 Dow Constantine announced his plan to prevent youth stay focused. and family homelessness, which will be the first program funded by the Best Starts Knitting and sewing classes at SHA What: NewHolly Arts & Crafts Group for Kids levy. Kim Do, a Neighborcare Health commu- Where: NH Family Building, 7054 32nd If approved by the County Council, the program will provide flexible funding and nity health worker, helps lead the Knitting Ave. S. case management for those who are at imminent risk of homelessness. The overarch- Club at Yesler Terrace and says it’s like a When: 5:30-8 p.m., April 8, 22; May ing goal is to prevent children from experiencing homelessness, which studies show big family get-together. Groups of 6-10 13, 27 can have a lifelong negative impact on brain development. people meet twice monthly to learn and Contact:Phillippia Goldsmith, 206- "Our best opportunity to reduce the number of people who are homeless is to pre- practice knitting and crocheting and share 915-3575 vent homelessness from happening in the first place," said Executive Constantine. "I stories and experiences. Online: www.craftyarncouncil.com am pleased that the first initiative to come from Best Starts for Kids is one that will "The Knitting Club gives people a sense This site has links to yarn companies, provide the tools to preserve housing stability for our region's children, youth and of accomplishment when they master new classes, tutorials and how-to videos and young adults and ensure they have the support they need to grow up healthy, ready knitting or crocheting techniques, and lots of other resources. to learn and able to succeed." gives them a chance to get to know their The ordinance establishing the youth and family homelessness prevention initia- neighbors," Do says. "Even my 11-year-old Neighborcare Health is the largest pro- tive sets aside a total of $19 million to fund the program. The proposed plan calls daughter enjoys it. She comes with me to vider of primary medical and dental care in for $3.1 million to be spent in the first year of the levy, with a ramp up during the help and now some of her friends want to Seattle for low-income and uninsured fami- second and third years to significantly reduce the numbers of families and youth learn, too." lies and individuals, serving our community who are becoming homeless. Other SHA sites have knitting, sewing for more than 40 years. More information is or crafting clubs as well. In some neighbor- available at www.neighborcare.org. Executive proposes installing cameras on all Metro buses

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proposed installing cameras on all The Voice Editor Contributing Writers Metro Transit buses. Metro Transit Police deputies quickly respond to and investigate Nancy Gardner Maya Berkowitz all operator assaults that are reported to them, which resulted in 26 arrests in 2015. 206-461-8430, ext. 2051 Jonathan Luong Most recently, a Renton man was arrested Feb. 24 after an attempted assault on [email protected] Lynn Sereda a King County Metro bus driver in South King County. Metro currently has cameras in 44 percent of its buses, which has contributed to the agency cutting the number of driver assaults by more than half since 2008. The Voice, the newspaper of Neighborhood House, is published monthly with the Executive Constantine will request funding in the supplemental budget to install support of Seattle Housing Authority. Neighborhood House helps diverse communi- cameras in 80 percent of Metro's bus fleet by early 2019 and 100 percent by early 2021. ties of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial Cameras have been installed on more than 600 of Metro’s 1,382 buses. The most independence and community building. The Voice contributes to that mission by recent buses purchased by Metro — including electric trolleys, RapidRide models providing low-income people, immigrants, refugees and other concerned parties and the newest 60-foot-long buses — come installed with camera systems. with timely, relevant news. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Executive Constantine has asked Metro to calculate how much it will cost to the staff, Neighborhood House or Seattle Housing Authority. We welcome articles acquire, install and retrofit cameras for the remaining 770 buses. and tips from the community and reserve the right to edit all submissions. The Voice The proposal is subject to approval by the King County Council and a decision is published online at www.nhwa.org and at www.seattlehousing.org. will be made in late May.

THE VOICE APRIL SEATTLE HOUSING NEWS 2016 News and information about Seattle’s neighborhoods - visit our website at voice.seattlehousing.net Yesler Terrace redevelopment includes parks, paths and a community gardening space building is complete in 2017, there will be By Sven Koehler entirely new ways of getting around. Seattle Housing Authority Another brand new connection is a sec- tion of Fir Street that was constructed where The most notable aspect about the rede- the Jesse Epstein Building and several velopment of Yesler Terrace is new housing former Yesler Terrace apartments used to structures. But amidst the shiny new build- stand. The new configuration has enabled ings, residents have also seen other changes the creation of a striped crosswalk across that help knit together the old and new busy Broadway, a welcome safety improve- parts of the community, and weave Yesler ment for the neighborhood. Terrace more tightly into the surrounding A different kind of relocation is also un- neighborhood fabric. derway this spring. New P-Patch planting Old connections are being restored and beds were installed to serve as temporary new links are being forged within Yesler replacements for the beds near I-5 that were Terrace. For over a year, the length of closed last year due to construction. The Yesler Way has been a maze of construction P-Patches are located across Boren Avenue fences. But now new sidewalks and bright from Kebero Court. green bike paths have been installed. A new The new beds are on land that will be de- stoplight at 8th and Yesler will improve veloped by Vulcan Real Estate in the com- safety. Photo by Sven Koehler ing years. Enough space was made available Fortunately, the network of walkways A new pedestrian corridor that provides quick and safe access to the Epstein for all of the original gardeners to continue that once connected the old townhouses is Opportunity Center and which features wheelchair-accessible ramps and lighting growing their crops at Yesler Terrace, with emerging again. The new grassy plaza in opened recently in Yesler Terrace. A grassy, tree-lined plaza that serves as an entry to about 11 new plots available for additional front of Raven Terrace is a portal to the new Raven Terrace will be flanked by community spaces in the new apartment buildings gardeners to join the program. Interested pedestrian corridor, complete with acces- which will be under construction this spring. gardeners can contact Lisa Uemoto with the sible ramps and stairs, that will eventually City of Seattle at 206-684-0303. bisect Yesler Terrace from north to south. The corridor will eventually link to the ter lighting is installed. An interim pathway But concrete is already poured for the new new Hillclimb on 10th Avenue S. that con- through the construction zones will allow street that will link up 10th Avenue S, Wash- nects Little Saigon and the International pedestrians to access the Hillclimb safely. ington and Main Streets, thus eliminating District to Yesler Terrace in a brand new Yesler Terrace used to have a number of dead ends. Once construction of Ho Mai way. The Hillclimb will be open in May af- dead-end streets that limited movement. Gardens, the next new subsidized housing

This year the Committee is applying for RV Traffic an NPSF grant to prevent speeding through Continued from Page 1 Rainier Vista on S Columbian Way and S Collision statistics Oregon St in the hope of making the com- Since the redevelopment of Rainier Vista munity a safer and more welcoming place in 2006, the neighborhood’s main street— for everyone. The neighborhood will be known as S Columbian Way to the west and notified in spring if we have been awarded S Oregon St to the east—has seen nearly 70 this grant to make this street safer. car collisions resulting in 33 people being The Rainier Vista Traffic Safety Com- injured. Columbian/Oregon is a wide boule- mittee meets the first Wednesday of each vard with a lane of traffic in each direction month in the Snoqualmie Room at 2917 S. separated by a large planting area. Snoqualmie Street. Anyone interested in The wide crossing area and speed with making the streets of Rainier Vista safer is which people drive have led to many crash- welcome to attend. Please contact RVTraf- [email protected] for more information. es and create a daunting obstacle for young Since Rainier Vista reopened in 2006, there have been 33 people injured in 68 collisions and old people to feel safe while walking along the stretch of S. Columbian Way and S. Oregon Street that runs through Rainier Dodge is co-chair of the RV Traffic Safety across the street to neighboring residences, Vista. It is the second most dangerous area in the neighborhood, just behind the much- Committee. community buildings and transit stops. higher-volume Martin Luther King Jr Way S. Housing Choice Voucher senior Red Cross honors Lake program specialist wins VA award City House residents By Seattle Housing Authority

Seattle Housing Authority’s Elizabeth By Voice Staff Morris recently won the Heart of Social Work Award for her outstanding work with Lake City House residents Ellie Rhoades the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing and Jerry Ingram were among the guests of Program (VASH). honor at the 2016 American Red Cross An- Morris is a Senior Certification Specialist nual Heroes Breakfast on March 3. They in the Housing Choice Voucher program were given a "Commitment to Commu- and was recognized for her commitment nity" award, which celebrates individuals to housing veterans. whose extraordinary acts of courage and In giving her this award, the VA said, compassion make them heroes. "She is a fantastic liaison between VASH Several hundred event attendees heard and SHA Section 8 and a fierce advocate many inspiring stories of bravery and dedi- for getting veterans housed." cation. Ellie and Jerry were recognized for Community Builder Courtney Hillman, preparing emergency supplies for residents Photo by Andy Chan a colleague of Morris, said, "Liz is compas- of Lake City House. sionate, thorough and takes pride in her "We went to the Dollar Store to get Courtesy of SHA Jerry Ingram and Ellie Rhoades were work. She is deeply dedicated to working lots of basic supplies like pet food, flash- recognized for helping get emergency Elizabeth Morris, a Senior Certification with veterans and this shines through in all lights, water and rope, and we're teaching supplies and preparations ready for Lake Specialist for SHA's Housing Choice that she does." residents how to act in the event of an City House residents. Voucher Program, displays her award. emergency," said Rhoades.

THE VOICE 4 – THE VOICE APRIL 2016

Community Notes

Sound Transit’s light rail now servicing U-District, Capitol Hill

Sound Transit’s University Link light rail extension opened March 19 for passenger service, six months ahead of schedule and more than $150 million under budget. The 3.1-mile extension of the current light rail line that opened in 2009 includes stations on Capitol Hill and at the University of near Husky Stadium. The trip from UW to downtown Seattle takes eight minutes. SPL offers activities for youths ages 5 - 18 Adult fares vary according to distance traveled, ranging from $2.25 to $3.25 one way; and seniors and disabled passengers pay $1.00 with a Regional Reduced Fare Learn with a 'buddy': skill-building games for elementary students Permit. Riders can buy paper tickets or use ORCA cards. Visit www.soundtransit. org for details. Children in grades kindergarten through 5 are invited to participate in math and read- Trips from UW to Rainier Valley take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes to ing games with high school buddies each week at several locations of The Seattle Public SeaTac International Airport. Library. Located right next to the new Husky Stadium, Sound Transit's UW Station provides The Learning Buddy Program pairs elementary students with high school mentors. easy regional access to campus, UW Medical Center and surrounding neighborhoods. The goal is to encourage kids to discover the joy of math and reading through learning Riders board trains underground. activities. The Capitol Hill Station, where riders also board trains underground, is located Library events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Free park- just east of Broadway and south of East John Street, beneath Nagle Place. ing is available at all three Library locations. The drop-in program is available on first come, first served basis. Each buddy session 'Small Sparks' funds available for spring-cleaning lasts up to one hour. The schedule of dates, times and locations is listed below. neighborhood activities • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, April 5 through May 17, Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 If your neighborhood is participating in Spring Clean, Seattle Public Utilities’ Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711. annual clean-up campaign, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods has a fund to • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, April 5 through May 17, NewHolly Branch, 7058 32nd support your activities. Ave. S., 206-386-1905. The Small Sparks Fund provides matching dollars for neighborhood-initiated • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, April 6 through May 18, Columbia Branch, 4721 projects that promote community engagement. Community groups can request up Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. to $1,000 to help support these activities. Funding can be applied to publicity, plant- • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, April 7 through May 19, Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 ing materials, special clean-up supplies, and a host of other items. The deadline for Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1906. applications is six weeks before the event. For information on the application process, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/ The West Seattle Library offers a Math Buddies program that focuses solely on math smallsparks.htm or call 206-233-0093. Applicants must register using the web-based games and activities. Time and dates are as follows: application system at least two days before applying for funds. Spring Clean is Seattle's annual clean-up event hosted by Seattle Public Utilities • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, April 5 through May 17, West Seattle Branch, 2306 (SPU). Held each April and May with Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle 42nd Ave. S.W., 206-684-7444. Parks and Recreation, and Seattle Department of Transportation, Spring Clean pro- For more information, visit the Library's Learning Buddy Program page, http://www. vides opportunities for residents to keep communities looking nice. SPU provides spl.org/audiences/children/chi-buddy-program or call the Library at 206-386-4636. bags, gloves, safety vests and more to help with your neighborhood clean-up. For more information, contact the Spring Clean hotline at 206-233-7187 or visit seattle. Want to learn how to program a gov/util/EnvironmentConservation/GetInvolved/SpringClean/index.htm. Finch robot?

The Seattle Public Library is offering a workshop series for teens at the Rainier Beach Library location on how to program robots. The Finch is a new robot for computer science education. Its design is the result of a four-year study at Carnegie Mellon's CREATE lab. Students will work in teams to learn how to program a Finch robot to change colors, move in different directions, avoid ob- stacles and more. At the end of the workshop, teams will compete to see who can race their robots through a maze of obstacles the fastest. Library programs are free and open to the public but registration is required. Call or drop by the branch to sign up. Teens should plan to attend each session. Free parking is available. Dates and times for the workshops are as follows: • 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, April 4 through May 9 at the Rainier Beach Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1906.

RAC meeting April 13 The focus of April's Resident Action Council (RAC) meeting will include nomi- nations for 2016-2017 officers and Resident Leadership Development Team (RLDT) officers. All SHA residents are welcome to attend and join in on the discussion which starts at 1:30. A light lunch will begin at 1 p.m. RAC meets the second Wednesday of each month in the Jefferson Terrace Com- munity Room, 800 Jefferson St. Attendees receive free bus tickets and RAC will reimburse carpool driver's mileage. If you have questions or need an interpreter call 206-930-6228 or email [email protected]

About The Voice Visit our website: The Voice is a monthly newspaper published by Neighborhood House with voice.seattlehousing.net 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 • Share income people and those living in Seattle Housing communities. articles over email or on 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, Facebook Photo courtesy of michael maggs / wikimedia commons ext. 2051 or by e-mail at [email protected]. All submissions are subject to editing for accuracy, style and length.

THE VOICE APRIL 2016 THE VOICE – 5

Input wanted for SHA's 5-year Strategic Plan Residents, community members should submit ideas by April 11

Seattle Housing the plan and provide comment by visiting Authority (SHA) is http://seattlehousing.org/news/strategic/ developing its 2016- draftplan. 2020 Strategic Plan, Please provide your thoughts by April 11. which will help guide To request a paper copy or to provide your the agency’s decisions thoughts over the phone, call 206-239-1528. over the next five years. If you prefer to give your feedback in SHA’s draft strategic plan proposes a language other than English, please call a number of goals, including expanding this number and interpretation services will housing for low-income residents across be arranged. Seattle, improving access to education and employment opportunities, increasing ser- vices for seniors, and maintaining healthy and welcoming living environments in SHA communities. The agency is currently reaching out to residents, voucher participants, and com- munity members for their feedback. Read

SHA elections Green Lake Plaza At Green Lake Plaza, more than 35 results residents helped vote in the seven-mem- Westwood Heights ber Community Council Board which shares leadership responsibilities on a rotating basis: Westwood Heights Resident Council Board held elections March 8. Thirty Christine Corner residents helped elect the following, Chris Ethington including a new vice-president and Susan Galstan treasurer. Debbie Johnson Jamie McKinnon President: Mary Elaine Corley Sherry Morgan Vice President: Peter Cheng Earl Richardson Secretary: Ed Coniglio Treasurer: Viola Belgarde Sergeant at arms: Henrietta Williams

What you’re saying: The Voice asks readers... Are you following the presidential elections?

Name: Steven Name: Lois Name: Glenn

Where do you live? Where do you live? Where do you live? Ross Manor Lake City House Green Lake Plaza Content guide Are you watching the presidential Are you watching the presidential Are you watching the presidential debates and election coverage? debates and election coverage? debates and election coverage? Don’t see your neighbor- hood section? Consult the guide "Yes, I'm paying attention, but it looks "Yes, I'm following them, but with a grain "Yes, I'm following very closely, as I below to find the logos that like too many Republicans are running. of salt. I have a candidate in mind who think it's very interesting. It's getting correspond to your community. Their politics are just backwards. If I favor, but I'm not too invested in what very exciting as things are heating up. they're elected, they'll turn back all of the ends up happening." I watch the races on both TV and NPR. progress that we've made in the past few It's a very important election for several High Point Herald years." reasons, and because the Supreme Court nomination will influence our political NewHolly Notes landscape for years to come. So SHA residents, be sure to get out and vote!" Rainier Vista News

Yesler Happenings

THE VOICE 6 – THE VOICE APRIL 2016 COMMUNITY RESOURCES A hidden gem atop Beacon Hill Food Forest offers edibles, community comraderie

By Jonathan Luong the city gave the group the go-ahead to start The Voice intern working on the land. Almost immediately Cramer says, area residents showed an in- Tucked away on the back of a bunker terest in seeing the project reach fruition. adjacent to Jefferson Park Golf Course, “At our first design meeting, we counted the Beacon Hill Food Forest is very incon- over 70 people in the room,” she recalls. spicuous. Its modest, west-facing sloped And for many of the locals, outstretched land atop Beacon Hill invokes images of a with open arms is how they have come to small family farm. The modest area is not embrace the forest. too visually impressive to the uninitiated. “It’s absolutely great,” says Nicholas But the seven-acre parcel of land, which Mocha, who frequents the Forest. “I live is owned by Seattle Public Utilities and is within biking distance of the garden, and so sustained by GROW, a grassroots P-patch do many of the people who I see there. The nonprofit, as well as through grants and community aspect is something special, donations, seemed right for the community, especially in a big city. It reminds me of and ripe for the picking. The Forest sits ad- my father’s stories of growing up in a small jacent to Jefferson Park at 15th Ave. S and village in Guatemala.” S. Dakota St. in the North Beacon Hill area. “The idea has grown, even in different verything we do here countries,” said co-founder Jackie Cramer, is based around the Photo by Jonathan Luong who has provided start-up assistance for a “E similar community project in Taiwan. “I concept of permaculture and Volunteers at the Beacon Food Forest often begin their days with stretching exercises. have people who tell me that they moved its values. We have to care Team members meet weekly to develop site plan details, lead work parties, select plants, to Seattle and wanted to live in Beacon for the land, and be aware of harvest fruits and vegetables, and bring hands-on expertise to make the 7-acre site Hill just based on what they learned about thrive. the Forest.” how our actions influence it." The Beacon Food Forest, which was insects like bees, and the city has found an are able to come and gather herbs, spices, founded in 2009 by Cramer and two friends, More than six years since the seeds were increase in both pollinator and bird popula- and other necessities for their meals. Fre- has flourished since its humble plantings. planted to make the food forest become a tions in the area. Air quality has also been quent donations are also made to the local What started out as an idea for a class reality, the garden’s impact has been felt in improved, and the many trees in the Forest food bank as well. project has not only developed into the multiple ways beyond the produce it yields. help cool the area during the summer. “There’s fellowship in the mission,” says largest known food forest on public land in For instance, regular educational workshops Just as importantly, the Forest has also Cramer. “Whenever we’re socializing and the , but has also prompted an are offered for all ages, allowing people to served as a hub that unites members of the playing music while working, there’s an environmentally-conscious model that has learn about basic gardening and ecology. Beacon Hill neighborhood. On long sum- undeniable connection.” been used by international organizations. Heavily emphasized in these workshops mer weekends, loud chatter can be heard With the ideas the group has for the and the entire program is the principle of t all started because a from work parties of volunteers digging, near future, there’s no reason to think that permaculture. pruning and pulling plants of all varieties. the expansion of this fellowship will not “I classmate lived on Beacon “Everything we do here is based around Anything from Mexican spices to Vietnam- be blooming even more. There are plans Hill, so we said, 'Why not there?'" the concept of permaculture and its values,” ese bean sprouts can be found flourishing to expand the forest already in place and said Cramer. “Permaculture involves the along the Forest’s hillside during peak trips scheduled to guide the formation of whole picture-humans, ecology, everything. harvest season. new food forests. It’s certainly a lot on “It all started because a classmate lived People are tied to ecology. We have to care “’I’ve been able to make so many friends their plate, but for a group that turned a on Beacon Hill, so we said, ‘Why not for the land, and be aware of how our ac- of different ages and ethnic backgrounds,” school assignment into an ecological jewel there?” Cramer says with a laugh. “We ap- tions influence it.” Cramer said. “When we presented our in the city’s backyard, it’s nothing but a plied to the Department of Neighborhoods This mindfulness can be found in nu- concept to the city, they straight-up told new challenge. for a grant, and they told us to show them merous aspects of the forest. The Forest’s us, ‘You’re too white.’ This is an extremely that people wanted it.” design allows for many different species diverse neighborhood, and the things that Over the next year, the group set up fold- to be grown organically, without the use of are grown here reflect that. We needed to ing tables at local farmer’s markets and out- fossil fuels or pollutants. The act of plant- reach out to the community and see what side grocery stores, chatted with strangers, ing and harvesting has helped replenish the they wanted.” pitched their idea, and gathered signatures soil with key nutrients and has improved its The garden also serves as a way in which to present to the city. With proof that the quality, providing enriched nourishment the neighborhood helps out its most disad- idea would be a hit in the neighborhood, for vegetation. The plants attract beneficial vantaged members. Low-income families

International District park to be named after local activist Donnie Chin

By Voice Staff Chinatown's International programs and neighborhood improvements Children's Park, located in the mid-1970s, he suggested the need Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has launched at 700 S. Lane between for a children’s park and he continued to the process to rename International Chil- 7th and 8th Streets, champion the idea until the park was built. dren’s Park in Seattle’s Chinatown/Inter- will be renamed after Seattle Parks and Recreation Superinten- national District after popular community Donnie Chin, the founder dent Jesús Aguirre will begin the process to activist Donnie Chin. The new name for the and director of the rename the park, which includes consulta- park, located at 700 South Lane St., will be International District tion with the Board of Park Commissioners. Donnie Chin International Children’s Park. Emergency Center. Chin The existing Parks policy that requires “We are very pleased to be able to honor was killed July 23, 2015, a person to be deceased for a minimum of Donnie, a hero in the Chinatown/Interna- and Seattle Police are still three years before a park may be named in tional District community and the entire working on solving his their honor will be suspended in this case. City,” said Mayor Murray. “This park would murder. not exist without Donnie’s advocacy. This is a fitting memorial for a man who dedicated his life to serving the children and residents of the neighborhood he loved.” Photo by Nancy Gardner Longtime director of the International District Emergency Center, Donnie Chin International Children’s Park was origi- instrumental in the creation of the park. was killed in an early morning shooting on nally built in 1981 and was substantially When the Chinatown/International Dis- July 23, 2015. renovated and improved in 2012. Chin was trict community began to identify needed

THE VOICE APRIL 2016 7 – THE VOICE TRANSLATIONSTRANSLATIONS TRANSLATED ARTICLES FROM THE VOICE

El servicio de tren ligero de Sound Transit ahora presta servicio al U- Легкое метро Саунд-Транзит теперь обслуживает District, Capitol Hill/By Leahla Contreras Университетский район и Кэпитол-Хилл/By Irina Vodonos La extensión del tren ligero de Sound Visite www.soundtransit.org para mayor Ветка легкого мет ро Сау нд-Транзит (Regional Reduced Fare Permit), Transit con conexión a la universidad información. под названием "Юниверсити-Линк" стоимость проезда составляет 1 (University Link light rail) abrió el 19 de Viajar de la Universidad de Washing- открылась для пассажиров 19 марта, доллар. Заплатить за проезд можно marzo para ofrecer servicio al pasajero, 6 ton al Rainier Valley demora unos 20 на полгода раньше срока. Кроме того, бумажным билетом или карточкой meses antes de lo provisto y $150 millones minutes, y desde Seattle dura 45 minutos на строительство было потрачено на ORCA. Подробности на сайте www. de dólares por debajo del presupuesto. para llegar al aeropuerto internacional 150 с лишним миллионов долларов soundtransit.org. La extensión de 3.1 millas, que se de SeaTac. меньше, чем было запланировано. Добраться от университета до conectó al tren ligero que abrió en 2009, Ubicado justo al lado del nuevo Estadio incluye estaciones en Capitol Hill y otra Husky, la estación de Sound Transit de la Новая ветка длиной 3,1 мили района Рэйнир-Вэлли занимает cerca del Estadio Husky al lado de la Universidad de Washington (UW Station) продолжает открытую в 2009-ом около 20 минут, а до международного Universidad de Washington. El viaje de proporciona acceso fácil a la región para году линию легкого метро. Новая аэропорта СиТак - около 45 минут. la universidad al centro de Seattle demora llegar al campus, el centro médico de UW ветка состоит из двух станций: Станция "Университет ocho minutos. (UW Medical Center), y el vecindario одна на Кэпитол-Хилл, другая - Вашингтона" ("UW") расположена El precio del pasaje de adulto varía alrededor. Los pasajeros se suben a los возле Университета Вашингтона, в непосредственной близости от según la distancia que se vaya a viajar, trenes desde las estaciones que están недалеко от стадиона Хаски. Путь реконструированного стадиона de $2.25 a $3.25 de ida solamente, y bajo tierra. от университета до центра города Хаски и обеспечивает удобный los ancianos y pasajeros discapacitados La estación de Capitol Hill, donde uno занимает восемь минут. доступ к университетскому кампусу, pagan $1.00 con una tarjeta regional de también se sube a los trenes bajo tierra, Цены на взрослый билет медицинскому центру и окрестным tarifa reducida (Regional Reduced Fare está colocada justo al este de Broadway y варьируются в зависимости от районам. Посадка на поезд - под Permit). Los pasajeros pueden comprar al sur de la calle East John Street, debajo расстояния и составляют от 2 землей. boletos de papel o usar la tarjeta de Orca. de Nagle Place. долларов 25 центов до 3 долларов Станция "Кэпитол-Хилл", также 25 центов в один конец. Для подземная, расположена чуть ሳውንድ ትራንዚት ላይት ረይል ኣብ ከባቢ ዩ-ዲስትሪክትን ካቲቶል ሂልን пожилых людей и пассажиров с восточнее Бродвея и южнее Ист ኣገልግሎት ይህብ ኣሎ/By Habte Negash инвалидностью, у которых имеется Джон Стрит, под улицей Нэгл Плэйс. карточка для скидки на проезд ሳውንድ ትራንዚት ዪኒቨርሲቲ ሊንክ ወይ ድማ ብትኬት ክጥቀሙ ይኽእሉ ላይት ረይል ኤክስተንሽን 19 መጋቢት እዮም፡፡ ንተወሳኺ ሓበሬታ ኣብ www. የሳውንድ ትራንሲት ቀላሉ የባቡር ሃዲድ ባሁኑ ሰዓት በዪ- ዲስትሪክትና ክጅምር እዩ፡፡ እዚ ድማ ካብቲ ተመዲቡ soundtransit.org ተመልከቱ፡፡ ካፒቶል ሂል አገልግሎት ጀምሯል::/By Assaye Abunie ዝነበረ ግዜ ሽዱሽተ ወርሒ ኣቀዲሙ ካብ ዩዳብ (UW ) ናብ ረይኔር ቫሊ ወይም ኦርካ ካርድ መግዛት ይችላሉ:: የሳውንድ ትራንሲስት ወደ ዩንቨርስቲ ለተጨማሪ መረጃ www.soundtransit. ከምኡውን ካብቲ ንመስርሒኡ ተምዲቡ ንምጉዓዝ ዝወስዶ ግዜ 20 ደቒቅ እዩ፡ የሚያገናኘውን ቀላል የባቡር ሃዲድ ማርች org ይመልከቱ:: ዝነበር በጀት $150 ሚልዮን ዶላር ጎዲሉ ናብ ሲታክ ኣየርፖርት ንምብጻሕ ከኣ 19 ለተሳፋሪዎች ግልጋሎት ለመስጠት ከዩንቨርሲቲ ዋሽንግተን እስከ ሬነር ቫሌ እዩ ተሰሪሑ፡፡ 45 ደቒቅ እዩ፡፡ ከ ተጠ በቀው ስ ድ ስ ት ወ ር በፊ ት ና ከ $150 ወደ 20 ደቂቃ የሚወስድ ሲሆን ወደ ሲታክ ሚሊዩን ብር በጀት በታች በመስራት ኢንተርናሽናል ኤርፖርት ደግሞ ወደ 45 እዚ 3.1-ማይልስ ዝንውሓቱ ካብ ናይ ዩዳብ (UW) ስተሽን ኣብ ጎድኒ ስራውን ጀምሯል:: ደቂቃ ይወስዳል:: ካፒቶል ሂል ክሳብቲ ኣብ ጎድኒ ሃስኪ ሃስኪ እስታድዮም እዩ ዝርከብ፡፡ እዚ ይህ 3.1 ማይል እርቀት ያለው የባቡር የዩንቨርሲቲ ዋሽንግተን ሳውንድ እስታድዮም ዘሎ ናይ ዩዳብ እስተሽን ድማ ነቶም ናብ ዋሺንግቶን ዩኒቨርሲቲ ሃዲድ መስመር የተጀመረው በ2009 ዓም ትራንሲት የሚገኘው ከሄስኪ እስታዲዮም ሲሆን ይህም የሚጨምረው የካፒቶል አጠገብ ሲሆን ለአካባቢው በጣም ቀላልና ተዘርጊሑ ዘሎ መስመር ኣብ 2009 እዩ (ዩዳብ) ንዝመላለሱ ተመሃሮ ምቹእ እዩ ፡፡ ሂልን እና የዩንቨርስቲ ዋሽንግተንን ከሄስኪ ወደ ካምፓስ፤ ዩንቨርሲቲ ዋሽንግተን ተጀሚሩ፡፡ ካብኡ ክሳብ ዳውን ታውን ኣገልግሎት ባቡር ዝደልዩ ተጠቀምቲ ኣብ እስታዲዮም አጠገብ ያለውንም ነው:: ሜ ዲካ ል ሴን ተ ር እና ለ አካ ባ ቢው ሰ ፈ ር ም ስያትል ድማ ናይ ሾመንተ ደቒቅ ጉዕዞ ውሽጢ እቲ ትራንዚት ስተሽን ኣትዮም ከዩንቨርስቲ ዋሽንግተን እስከ ዳውንታውን አመ ቺ ነ ው:: ተ ሳ ፋ ሪዎች ባ ቡ ር የ ሚሳ ፈሩት የሚወስደው ጉዞ ስምንት ደቂቃ ያህል ከመሬት ውስጥ በሚገኘው መጓጓዧ ቦታ እዩ፡፡ እዮም ዝሳፈሩ፡፡ ነው:: ነው:: ዝኽፈል ዋጋ ድማ ብመጠን ርሕቀት ኣብ ካትፕቶል ሂል ዝርከብ ስተሽን ይህ አገልግሎት ለአዋቂዎች የካፒቶል ሂልም ጣቢያ ተሳፋሪዎች ናይቲ እትኸዶ ቦታኮይኑ ካብ ንሓደ ኣብ ብሮድወይን ደቡባዊ ምብራቅ ጃን የሚያስከፍለው የተለያየ ሲሆን የሚጓዙበት ወደ ባቡር የሚሳፈሩት ከመሬት ውስጥ ቦታና ርቀት ይወስነዋል: ለአንድ ጉዞ በሚገኝው የመጓጓዣ ቦታ ሲሆን ግዜ ካብ $2.25 to $3.25 ይበጽሕ፡፡ ስትሪትን ( Brodway and south of ከ$2.25 እስከ $3.25 ለአዛውንቶችና የሚገኘውም ከብሮድ ዌይ ወደ ምስራቅና ፍቓድ ዘለዎም (Regional Reduced East John Street) ኣብ ውሽጢ ነጋለ ለአካለ ስንኩላን ተሳፋሪዎች ለአካባቢው ከ ኢ ስ ት ጆን እ ስ ሪ ት ወደ ደ ቡብ እንዲ ሁም Fare Permit) ሽማግለታት ኮነ ኣካለ ፕለይስ (Nagle Place) ዝርከብ እዩ፡፡ በተሰጠው የቅናሽ የጉዞ ፈቃድ $1.00 ኔግል ፕሌስ ከሚባለው በታች ነው:: ይከፍላሉ:: ተሳፋሪዎች የወረቀት ቲኬት ስንኩላን ዝኸፍልዎ ዋጋ ግና $1.00 ጥራይ እዩ፡፡ ተጓዓዝቲ ብኦርካ ካርድ Adeegga isgaarsiinta tareenka (light rail) oo gaarey xaafa- TUYẾN XE ĐIỆN SOUND TRANSIT HIỆN PHỤC VỤ KHU ĐẠI daha U-District iyo Capitol Hill/By Mahamoud Gaayte HỌC U-DISTRICT , và KHU CAPITOL HILL/By Long Luu Waxaa 19kii bishan March , lafuray islamarkaasna adeegsankara ORCA Xe điện Sound Transit mở thêm vào trang mạnt www.soundtransit. istaanka tareenka (light rail) ee xaafada card. Booqo. www.sondtransit.org oo tuyến đường đến khu đại học bắt đầu org để biết thêm chi tiết. U-district, adeegaas oo kasoo hormaray ka hel faahfaahin dheeraad ah. đón khách vào ngày 19 tháng 3, trước Các tuyến đi từ đại học UW đến lixbilood waqtigii loogutalagay , isla- Tareenku waxaa uu ukalasocdaa UW markaasna ka hoosmaray $150 milyan thời hạn ấn định 6 tháng ,và tiết kiệm khu Rainier Valley tốn chừng 20 phút iyo xaafadda Rainier Valley 20 daqiiqo, lacagtii loo qoondayey. halka uu kutago 45 daqiiqo gegida da- ngân quỷ được $150 triệu đô. và khỏan 45 phút để đến phi trường 3.1 mile oo kusoo gordhay adeega yuuradaha SeaTac. Tuyến đường tiếp nối này dài 3.1 Seatac. tareenka ayaa ka kooban laba istaan oo Istaanka cusub oo dhinaca kuhaya dặm, nối kết với hệ thống đường xe Nằm ngay bên cạnh vận động cusub kuwaas oo kala ah Capitol hill iyo Stadyomka UW (Husky Stadium) điện từ năm 2009 bao gồm các trạm trường Husky Stadium, trạm đón Stadiyomka Jaamacadda Washington ayaa waxaa uu dadweynaha u suurta dừng ở khu vực Capitol Hill và khu khách UW tạo ra thuận lợi để tiếp (Husky stadium). Sideed daqiiqo ayaa gelinayaa tegitaan fudud Jaamacadda, vực đại học University of Washing- cận với khu vực đại học, bịnh viện lagu qiyaasayaa waqtiga uu ku jarayo cisbataalka wey ee UW Medical Center ton gần với vận động trường Husky. UW và các khu xóm quanh vùng. traneenku inta u dhexaysa UW iyo iyo xaafadaha ku hareeraysan. Ri- Chỉ tốn 8 phút đồng hồ để di chuyển Hành khách phải đón xe ở dưới tầng bartamaha Seattle. kaabku waxa ey tareenka ka raacayaan Qiimaha tigidhada ayaa ah kuwa từ đại học UW đến khu phố Seattle. hầm. dhulka hoostiisa. kaladuwan lana xiriira da’ada qofka Giá vé cho người lớn thì tùy thuộc Đối với hành khách đón xe ở trạm Istaanka xaafadda Capitol Hill si- iyo meesha uu karaacayo treenka, doo kale rikaabku waxaa ey tareenka vào đọan đường đi, từ $2.25 đến Capitol Hill, thì phải xuống đuờng qiimahaas oo u dhexeeya $2.25 ilaa karaacayaan dhulka hoostiisa, ista- $3.25 một chiều, và người cao niên, hầm, trạm nằm phía đông của đường $3.25 siisocod. Waayeelka iyo iyo anku waxaa uu kuyaal bariga waddada người tàn tật chỉ trả $1 kèm theo Thẻ Broadway và đường E.John Street, curyaamaduna waa $1.00 intooda Broadway iyo koonfurbari waddada Giảm Giá. Hành khách có thể mua bên dưới quảng trường Nagle Place. cadaynat haysata. Rikaabku waxa ey John, dhismaha Nagle Place hoostiisa. vé giấy hoặc dùng thẻ ORCA. Hãy goosankaraan tigidho xaashi ah iyagoo

THE VOICE 8 – THE VOICE APRIL 2016 OUROUR COMMUNITIESCOMMUNITIES STORIES FROM OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS In defense of Islam, a religion of peace and mercy By Ahmed* The crescent Special to The Voice moon and star is a In the midst of ongoing current acts of symbol often global terror, there is a need to understand associated the true meaning of Islam. There are more with than 1.5 billion followers, or nearly 25 per- Islamism. cent of the world’s population, who are Mus- But many lim (followers of Islam are called Muslims). Muslims Most of these people live in Southeast Asia, prefer to use the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan a simple mosque icon or calligraphy to Africa, Indonesia, Pakistan and India. express important concepts or phrases as We believe that our sole purpose is to symbols of their faith. worship God and we look to the Quran, a religious text considered to be the verbatim asks we forgive his debts. Putting others’ word of God (Allah), and the teachings of interests ahead of our own is perceived the prophet Muhammad as our two sources favorably by Allah. of religious guidance. More than 1,400 years ago, the prophet Muslims believe in one God, who has Muhammad said, "O people, your lord is the right of worship. We honor Allah above one, your father is one (Adam), there is no all others. advantage to an Arab over a non-Arab nor We strive to worship Allah as if we see is there to a non-Arab over an Arab, nor is him, and act accordingly, knowing that he there to a red over a black, nor is there to a sees us. The rituals a Muslim performs black over a red except by piety." are called the pillars of Islam, and are the It’s obvious that Islam is not calling for following: performing five daily prayers, violence. The groups who fuel wars and giving to charity, fasting during the month killing simply do not understand the Islamic of Ramadan, and taking the annual pil- faith and in no way represent Islam. Allah grimage or hajj, to Mecca at least once in says in the Quran,"Fight in Allah’s cause our lifetime. those who fight you and do not transgress, These pillars of Islam, as well as the other verily Allah does not love transgressors." commands and actions Muslims do, we do What this means is that war should be in in sincerity for Allah’s sake. We neither self-defense only and Muslims should not seek recognition nor reward from anyone initiate it. except him. The true spirit of Islam that I have al- Islam teaches us that every member of ways felt is rather clearly depicted by these society should live in peace and harmony. beautiful words: Prophet Muhammad said We are encouraged to be dutiful parents in narration of his lord, "Allah the exalted and to raise good children. Islam views the said, ‘My love is due to those who love one greatest believers as those who are best another for my sake, visit one another for to their wives and treat them with utmost my sake and spend in charity for my sake.’" respect. Love, care and giving is what Muslims It instructs us to be generous to guests believe in and are the fundamentals of our and neighbors, to greet those we both know religion. and don’t know with a cheerful demeanor, to feed the poor, to respect the elderly and *The writer, who did not want his last be merciful to the youth. It recommends name used, grew up in Egypt. giving respite to the insolvent debtor or

and she soon learned how to engage with also got into transitional housing which Violet legislators and discovered her gift for public was within walking distance of her classes. Continued from Page 1 speaking. She even urged her family to be- In December of 2014 she earned her come community activists and encouraged degree and found out she was at the top of One day in 2010 while shopping at the her niece to speak up at a rally for better the SHA Wait List. Saar’s Rainier Beach Market Place, she was working conditions at Sea-Tac Airport, She was offered an apartment in Ballard, approached by a woman from the local so- where her niece worked. much different from her home in South cial justice group, Got Green, who asked if At the end of 2011, when Occupy Wall Seattle, where she had grown up. She has she would take a survey about the concerns Street (a movement concerned with social since adapted to her new place, and her son of women in South Seattle. She was offered and economic inequality and greed on Wall is thriving at Ballard High School where a cup of coffee in exchange for her time. Street) was in full swing, long-time Seattle he is involved in extracurricular activities Days later, she received a phone call from labor leader Michael Woo approached Vio- including the varsity football team and the Tammy Nguyen, a NewHolly resident, and let and invited her to come to Washington Ballard Concert Chorus. was invited to a Got Green meeting. D.C. He wanted her to participate in Take A few months after settling into their At first she did not know what to make Back the Capitol, an event that included new home, Lavatai was offered her dream Photo by Alexis Green of Got Green, but soon her perceptions marches and rallies in favor of jobs, extend- job at the Tenants Union of Washington changed. ing unemployment benefits, and preserving where she works as the Membership and Violet Lavatai, an SHA resident, tells an She said she had always thought about the social safety net. In addition to the Development Coordinator. She motivates audience of more than 400 at Seattle City her family, but not her community, which rallies, groups of people descended on Con- tenants to speak up for their rights and Hall how she believes the city can end its Got Green encouraged her to do. gressional offices to talk directly to their travel to Olympia to meet with their rep- homelessness epidemic. One of her first ventures into community representatives about wealth inequality. resentatives. leadership was co-founding Got Green’s She says that her experiences at this event Lavatai says of her new life that “all of Women’s Food Access Team with Tammy EBT (food stamps) benefits are doubled so as well as the leadership skills gained at Got my adversities have made me stronger. I Nguyen. low-income people have greater access to Green have changed her life’s purpose. In love my work and with the current hous- The pair was instrumental in helping purchasing healthy food. 2012 she decided to go back to school and ing crisis believe that this is where I am establish the Fresh Bucks program at Se- Just after becoming involved with Got pursue a degree in accounting and admin- meant to be, advocating for more affordable attle Neighborhood Farmers Markets where Green, the non-profit hired her as an intern, istration at Renton Technical College. She housing."

THE VOICE