A New Era of Hope at High Point Would Like to Acknowledge Our Readers Who Observe This Holy Month

Free each Volume 27 month Issue 9 A community-based newspaper serving the Puget Sound area since 1981

September 2008 Articles translated into six languages

TheTheThe newspaper VoiceVoice of Neighborhood House

Ramadan began Sept. 1. The Voice A new era of hope at High Point would like to acknowledge our readers who observe this holy month.

Great deals abound at the super market and food bank By Janet Farrar SHA Resident

Due to growing gas prices and our economy in general, food has gotten very expensive. It’s hard to make ends meet. I get fliers or sale ads from grocery stores every Tuesday, and the sales start Wednesday. I shop at QFC and, yes, I know it’s expensive, but I only buy what’s on sale. Last week, whole chickens were 67 cents per pound; that’s about $3.50 per bird. I bought two. They also had a lot of 10 for $10 specials. That means you pay $1 per item (you don’t have to buy 10 of them, either). I bought four bags of frozen broccoli and Brussels sprouts for $4. The green vegetables have more vitamins. I also bought two Angus beef roasts, which were on sale for $1.99 per pound. I paid about $4 each. They make

Photo by Mike Moore great leftovers for lunches or sandwiches. Neighborhood House broke ground on the Neighborhood House High Point Neighborhood Center with Fresh Express salad was also on sale at 10 for $10, which a ceremony and community celebration Aug. 16 at the High Point Commons Park. Above, (from left) is a great buy. You can use some of the lettuce on a roast Neighborhood House Executive Director Mark Okazaki, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, Seattle Department beef sandwich and have a side salad. I use fat free cottage of Neighborhoods Director Stella Chao, King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, King County Executive cheese for my dressing. Ron Sims, SHA Executive Director Tom Tierney and Megan Owen of the governor’s office participate in a “hope I never buy bread, onions, rice, beans, or canned toma- stone” ceremony to give their blessings for the future of the building. Please see “Deals” on Page 4

Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 4 Congress passes housing recovery act

By Michael Kelly the decisions they make and the policies that By Martha Galvez made available to help homeowners avoid Special to The Voice are put in place. Seattle Housing Authority foreclosure — up to 400,000 homeown- Voting gives power to the people, the ers could benefit. The new legislation How will you ensure that your voice is power to change outcomes and advocate Housing advocates and developers are also provides tax breaks for first-time heard? for what we believe in. scrambling to understand all of the impli- homebuyers. It’s simple. Register. Vote. If you want your voice to be heard, it’s cations of the new Housing and Economic However, the Act also incorporates On Nov. 4, one of the most important easy. You simply have to follow these Recovery Act of 2008, which President features of bills that have been circulat- elections in U.S. history will take place. Washington State voter registration and Bush signed into law on July 30. The ing in congress for years — including Will you be involved? voting basics: legislation brings important changes to portions of the Section 8 Voucher Reform Are you registered and ready to vote? You must be registered to vote. In order many different areas of the housing mar- Act, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Washington Low Income Housing Al- to register, you must be a United States ket, and will impact renters, homeowners Modernization Act, and the Housing Trust liance is working with Seattle Housing citizen, a resident of Washington State, at and communities. Fund Act. Authority and our partners throughout least 18 years old on Election Day, and not According to the National Low Income Specifically, it creates a new national Washington State to ensure that you will denied your voting rights due to a felony Housing Alliance, the Act is the first new fund to develop affordable housing, re- be registered and ready on Nov. 4. conviction. federal legislation since 1974 to specifi- forms the rules governing the Low Income Voting is our most basic civil right. Our If you are not yet registered, or need to cally target the country’s lowest income Housing Tax Credit program, allows Public vote connects us to our government, to our change your registration because you have households. Housing Authorities more flexibility with leaders and elected officials. Voting gives The most talked-about features of the Please see “Vote” on Page 3 Please see “Housing” on Page 5 us a tool to hold our leaders accountable for new legislation are the billions of dollars

In this issue Quotable Neighborhood House Nonprofit org. Jesse Epstein Building U.S. postage PAID Health Notes Page 2 “This isn’t about drugs. It’s about 905 Spruce Street Seattle, WA immunize your children our lives.” Seattle, WA 98104 Permit #8887 One to grow on Page 3 — State Rep. Roger Goodman, D- tomato, tomahto Kirkland, speaking on the dangers of Champion of social justice prescription drug abuse by teenagers, an interview with Page 4 during the Project HANDLE town hall asha mohamed Aug. 7. See related story on Page 5. Translations Page 8 back-to-school information for parents 2 – local and national news september 2008 Health Notes Dream Big scholars announced A column devoted to your well-being Immunizations will keep children safe and healthy By Public Health - • Children beginning first, second, and Seattle & King County sixth grades must get the chickenpox (vari- cella) vaccine or document that they have This year in our state under-immunized had the disease. Kindergarteners need two children have been responsible for out- doses of the vaccine. breaks of measles, chickenpox and pertussis For the complete vaccination schedule, (“whooping cough”). Protect your children visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/immuniza- and those around them for this upcoming tion/school.htm. school year by making sure your children’s Requirements or recommendations for vaccinations are complete. college students vary by institution. Check “Immunizations are a very safe and ef- directly with the colleges. fective way to keep children healthy and Be sure to check your child’s immuniza- in school,” said Dr. David Fleming, Direc- tion record for any missing doses. If you tor and Health Officer for Public Health want to vaccinate your children, you can - Seattle & King County. “Whether you’re use any of the following options: a parent enrolling your child in school or a • A regular health care provider Photo by Tyler Roush student entering college, you should make • Public Health immunization clinics 2008 Dream Big scholars (from left) Mariyama Hassan, Andy Tang and Haben Berhe sure all immunizations are up to date.” www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/ and 2007 scholar Michelle Chavez gathered for an awards lunch last month. Not Besides increasing the risk of getting a clinics.htm pictured is 2008 scholar Tatiana Gellein. disease, a child who is not fully immunized • One of the special back-to-school may be excluded from attending school immunization clinics in King County By Winnie Sperry field High School with exceptional grades, or childcare during an outbreak of a vac- www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/ Special to The Voice will attend Seattle University. cine-preventable disease, possibly lasting ImmClinicsforBacktoSchool2008.pdf This summer, Andy worked at the Dou- weeks. A child with a vaccine-preventable For more information, call the Public SHA has recognized four outstand- glass-Truth branch of the Seattle Public illness can also infect others who do not Health Hotline at 206-296-4949 or visit ing students as the 2008 Dream Big Library. Andy plans to study the life sci- have the option of vaccine protection, like www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/ scholars. ences and become a pharmacist. those with a weakened immune system, school.htm. Remember to bring your shot Mariyama Hassan came to the United Haben Berhe is excited to start her pregnant women or infants too young to be records to all clinics. States just four years ago. Mariyama freshman year at Eastern Washington completely protected by vaccines. Parents or legal guardians have the right worked hard at Roosevelt High School to University. Haben, who is from Ethiopia Some school grades have new vaccine to choose not to immunize their children, catch up with her grade level because she and came to the U.S. in 2004, plans to requirements: based on medical, religious or philosophical “had only completed 5th grade in Africa.” study nursing. • Students entering sixth and seventh reasons. Parents or legal guardians must She plans to attend Seattle Central Com- Tatiana Gellein begins her junior year grade must receive the tetanus, diphtheria, sign the appropriate box on the Certificate munity College, earn an AA, and then at Brown University. Tati is majoring in and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. This vac- of Immunization Status form to exempt transfer to a four-year university. human biology. She wants to become a cine is better than the tetanus booster (Td) their child from receiving vaccines required Andy Tang, who graduated from Gar- doctor. because it also protects older kids against for school entry. There is a risk, however, pertussis. Young children receive a vaccine when choosing against vaccination. In (DTaP) that prevents the same diseases, but addition to the potential risk of becoming protection starts to wear-off in the early infected with a vaccine-preventable disease teen years. Reducing pertussis in teens if exposed to the illness, a child who is not and adults lowers the risk of pertussis in fully immunized may be excluded from infants, for whom the disease can be life- attending school or childcare during an out- threatening. break of a vaccine-preventable disease.

American Red Cross Presenter Training Workshops, in partnership with SHARP (Seattle Housing Authority Residents Prepared)

Promote disaster preparedness — practice speaking with your neighbors about preparing for emergencies.

English — October 7 and 9, noon to 4 p.m. Cantonese — October 14, 15 and 16, 1-4 p.m. Russian — October 21 and 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

All workshops will be at the American Red Cross at 1900 25th Ave. S. in Seattle, serviced by bus routes 4, 8, 7, 9, 32, 42 and 48. Contact Cinda Lium to sign up, or for more information, at cindalu@ winisp.net or 206.322.3291. Space is limited.

The Voice

Editor Reporters Tyler Roush Jennifer Cobb 206-461-8430, ext. 227 Monica Duke [email protected] Janet Farrar Lynn Sereda The Voice, the newspaper of Neighborhood House, is published monthly with the support of Seattle Housing Authority resident participation funds and the King County Housing Authority. Neighbor- hood House helps diverse communities of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence and community building. The Voice contributes to that mission by providing low-income people, immigrants, refugees and other concerned parties with timely, relevant news. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, Neighborhood House, SHA or KCHA. We welcome articles and tips from the community and reserve the right to edit all submissions.

The voice september 2008 Local and national news – 3

Personal safety checklist One to grow on Be safe Garden tips for community gardeners

Dear “Be Safe,” On the street and public places, look up A friend of mine is a crime victim. It and look around so you can spot threaten- At this time of year, tomatoes are a real treat took time for her to get over the trauma. ing situations. It gives you more time to By Anza Muenchow When production has slowed and before She is doing better emotionally but I’m not act and dip into a storefront or cross the Special to The Voice the weather turns cold and wet, consider sure she learned how to avoid dangerous street. pulling up whole tomato plants and hang- situations. Let people know you see them — greet As I continue to tie up all my tomato ing them in a room protected from the From Tom, resident Safety Committee folks in public places and project an as- vines in anticipation of a bumper crop, I cold rains, like an enclosed porch, garage, leader sertive image. want to share everything I love about those root cellar or large closet. The green fruits In public areas, maintain your body fruits. Some people have given up on grow- will slowly ripen over the next six to eight Dear Tom, space and your personal boundaries. ing tomatoes in the Puget Sound area. weeks. The Personal Safety Checklist is a It is true we don’t have that Yakima heat Check the hanging plants often, because handy way for folks to learn about safe I give it up — purse, bags, valuables. (thermal units) that tomatoes desire. But the as the tomatoes ripen they may fall to the practices. Carry as few valuables and important vine-ripened, fresh taste and consistency floor and rot. But on a good year, I can slice Checking off “Yes, I do” on the check- papers as you possibly can on the street. It of a fresh picked tomato drives me to keep my last few ripe tomatoes into a Thanksgiv- list means a person practices prevention is best not to carry a purse at all. growing them each year. ing dinner salad. and decreases their risk of being a victim Carry your purse/bag in front of you Besides the many ways to use tomatoes We also make a delicious green tomato of crime. over the shoulder. fresh in salads (in a tossed green salad, or chutney as we finish our tomato season. The idea of the checklist is to continue If someone demands your purse, bag, tabouli, or caprese, to name a few), this Using vinegar, honey, ginger and other the “Yes, I do” practices and work on or valuables and displays or implies that fresh tomato pasta is also a family favorite. spices, this chutney can be preserved to eat changing the “No, not yet” ones. The first they have a weapon, don’t resist. Finely chop tomatoes, basil and garlic into for many months to come. goal should be to have more “Yes, I do” Give it up. Your safety is more valuable a little olive oil and then toss with steamy Check online for a good recipe or look practices than “No, not yet.” than your possessions. But if someone hot spaghetti. Serve right away for a simple in the old Moosewood cookbook. Preserve There are 12 preventions on the Per- tries to grab you, make a scene. Scream, and delicious meal. using the hot bath technique in pint sized sonal Safety Checklist. Here are five kick, fight. When you preserve your tomatoes by jars. Yum. — we will cover seven more preventions canning them, you know they will make a This is a good time to plant a final crop next month. Personal safety gadgets — training. quality food item during the winter months. of arugula. Plant it in any garden area that Whistles, key ring lights are helpful. Also consider freezing your tomatoes whole has not had a Brassica crop in the last couple I call 9-1-1 for emergencies. The problem with sprays and personal as we love the taste and simplicity of frozen of years. If you are faced with a threatening situ- safety devices are that to be effective, you tomatoes. I find it follows well after my onions ation or reporting a crime, call 9-1-1. need to train with them. A reputable self Just dip them in boiling water to loosen are harvested. You may want to improve Localities or buildings that call “9-1-1” defense course is useful. the skins, core them and pack in labeled your soil by adding some compost and are safer than those that don’t. Next month, we will provide seven freezer ziplock bags or jars. Many soups perhaps an organic nitrogen source, like more preventions on the Personal Safety and sauces are made out of these tomatoes blood meal. I avoid “hotspots.” Checklist. Please contact us if you have during the winter months. Scatter lots of seeds and then thin them Avoid hotspots — places where you questions or comments on “Be Safe” This September keep your tomato plants and eat them as they grow. The little leaves often feel unsafe — in your daily travel. — Allan Davis (206-323-7094) and healthy by continuing to water the soil are delicious fresh, while older leaves you Kelly McKinney (206-323-7084) at Seattle around them without getting the leaves wet. may want to cook. I look up and I look around. Neighborhood Group. Improve the air circulation by trimming off Arugula doesn’t have many pest prob- the lower leaves and any excess growth. lems. Mostly slugs leave it alone. I always Watch for brown splotches growing in the keep a few old plants in the garden all winter decisions in this election. There are plenty leaves or stems. That may be the start of to produce seeds next spring. Vote of easily accessible resources to help you. tomato blight. I collect these branches of seed pods and Continued from front page You’ll be a voting machine. Remove these infected plant parts to allow to dry in paper grocery bags for a few moved or changed your name Saturday, For basic information on local candi- preserve the remaining healthy plants. If the months. Then I have bags of seed for future Oct. 4 is the last day to register to be eli- dates, initiatives, and other ballot mea- stem has a large, brown, softened area, it planting and to share with friends. gible to vote in this year’s election. If your sures check out King County Election is already too late for that plant. The green This versatile vegetable is good fresh voting rights are currently denied, but you (www.kingcounty.gov/elections). For fruits will never ripen. in salads, stir fried, chopped in soups, or have fulfilled all of the terms of your sen- information on statewide initiatives and Remove the infected plant and discard. prepared any way you might use spinach. tence, you can restore your rights. Please races, please visit the Secretary of State’s Do not compost these in your home com- It grows like a weed, survives winter well visit the ACLU at www.aclu-wa.org. Web site (www.secstate.wa.gov/elections) post. The spores will multiply in your soil in our climate and provides excellent nu- First up, registration. There are many for the official Washington State Voter and cause more blight the next year. trition. places that you can register. Your resident Pamphlet. Good garden sanitation will help prolong manager and community leaders are work- To find out where the candidates stand the growing season of tomatoes in your gar- Anza Muenchow is a farmer and a vol- ing with Washington Low Income Hous- on issues like affordable housing, health den. However, Seattle’s yard waste service unteer with P-Patch. You can reach her by ing Alliance to make the process easy. care, and transportation, you can access can compost these diseased materials. Their e-mail at [email protected] or on the We will be hosting events, knocking on Poverty Action’s voter guide at www.pov- system is hot enough to kill the spores. Internet at http://www.mahafarm.com. doors, and providing many opportunities ertyaction.org and to get your voter toolkit for you to get registered, get educated, and go to www.washingtonvoter.org. Community notes get voting. Keep an eye out for us. You can also read The Voice and other You can pick up registration forms at community papers for local perspectives, Free forums: Your civil rights and under anti-discrimination laws. your PorchLight, SHA Property Manage- check out the daily papers, and discuss the responsibilities ment, or The Job Connection’s offices. candidates and issues with your friends A maintenance person sexually ● Wednesday, September 10, 4 – 6:00 Also, you can find forms at the local and neighbors harassed a tenant. A job applicant was p.m., Fairwood Library, 17009 140th library, school, or Community Service Finally, remember to get to the polls on turned down because she speaks Eng- Ave SE, Renton Center. Nov. 4. This is an exciting year to vote. lish with an accent. A clerk refused to ● Friday, September 12, 3 – 5:00 If you need a registration form in a Not only will we elect a President, but also allow someone with a disability to bring p.m., White Center Library, 11220 16th language other than English, they are a Governor and U.S. Representatives and her service dog into the store. These SW, Seattle available online at www.kingcounty.gov/ State Senators and Representatives. We civil rights scenarios occur from time ● Wednesday, September 24, 4 – 6:00 elections. You can also register online at are electing judges and our State Trea- to time in King County, and they’re p.m., Skyway Library, 7614 S. 126th the Washington Secretary of State’s Web surer, Superintendent of schools, Attorney illegal. St., Seattle site, www.secstate.wa.gov/elections. General, and many others. Need to know more? The King OCR enforces King County’s or- At this point, you might be saying to There will be local initiatives and levies County Office of Civil Rights (OCR) dinances that protect residents from yourself, “sure, registration seems easy, concerning parks, mass transit, and Pike will host two free community forums discrimination in all aspects of life: but I don’t know enough about the issues Place Market. This is an important year in the east county to provide practical employment, housing, business, and to vote this year; I wouldn’t know who or to get involved. advice for every resident, focusing on contracting, when the employer, house what to vote for.” Your vote is your voice. Use it! the civil rights basics: how to recognize or apartment, or business is located in It’s easy to learn about the issues. In discrimination, where and how to report unincorporated King County. fact, Washington Low Income Housing For more on Washington Low Income it, and how to stop discrimination from For more information about civil Alliance will also be partnering with Housing Alliance’s voter registration occurring. rights, OCR services, or to file a com- Seattle Housing Authority, your Resident campaign, please contact Michael at These forums will give practical help plaint, please call 206-296-7592, TTY Managers, and Community Builders to [email protected]. For informa- to renters, property managers, employ- 296-7596, e-mail to Civil-Rights.OCR@ educate you through flyers, pamphlets, and tion or questions about elections, please ers, employees, and building and busi- kingcounty.gov, or visit us online at discussions about the election. contact King County Elections at www. ness owners who have questions about www.metrokc.gov/dias/ocre. We will work to provide the informa- kingcounty.gov/elections. their responsibilities and civil rights tion you need in order to make informed

The voice 4 – local and national news september 2008 A powerful voice for social justice By Lynn Sereda town hall meeting in Seattle. Section 8 Tenant What was unique and exciting about the workshop is that it brought together people Having a conversation with Asha Mo- from different immigrant groups such as hamed is like having your own private and Latino, East African and Asian, who have engaging history lesson. in the past worked separately from each Mohamed, who works with The Job other. Their goal was “building bridges,” Connection program at Yesler Terrace and and Mohamed was one of the panelists at NewHolly is passionate about history and the standing room only workshop. citizenship. She studied history in college Mohamed felt the workshop has in fact and speaks five languages, having lived in built bridges between communities and many places all over the world. highlighted things ignored in the main- Her office reflects this passion, with stream media’s discussion on immigrant quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt on her wall issues. and books containing photos documenting Putting a face to the stories of im- the immigrant experience. migrants is a very positive step towards She opens up a book with photos of the countering the negative stereotypes that American citizens of Japanese descent who have been spread through misinformation, were interned in camps during World War particularly on television. II, with their civil rights taken away from This has led to fear and the unjust treat- them. She wants to hear what seeing these ment of immigrants. What has come out of photos makes you think and feel. the organizing in Equal Voice is that the In a conversation with her, she will tell different immigrant communities share you about the similarities between the many commonalities: love of culture, love Exclusion Act from over a century ago of family, love of education and a willing- and the Patriot Act which came out of post ness to work hard. 9/11 fear. Refugees in particular who see the U.S. Mohamed is now taking her passion out as a “beacon of hope” have had a large part Photo by Lynn Sereda into the community, where she is currently in building this nation’s economy. Besides Asha Mohamed works with Seattle Housing Authority’s The Job Connection. involved in the Equal Voice for American countering negative misinformation about Families Campaign. immigrants, Mohamed feels that eliminat- Voice Campaign, where the Seattle area is grassroots neighbor to neighbor model. As a part of this campaign, organized ing poverty is also extremely important. sending one of the largest delegations of im- Together, people are reflecting on a new by the Casey Foundation, Mohamed will “The present is an egg laid by the past migrants, comprising four or five different and positive direction. join about 6,000 people in Los Angeles on with the future inside of it,” Mohamed ESL groups working together on a platform Mohamed says that what she enjoys most September 6 for a convention to assemble a states, quoting Zora Neale Hurston. in seven issue areas such as employment, about Seattle is its people. She says that platform for social change in the U.S. Understanding history is part of that education, and housing. in order to survive, it is important to stay Her involvement with Equal Voice start- new future. That is why Mohamed is hard Every meeting has been a learning expe- “laser focused” on your goals and always ed earlier this year when she got together at work in the community, doing things like rience, she says, and what she really loves remember the “importance of the people with other immigrant justice activists to put teaching a workshop on the Bill of Rights about this movement is that it is being orga- you serve.” together a workshop, which was part of a in White Center in addition to the Equal nized beyond organizations, and is using a

Deals Food bank enchiladas Roast beef and vegetables Healthy snacks, simple breakfasts Continued from front page 2 ground turkey rolls 1 roast Microwave, fat-free popcorn: a box 1 large onion, cut into small pieces 3-4 carrots of four packages can be found on sale toes; instead, I go to the food bank twice 1 package of tortillas 2 stalks of celery at Bartell Drugs for 99 cents to $1.19. a week. 2 cans or packages of enchilada 2-3 potatoes Full of fiber and fat-free! If you get onions and find spots on sauce 1 large onion Raw vegetables: cut to size. them, take off all the outer layers and trim Shredded cheese Pepper Gorp: nuts, raisins, dried fruit and the roots. Wash them really well, let them 2 cloves of garlic Garlic powder chocolate chips. Serve in Dixie cups dry out all the way, and store them in your Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fry Salt — kids love them! crisper. They will last a lot longer. ground turkey, onions and garlic, then Preheat over to 350 degrees. Put roast Hoody peanuts in the shell: can Rinse all your greens; I put mine in the drain. Dip tortillas in enchilada sauce. in a pan. Add one half cup water. Season be found on sale at Bartell Drugs for dish drainer. When they’re dry, wrap your Fill with meat mixture and a small with pepper and garlic powder. Cook $1.19! greens in a damp paper towel and put them amount of shredded cheese. Roll up and one hour. Jell-O gelatin or pudding: Top the in a bag; then they’ll last longer, too. place in a greased baking pan. Remove from over and add chopped sugar-free, fat-free kind with nuts, Before and after I clean or cut vegetables When baking pan is full of enchiladas, vegetables and salt. Return to oven and fruit or cereal! or meats, I always use a light mixture of pour remaining enchilada sauce over cook until vegetables are cooked through bleach and water on my kitchen counter. top and cover. Cook at 350 degrees for — firm, but not mushy. If you are not a morning person, Mix one-quarter teaspoon of bleach in two 20 minutes. Serves 2, with leftovers set up for breakfast the night before. cups of water and store in a plastic spray Remove from oven and top with shred- Note: with the leftover broth, I make Put fruit in cups in the fridge, put out bottle. ded cheese. Return to oven and cook French dips. You can also make gravy, cereal bowls filled with cereal, and If you get a Sunday paper, or if a friend another 10 minutes, or until cheese is or put the broth in the fridge until it’s put vitamins in spoons. All the kids gets one, save the coupons. That’s how melted. Serve on a bed of lettuce. cold, skim off the fat, and use it in place have to do is take the fruit cups out I buy foods that aren’t on sale. Also, the Serves 10-12 of water to make rice. of the fridge, pour milk on the cereal food banks help out a lot with fruits and and take their vitamins, and they are vegetables when they’re in season. ready to go! Ripe fruit makes great pancakes, waffles, food bank, and it’s a complete meal. I wash my potatoes well, pierce them, breads, or muffins. Muffins make great Meal sharing is also budget-friendly and rub on a little oil, add salt and pepper, cover wholesome treats, or, if your mornings are healthy. I love to cook, so some of my friends them, and cook them in the oven at 350 de- hectic, a great food to eat on the go. Kids buy food or get food from our food bank, grees for about one hour. I then refrigerate Send us your story! love them, too! and I prepare it. These meals are free, fun, them until they’re cold. You can skin them if The Voice wants to collect great I save all the spaghetti sauce, canned and healthy. you like; I leave the skin on mine (it’s more recipes and stories from residents on tomatoes and canned green beans from Eggs are a good, inexpensive protein. I nutritious), and shred or cut them and fry how to eat healthy and nutritious foods the food bank and make a garden spaghetti found a place close to where I live called M them with a cooking spray. on a budget. Please send your tips to sauce. I also add onions and ground turkey, Street Market, on Eighth and Madison. One I make my own spray with canola or olive Tyler Roush at [email protected], or which can be found at the food bank. dozen eggs are $2.19 there. Also, Trader oil. It’s cheap and works great. call 206-461-8430, ext. 227. If I have any fresh or frozen vegetables, I Joe’s has eggs for $1.79. I use a lot of garlic in my cooking. It’s We are especially interested in add them as well; zucchini and frozen broc- If you get your potatoes and bread at very good for you. It’s full of antioxidants recruiting residents to write articles coli are good. So, without buying anything, the food bank, your meal would only cost and it helps us to better fight infections. on this subject. A stipend may be I have a very healthy garden spaghetti sauce. 50 cents or so, and you would have a very Whole garlic is inexpensive. I add it to available. Add some noodles and garlic bread from the budget-friendly, nutritious meal. everything I can.

The voice september 2008 Local and national news – 5

homework, reading, and sleeping – start the schedule one week before school starts. A back-to-school Q&A for parents • Help your child eat breakfast every By Neighborhood House • Take your child and spend a few min- during the school year that you can. Meet day before school. Check with your school utes walking around the school to find the more staff and learn about school programs, about breakfast and lunch opportunities. School is just around the corner and classroom, bathrooms, and possibly meet share your child’s daily work experience, • Make a plan with your child about the many parents have the same questions. teachers and staff. and more. school day – when do they need to leave the Your questions aren’t rare, your concerns • Get a map of the school or draw one • Call or email your child’s teacher on house for school, where to catch the bus, are real, and there are answers, ideas, and with your child and create landmarks they a regular basis and through out the school what route to take for walkers, your contact people to assist you for the beginning of recognize – play ground, colorful doors, year to share information and help home phone numbers, sack lunch or purchased at the year and throughout the months to office, library, etc. and school stay connected. school, what to do when they return home come. For additional information, ideas, • Read with your child for 20 -30 min- from school (homework and reading). or for answers to other questions please What does my child need to bring for utes a day. contact Dena Nelson, Family Connections the first day of school? • Ask specific questions about what your I don’t speak English, how do I com- Coordinator at 206.923.3266 or denan@ • A back pack, notebook binder or folder child learned in school -- what the idea municate with people at school? nhwa.org. with pockets, a few pieces of paper, and means, can they explain the idea, relate the • The school has information about a pencil are usually enough for the first lesson to a personal experience, or provide the languages of the families they will be How can my child find their class- week. examples. working with for the year. Instructional room? How do I meet my child’s teacher • Supply lists are posted at the school Assistants are available for helping with and the school principal? office, online, and at most office supply How do I help my child get ready for in-class learning, translations for parent- • Attend Welcome Back events to meet stores. school? teacher meetings and conferences, and teachers, the principal, and other staff • Help your child get plenty of sleep additional services as needed. members. Or call to make arrangements to How do I help with learning when I starting at least one week before school • Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if meet the teacher at a different time if you work full time? starts. you need interpreters or translated informa- can’t attend at that time. • Attend events and school programs • Set up a regular schedule for meals, tion including written documents.

Campaign shines light on Rx and cough-medicine abuse by teens

By Pam McGaffin Driving the abuse of over-the-counter Special to The Voice medicines is ease of access — in unlocked medicine cabinets, via the Internet and in Savvy parents know to lock up their stores — as well as the misperception that liquor cabinet if they have one. But it might they’re not as dangerous as other drugs. never occur to them to do the same with Dextromethorphan, the active ingredi- their medicine chest. ent in more than 100 over-the-counter They might also be shocked to learn cough medicines, is safe when taken as di- that the most seemingly innocent thing in rected, but those using the drug to get high there — cough medicine — is the fourth- will take extremely large amounts, from 25 most abused drug by teens in the United to 50 times the recommended dose. States, according to the Partnership for a Abuse of dextromethorphan — also Drug-Free America. Prescription drugs called Dex, DXM, Robo, Skittles, Triple-C, are number three. Syrup and Tussin — can cause hallucina- A recent campaign involving Project tions, distortions of color and sound, “out- HANDLE of Neighborhood House alerted of-body” sensations, confusion, slurred parents and others of the very real dangers speech, loss of physical coordination, rapid of prescription drugs and over-the-counter heartbeat and vomiting. cough medicines. When Dex abuse is combined with Photo by Mike Moore At a town hall meeting in West Seattle alcohol or other drugs, the results can be More than 200 people attended the Project HANDLE town hall event. attended by more than 200 people, medi- deadly. cal, substance-abuse and pharmacy rep- In King County, 18 percent of youth ous behavior.” ing opportunities for positive social and resentatives discussed the alarming trend in drug treatment had used dextrometho- The good news, said Pappas, is parents emotional growth (sports, teen groups, in medicine abuse and what parents, com- rphan at some point to get high, according really do have a lot of power to influence performing arts). munity members and government leaders to a 2003 study. Twenty-six percent of their children’s choices. “This isn’t about drugs,” said Rep. can do to stop it. those surveyed at raves and clubs reported Speakers at the Town Hall meeting Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, one of the While the dangers of illegal “street” abusing Dex. urged parents and community members speakers. “It’s about our lives.” drugs are well known, the threats pre- Mimi Pappas, director of communi- to: sented by prescription drugs and over- cations and outreach at the Consumer • Educate themselves about the hazards Project HANDLE (HIV/AIDS Network the-counter cough medicines are often Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), of prescription drug and cough medicine Development and Life-skills Experience) overlooked, experts say. In fact, teens asked teens attending the August town hall abuse and talk to others. is a program of Neighborhood House, a abuse them more than any illicit drug, meeting if they’ve heard of young people • Give teens honest and complete infor- 102-year-old agency that has been help- except marijuana (which still occupies the using medicines to get high. About half a mation about medicine use and abuse and ing diverse communities of people with number one spot). dozen raised their hands. the dangers. Kids who say they learn a lot limited resources attain their goals for self- Prescription medicines are the drugs of Then Pappas asked if anyone had heard at home about the risks of drug use are sufficiency, financial independence and choice for 12 and 13 year olds, according of “pharming parties,” where teens will up to 50 percent less likely to try drugs, community building. Project HANDLE’s to recent national drug surveys. An esti- bring drugs from their home medicine research shows. mission is to bring families, youth and mated one in five teens, ages 12 to 17, has cabinets, dump them into a common bowl • Safeguard or lock up medicines so that various sectors together to seek solutions abused prescription drugs to get high, and and pop them indiscriminately. young people don’t have access to them, and implement culturally appropriate one in 10 has intentionally abused cough “They have no idea what they’re taking,” and throw out expired medications. responses to reduce substance abuse, HIV/ medicine. she said. “Obviously, this is very danger- • Get involved in kids’ lives, provid- AIDS and other public health issues.

risky loans to 90 percent of current home to contribute to the fund annually, starting It also increases the number of tax cred- Housing appraisal value. in 2009. The Trust Fund is expected to its available to developers, and allows the Continued from front page National Housing Trust Fund provide as much as $300 million once it credits to be paired with other programs. project-based vouchers, increases the bond The Act creates a permanent Housing is in place, and will be administered by Similarly, it increases the amount of tax- financing available to produce housing, and Trust Fund with a dedicated funding source, the US Department of Housing and Urban exempt bond financing that states may issue provides money to help stabilize communi- and requires that at least 90 percent of the Development. each year for housing production. ties hit hard by foreclosures. Fund be used to create, preserve, rehabilitate Tax-exempt Bond and Low Income The Housing Act officially goes into Some of the legislation’s most important or operate rental housing. The remaining Housing Tax Credit Program Reforms effect on October 1, although it is not clear components are: 10 percent can be used for programs to help The new legislation simplifies and mod- if all of the agencies responsible for imple- Foreclosure relief first-time homebuyers. ernizes the rules for both the Low Income menting the changes will be ready to roll The Act authorizes the Federal Housing At least 75 percent of the rental housing Housing Tax Credit program and tax-ex- them out on time. The provisions are tem- Administration to endorse up to $300 billion funds must be used for housing that will empt housing bonds, which are the main porary, and scheduled to phase out in 2011. in new fixed-rate mortgages for sub-prime serve extremely low-income families. Fan- tools used by public housing authorities But many housing advocates are optimistic borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure, nie Mae and Freddie Mac, the nation’s two and other developers to produce affordable that once in place, the changes will continue so long as lenders and investors adjust the largest home mortgage lenders, are required housing. beyond the currently scheduled end date.

The voice 6 - CLASSIFIEDS SEPTEMBER 2008 CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS THE MARKETPLACE OF THE VOICE

Green River Community College helps adults attend college and get job training. It’s a fact that a college education = higher pay and a better job. • Got math anxiety? Many students do, but at Green River we have wonderful math instructors. Think of them as math • What can I study? At Green River you can earn an coaches. associate degree or get career training in more than 40 programs that lead to real jobs at real wages. • How do I get help? Call Amy at (253) 288-3319 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Amy or another • What about job training programs? There are jobs college representative will guide you through the process, waiting for grads in fundamentals of care giving, water/ help you determine what funding you may waste water, paraeducator, carpentry, auto body, be able to receive and outline the steps manufacturing, air trafﬁc control, business management, and conditions it takes to qualify. medical coding and information technology, to name a few.

THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2008 CLASSIFIEDS - 7 CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS THE MARKETPLACE OF THE VOICE HelpHelp UsUs HelpHelp Others!Others! NON-MEDICAL CAREGIVERS WorkSource Provides • Job Preparedness Workshops WANTED • One on One Career Guidance Benefits: Matching 401K, • Weekly Hiring Events Med. Avail.,Vacation Pay, Hourly Shifts to 24 hr. Shifts Avail. These services are FREE Must Speak English and open to the public. Translation services are available upon request. CALL TODAY! Visit our website: www.worksourceskc.org. 253-943-1603 OR 425-670-2292

SERVICES Part-time caregiver domestic experience preferred. Market place coupon Background check. White Center Morning, evening, Do you have a couch or other item you want to sell? Take advantage of the free person-to-person clas- weekend. Must be organized, sifi ed advertising in The Voice by fi lling out your 24-word ad below. Remember, write only one word per fl exible clean. line and don’t forget to include your telephone number in your ad! Mail your ad before the 18th of the Attention to details and speak month and it will be included in the next month’s issue. and read English. Tom, 852-0612 Name ______Address ______City ______State ______ZIP ______FOR SALE Telephone ______E-mail ______29”x45” dining room table and 4 chairs for sale. Amber/black, Write your ad here (one word per line) good condition, $1500. 206-325-6455

Small sliding doors cabinet, $10. 206-325-6455 FREE Free exercise bake. 206-325-6455 WANTED Dog wanted! Shorthair under 35lbs, dogtags, trained, female for disabled Check the classiﬁ cation: ❑ Items for sale ❑ Autos for sale Veteran. Loving studio. ❑ Items wanted ❑ Services Call 206-216-7254, ask for Risley. Queen Anne. Mail to: PPC, 4000 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133 Fax: 206-461-1285 E-mail: [email protected] w/subject line “The Voice”

THE VOICE 8 – local and national news SEPTEMBER 2008 TranslaTranslattionsions TRANSLATED ARTICLES FROM THE VOICE

ት/ቤት ሲጀምር የሚኖሩ ጥያቄዎች • የሚያስፈልጉት ቁሳቁሶች ሁሉ ናይ ቤት ትምህቲ ምጅማር ዓመት ዝርዝር ናይ ቤትምህርቲ ዘድልዩ ኣብ ት/ቤት በቅርቡ ሲጀምር ብዙ ወላጆች የት/ቤት ቁሳቁስ በሚያቀርቡ ሕቶታት። ኦፊስ ስቶርስ ኦን ላይን ኣብ ተመሳሳይ ዓይነት ጥያቄ አላቸው፡፡ በአብዛኞች ትልልቅ ሱቆች ቤት ትምህቲ ክክፈት ቁሩብ መዓታት ቤትምህቶም ተልጢፉ ይርከብ። እንዴት አድርጌ ልጄን ለትምህርት ቤት ያገኛሉ፡፡ ተሪፍዎ ኣሎ ወለዲ ሕቶታት ክህልዎም እንግሊዝኛ ኣይዛረብን ኣየ ምስ አዘጋጃለሁ? እንግሊዘኛ መናገር ስለማልችል ከት/ቤት ይኽእል እዩ ከመይ ገይረ ውላደይ ንቤት ሰራሕተኛታት ቤትምህርቲ ብኸመይ • ትምህርት ቤቶች የሚያደርጉትን ሰራተኞች ጋር እንዴት መናገር እችላለሁ? ትምህርቲ ክምዝዳሎ ክገብር ይኽእል? ክረዳዳእ ይኽእል? የ’ደህና መጡን’ ስብሰባ በመሳተፍ • ት/ቤቶች በዓመቱ ውስጥ ለሚኖሩት መጀመርታ መዓልቲ መኽፈቲ እቲ ቤት ትምህርቲ ብዛዕባ ቋንቋታት አስተማሪዎችን፣ ፕርንሲፓሉንና ወላጆች ብዙ ግልጋሎት ያቀርባሉ፡፡ Aaብቲ ቤት ትምህርቲ ብምኻድ ሓብሬታ ኣኣለዎ ብዛዕባ ኣቶ ሌሎችን ሰራተኞች ይገናኙ፡፡ በክፍልም ውስጥ በትምህርታቸው ምስ መምሃራን ሓለቓ ቤት ስድራ ቤት ዝዛረብዎ ቋንቃን ይህን ለማድረግ ካልቻሉ ስልክ እርዳታ ለሚፈልጉ ትምህርቲ ሰራሕተኛታት ኣብ ወሽጢ ቤት ትምህርቲ በመደወል የተለየ ቀጠሮ ይውሰዱ፡፡ በአስተርጓሚኒትና በፅሁፍ ተራኸብ።ቖጸራ ብምሓዝ ምስ ብቓንቋኹም ዘረድኡ ተጎምቲ • ት/ቤት ከመጀመሩ አንድ ሳምንት ትርጉም፣ በአስተማሪና- ወላጅም ናይ ዉላድካ መምህር ተራኸብ ተሓጋገዝቲ መምህራን ኣለዉ በፊት ልጅዎን ጥሩ እንቅልፍ ለሚደረግ ስብሰባና ኮንፈረንስ ትምህርቲ ቕድሚ ምጅማሩ ቕድሚ ምስ መምሃራን ክትራኸቡ እንዲተኛ ያድረጉ፡፡ እንዳስፈላጊነቱ ግልጋሎት ሓደ ሰሙን ዉላድኻ ብግዚኡ ምስትደልዩ ኣብ እኼባታት • ልጅዎ ከሳምንት በፊት ጧት ጧት ይሰጣሉ፡፡ ክድቕስ ኣለማምዶ ዝሕግዙ ክማኣድላይነቱ። ቁርስ እንዲበላ ያድርጉ፡፡ ት/ቤት • የትርጉም ስራ፣ የፅሁፍና ደቕኻ ቕድሚ ትምህርቲ ምኻዶም ብዘይስክፍታ ዘለኩም ሕቶታት ስለቁርስና ምሳ ጉዳይ ይጠይቁ፡፡ የመሳሰሉትን እርዳታ ለማግኘት ቁርሲ ክቖርሱ ኣለዎም ምስ እቕርቡ ሓግዝ ምስትደልዩ ናይ ልጄ በመጀመሪያው የትምህርት ቀን ምን ጥያቄ ከመጠየቅ ወደኋላ ማለት ቤትምህቶም ተዛረብ ብዛዕባ ትርጙም ጽሑፍ ሓብሬታን መውሰድ አለበት? የለብዎትም፡፡ ቁርስን ምሳሕን ዕድላት። ንተውሳኺ ሓብሬታ ን ደና • የትምህርት ቦርሳ፣ ኖት መያዣ፣ ለተጨማሪ ኢንፎርሜሽን ወይም ሃሳብና ደቀይ ኣብ መጀመርታ መዓልቲ ነልሰን ፋሚሊ ኮነክሽን ባይንደር ወይም ኪስ ያለው ለሌሎች ጥያቄዎች መልስ ከፈለጉ Dena ቤትምህርቲ እንታይ ክምጽኡ ኣለዎ? ኮርዲነተር ኣብ ስልኪ ቁጽሪ ፎልደር፣ ወረቀቶችና እርሳስ Nelson የቤተሰብ ግንኙነት ኃላፊዋን ባክ ፓክ,ኖትቡ,ክቢንደር ፎልደር 206 932 3266 ድዊልኩም የመሳሰሉት ለመጀመሪያው ሳምንት በስልክ ቁጥር 206-923-3266 ወይም ወረቕቕቲ ርሳስ እኩል እዩ ኣዘራርቡ[email protected] በቂ ናቸው፡፡ [email protected] ይገናኙ፡፡ ንምጀመርያ ሰሙን።

CÁC CÂU HỎI VỀ VIỆC NHẬP HỌC TRỞ LẠI Việc đi học trở lại sắp đến ngay bên rồi, các phụ huynh đều có chung câu hỏi. Làm cách nào để giúp cho con tôi sẵn sàng để đi học lại ? Hãy đi tham dự buỗi Welcome Back- Nhập Học Lại để gặp gỡ thầy cô, hiệu trưởng và các nhân viên của trường học. Hoặc gọi điện thọai làm hẹn để gặp gở thầy cô nếu qúi vị không thể đến trong ngày đó được. Hãy giúp cho con em đi ngủ đầy đủ ít là 1 tuần trước khi nhập học Hãy giúp cho con em ăn sáng mỗi ngày trước khi đi học. hãy hỏi xem trường có cung cấp bữa ăn sáng và ăn trưa không. Con em của tôi cần mang theo những gì trong ngày đầu tiên đi học ? 1 túi đựng xách, một cuốn vở với bìa bao có nhiều túi –notebook binder- vài tò giấy, cây viết chì – thường thì cũng đủ cho tuần lễ đầu tiên. Danh mục kê khai học cụ thừong được niêm yết ở trường học, trên trang mạng và ở phần lớn các tiệm bán văn phòng phẩm. Tôi không nói được tiếng Anh, làm sao tôi nói chuyện được với trường học ? Trường học có thông tin bằng ngôn ngữ của các gia đình mà họ cùng làm việc chung với trong năm. Có các nhânviên phụ tá sẵn sàng giúp đở cho việc học hành trong lớp, thông dịch cho phụ huynh khi hội họp với thầy cô giáo và những phục vụ cho các sinh họat khác khi cần. Đừng ngần ngại khi cần được giúp đở trong việc thông dịch kể cả việc phiên dịch các thông tin bằng văn tự. Để biết thêm các thông tin, hay có ý kiến, hoặc cần được trả lời các câu hỏi, xin vui lòng liên lạc cô Dena Nelson, Điều Hợp Viên chưong trình Family Connections ở số (206) 923-3266 hoặc điện thư denan@ nhwa.org.

Su’aalaha sanad dugsiyeedka cusub. Xiligii furitaanka dugsiyadu waa dhow yahay, waalidiin badanina waxay qabaan su’aalo isku mid ah. Sidee u caawiyaa ilmahayga siday ugu diyaar garawbaan dugsiga? Ka qaybgal munaasabadaha furitaan iskuulka si aad ula kulanto macalimiinta, maamulaha iyo shaqaalaha kale ee dugsiga. ama had- daadan ka gaarin, teleefan kula hadal dugsiga si aad balan uga dhigato macalinka waqti kale. Ku caawi hurdada ilmahaaga ugu yaraan hal todobaad ka hor intaan iskuulka la furin. Ku caawi ilmahaaga in inay cunaan quraac subax kasta intaan iskuulka la furin. Kala hadal maamulka iskuulka inaad u heli karto ilmahaaga fursad quraac iyo qado. Maxay ilmahaygu iiga baahan yihiin maalinta iskuulku bilaabmo. Boorsada buugaagta, gal leh meelo wax lagashado dhexdana wara- aqaha lays kula dhajiyo, dhowr waraaqadood iyo qalin laabis ayaa ku filan cunugiiba todobaadka ugu horeeya. Listada qalabka iskuulka waxaa lagu soo dhajiyaa xafiiska iskuulka, internetka iyo waliba in badan oo ka mid ah dukaamada qalabka xafiisyada Kuma hadlo luuqadda ingriiska. Sidee ula hadlaa daka iskuulka jooga? Iskuulku wuxuu hayaa macluumaad ku saabsan luuqadaha ay ku hadlaan qoysaska ilmahoodu iskuulka dhiganayaan sanadkaas kalkaa- liyeyaal waxbarasho ayaa diyaar ku ah fasalka dhexdiisa, tarjumaadda, kulanka waalidiinta iyo macalimiinta iyo waliba adeegyo dheeri ah markii loo baahdo. Ha ka gaban in aad weydiisato in lagaaa caawiyo tarjumaad ama dukumiinti tarjuman oo qoraal ah. Haddaba wixii ku saabsan macluumaad dheri ah, afkaar, iyo su’aal bal eh waxaad si toos ah ula xiriirtaan Dena Nelson oo ah xiriiriyaha isku xirnaanta qoyska. (206) 923-3266 ama [email protected]

The Voice The mission of the Seattle Housing Authority is to enhance The heart of High Point the Seattle community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability NH breaks ground on new center and self-sufficiency for people with low incomes. See Page 4

September SHASHA NEWSNEWS 2008 News and information about Seattle’s neighborhoods

Jefferson Terrace under consideration The green thumbs of Ballard to house people Garden club brings exiting homelessness Ballard House By Virginia Felton and Tyler Roush residents together In line with its participation in the By Tyler Roush Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness in The Voice editor King County, Seattle Housing Authority is looking into new ways to serve Seattle Nestled along the back of Seattle Housing residents who are homeless. Authority’s Ballard House is a garden lush One possibility under consideration with vegetables, herbs, flowers and plants, is re-programming Jefferson Terrace a green oasis in Ballard. on First Hill to be used as a supportive It’s a place where members of the Ballard housing facility for people exiting home- House garden club gather to cultivate their lessness. green thumbs. The Housing Authority has provided “We’re really lucky to have a garden hundreds of Housing Choice Vouchers to here,” said Elizabeth Thatcher, a Ballard nonprofit organizations that house people House resident and club member. transitioning from homelessness, but has The garden club, eight members strong, typically not used public housing units for draws together a group of Ballard House this population. residents who share a common interest in The Ten-Year Plan seeks to create gardening. units under a “housing first” model that hotos by llie lein P E K Standing next to a large planter box places homeless people in permanent Semen Fuks (above) looks through the near the back of the garden, Ballard House housing (rather than in shelter settings) assortment of vegetables in his garden at resident Semen Fuks points out some of the with appropriate services to support their Ballard House. From the back entrance many vegetables and plants in his garden: transition out of homelessness. (at right), a sign welcomes visitors to the broccoli, carrots, onions, garlic, beets, and Jefferson Terrace, the largest of SHA’s Ballard House garden. some flowers. Low Income Public Housing buildings, His wife, Klara, makes a delicious borscht is an attractive candidate for this use, from the vegetables he grows. where chronically homeless people would benefit from a living environment Please see “Garden” on Page 3 where intensive services are provided 24 hours a day. The building, which has 283 studio apartments and 16 two-bed- room apartments, is close to Harborview Medical Center and to downtown service SHA to present annual Senior Housing applicants to providers. Jefferson Terrace residents Dennis Be- be introduced to Save My Spot jin and Robert Jackson said that residents plan to community By Scott Freutel should have been involved in the planning By Andria Lazaga Seattle Housing Authority for this project earlier in its development. Seattle Housing Authority They cited e-mails between DESC and The Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) plans to start SHA staff referring to the project as early using a waiting list check-in program on October 1. Known as as March 2008. Residents and community members are invited to attend the Save My Spot, the program was initially rolled out in June 2007 “How long were they going to wait 2009 Budget and “Moving To new Ways” Annual Plan public hearing. The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) will present the for people on SHA’s Low Income Public Housing waiting lists. It plan and budget at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15 at SHA’s Central will require SSHP applicants to check in once a month to maintain Please see “Terrace” on Page 7 Office (120 Sixth Avenue North). their position on a waiting list. The new plan builds on the agency’s past work and suggests The check-in system is designed to help move people into a variety of actions in support of SHA’s mission. Major themes housing more quickly by reducing the amount of time required In this section and priorities for 2009 include: for maintaining, updating, and checking waiting lists. It requires people on waiting lists to call in, or to check in on the Save My Match SHA’s housing resources with the needs of low- Spot Web site (www.savemyspot.org), once a month, on any day SHA News Page 2 income families: of the month, at any time — 24 hours a day. more on utility allowance • Explore waiting list options that would more efficiently meet People who use the telephone system can hear instructions in Point of View Page 3 applicants’ housing needs. any of nine languages besides English: Amharic, Cambodian/ digital tv transition • Analyze concentrations of residents and participants by Khmer, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrigna High Point Herald Page 4 income, race, and other characteristics. Develop action plans to and Vietnamese. People who use the website will see instructions groundbreaking for high point center address areas of concern which SHA can most effectively influ- in English and in 16 other languages. Rainier Vista News Page 5 ence. “Save My Spot will keep our waiting list up to date,” said Judi fun at summer picnic • Complete the reconfiguration of the Scattered Sites portfo- Anderson, the senior property manager who administers SSHP. NewHolly Notes Page 6 lio. “Often people move, find another place to live, or experience community events held • Expand SHA’s ability to serve low-income households with life circumstances that prevent them from joining our program. Yesler Happenings Page 7 special needs. … With Save My Spot, we hope to bring people in more quickly. workshops for crc Save My Spot will also lessen the worry for our applicants about Translations Page 8 Please see “Plan” on Page 6 Please see “SSHP” on Page 3 2 – sha news september 2008

First a job, then the means for Mary Akuol Utility allowance changes begin in October

Lual to regain custody of her children By SHA Staff between these two times, then the second change would be less. By SHA staff Residents at NewHolly, High Point and Any residents who are concerned about Rainier Vista are preparing for changes in their ability to keep up with their util- Mary Akuol Lual, a resident of Yesler their monthly payments to Seattle Hous- ity bills after this change is made should Terrace, is a divorced mother of two small ing Authority because of a decrease in the contact their property management office children, ages five and two. Mary, a do- utility allowance. to learn about assistance programs and mestic violence victim, was able to leave Meetings were held at each of these payment options. her abusive ex-husband, but he took their communities to answer questions about Utility allowances are designed to make children and fled to Canada. this change. All affected residents have it possible for low-income households to Mary, the custodial parent and legal received formal written notice by now in keep enough money back from their pay- guardian of the children, was devastated. the form of a letter from Seattle Housing ments to SHA to cover their utilities bills. She expressed the desire and need to find Authority or Impact Property Manage- The allowance is expected to apply to all out how she could navigate her way through ment. resident-paid utilities — heat, lights, gas, an international legal system not only to re- One resident question that came up in water and sewer. gain the legal custody of her children, but the meetings had to do with the difference Utility allowances vary depending on Mary Akuol Lual to provide them with a stable home. that residents noticed when comparing the size of the unit and the type of utili- That meant that Mary had to have a job not send Mary off to look for a job on her their utility allowance to the bills they ties that are used by the household. For that met her needs as a single parent. own — she assisted Mary in identifying receive every other month. It is important example, large units tend to use more utili- Mary had gained some work experience local businesses that offered jobs in Mary’s to keep in mind that the allowance is a ties, so their allowances are higher. by working for Service Linen Supply, a interest and skills area. That co-active job monthly figure. Utility allowances are being lowered to business that renders laundry services for search paid off. Sometimes utilities are billed on a match the actual use of utilities (electricity, hospitals and hotels located in the Renton Mary applied for and accepted a full monthly basis; sometimes the bill is for gas and water) in the newly constructed area. time position as a Feeder/Folder at Hos- two months’ use. Over several months, housing at the HOPE VI communities. The employer unexpectedly changed her pital Central Services Association. She the utility allowance should be enough to When utility allowances are lowered, the shift from daytime to night. This created a earns an entry wage of $12 per hour, plus cover utility costs. portion of the rent paid to SHA increases problem for Mary since she does not drive benefits, and has the opportunity to earn The changes in the utility allowance will at the same time. and the buses do not run during Mary’s wage increases. happen in two phases, with the first change When utility allowances increase, the night shift hours. With a steady job and regular paycheck coming on October 1. At this time, about other portion of the rent decreases. The Mary had no other option than to leave at a local business, Mary can now turn to half of the change will go into effect. goal of utility allowances is to have the her job and apply for unemployment insur- the second part of her plan — regaining The second reduction in the utility al- total amount that a household pays for ance. She did not stop there, however. She custody of her two small children. lowance is scheduled to happen on March rent and utilities remain fairly constant at began an immediate job search and sought It won’t be easy, but Mary is determined 1, 2009. If utility costs actually increase in around 30 percent of monthly income. out assistance from service agencies to aid as she now has the means to support herself in her job search. and her family. Unfortunately, going through these Mary has already been referred to free legal resources that can assist her in navi- agencies did not provide her with the as- Flu comic available from Public PDF versions are also available by gating her way through the international sistance that she needed. That was when Health - Seattle & King County visiting the same link. legal system. She now looks forward to she turned to The Job Connection. It struck in 1918, and 90 years later, the day when she can be reunited with her Wubnesh Habtemariam met with Mary, Public Health - Seattle & King County CodeBlueNow! Health Care Town children. learned of her financial and legal needs and has produced an educational comic Hall “Mary was willing to learn and was developed a Life Plan that detailed goals book detailing the flu pandemic. The CodeBlueNow! Health Care very dedicated to her job search and it she needed and wanted to achieve. The comic, which is available in 12 Town Hall, featuring keynote speak- paid off for her,” Wubnash said. “She is Mary learned how to look for work, how languages, is meant to educate resi- ers Arne Carlson (former Minnesota a dedicated employee who is a real asset to present her skills and abilities through dents on preparedness in the event of governor) and Richard Lamm (former to her employer. As a result, she now has a well defined resume and how to present a pandemic. Colorado governor), will be held from a great job and the means to work toward those skills to prospective employers who Copies of the flu pandemic comic 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 18, at the Bell Harbor what matters the most to her — regaining interviewed her. book are available to residents of King Conference Center on Pier 66, 2211 custody of her children.” With those skill areas developed, Mary County. Alaskan Way. began her job search. But Wubnesh did To get your copy, go to the Public Admission is $10 for general public, Health - Seattle & King County Web $5 for members and co-presenters. site at www.metrokc.gov/health/pan- For more information, go to www.co- demicflu/comicbook.htm. debluenow.org or call 206-217-9430.

About The Voice

The Voice is a monthly newspaper published by Neighborhood House with financial support from Seattle Housing Authority and King County Housing Au- thority. The Voice is developed and edited by Neighborhood House with help from SHA residents and staff. It strives to provide a forum for objective news and information of interest to low-income people and those living in SHA communities. The Voice welcomes articles, letters to the editor and columns from readers. If you’d like to submit an article, or if you have a question about anything you’ve read in this publication, feel free to contact Editor Tyler Roush at (206) 461- 8430, ext. 227 or by e-mail at [email protected]. If you have questions about SHA-related stories, you may also contact SHA Communications Director Virginia Felton at 206-615-3506 or by e-mail at vfel- [email protected]. You can also mail submissions to: The Voice, Neighborhood House, 905 Spruce St. #200, Seattle, WA 98104. Please include your name and contact information on your submission. All submissions are subject to editing for accuracy, style and length. The Voice is available online at www.nhwa.org. An archive is online at www.seattlehousing.org. Click on the “Newsroom” tab and follow the link to The Voice.

The voice september 2008 Sha news – 3 PoiPoinntt ofof ViViewew News about the Seattle senior housing program and Seattle’s high-rise communities

The little switch before the Big Switch Whose view is this? By Sven Koehler ming is interrupted by a message that only Seattle Housing Authority appears on analog TVs that cannot receive the digital signal. The message tells people You may already know that you have six that they need to take action soon or else months to get ready for the “Big Switch” they will not be able to watch TV after the away from analog TV broadcasting toward switch. the new digital standard that will be man- Newer TV sets with digital tuners or datory all across the USA on February 17, people with old sets who have a digital-to- 2009. analog converter box or who pay for cable But if you lived in the East Coast city of or satellite will not see the message and Wilmington, Del., you would have to make know they can continue to be able to watch sure you are prepared right now. The city has TV as before. been chosen as a small scale test site before Already some problems have emerged. the full nationwide conversion to digital TV, One complaint is that the message about the and will switch switch is simply not getting out, so the FCC is to digital on adding $12 million to their communications September 8. campaign. The goal is to try and reach every Win a $15 gift card! Please clearly write your name and T h e F e d - TV watcher with advertisements, community address with your entry. e r a l C o m - meetings, web support and other methods. Last month’s “Whose View” depicted All correct entries will be entered into munications Another complaint is that people simply the view from Ballard House. a drawing each month for a $15 gift card Commission don’t receive digital broadcasts from the Among the correct entries, Kathleen to Safeway, QFC or Bartell Drugs. (FCC) hopes same stations that they were able to receive Reeb’s was selected as our winner. Con- Deadline for submission of entries is t o u s e t h i s using analog equipment. While clarity of the gratulations to Kathleen! the 15th of the month. “little switch” digital signal and some of its other features This week we feature a different view. If you would like to contribute a photo to gauge how have been widely lauded, the fact is that it Send your answer to the question, “Whose of your view for our contest, please send well the prepa- behaves differently than an analog signal, view is this?” to Tyler Roush at tylerr@ it to Tyler Roush at the e-mail or postal rations are going for the nationwide transition and may be harder to receive. nhwa.org or mail it to 905 Spruce St., address listed above. to digital TV. People may have to purchase different Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98104. The estimates are that at least 10 percent antennas, or may have to resort to paying of households rely on TV broadcasts that they for cable or satellite to receive the program- receive by antenna. ming they used to get for free. Since a high Building offices join in remodeling work Those are the people who need to take proportion of the people who currently rely action to continue to get access to television on analog over-the-air broadcasts are low- By Sven Koehler interaction between staff and residents. for free. income, this change tends to bring an extra Seattle Housing Authority Residents who were used to seeing People who subscribe to cable or satellite cost to people who can least afford an extra a high counter right inside the office services should not be affected, since those cost. Although they’ve never had to swing a door in some buildings will notice that signals are already converted when they The government has been providing two hammer or turn a wrench, the SHA prop- these have been torn out in favor of reach your TV. $40 coupons to help offset the cost of buy- erty management staff has always been a regular office desks, tables and chairs Digital TV (DTV) has been around for ing a converter box that will help people use big part of the homeWorks construction which take up less room and can be over a decade, and many stations broadcast their existing analog TVs to receive DTV, project’s success. They have been critical easily be rearranged if necessary. both digital and analog signals. DTV is but not everyone has been satisfied with the in managing all the other things that hap- This new design has two advantages over already enjoyed by many people who own program. pen behind the scenes. the old counters. First, this will allow TVs with digital tuners or who have a device While it is simple to get a coupon by call- During the most intense periods of con- better interaction during office visits. that converts the digital signal so their older ing 1-888-388-2009 or visiting the website, struction, they were often in the building As Property Manager Frankie Johnson analog sets can read it. www.dtv2009.gov, consumers must still every day to help residents deal with the pointed out, “I notice that that the re- The difference after the switch will be take the trouble to use the coupon to make a impacts to their apartments. newed offices provide a more professional that stations will no longer be allowed to use purchase at a retailer, often with some out- But this August, it was their turn to atmosphere, much less institutional than the analog broadcast equipment so that the of-pocket expense. be on the receiving end of the remodel before. “ spectrum can be used for other purposes, like In addition, they must use their coupons process. homeWorks remodeled the Johnson manages Cedarvale House and data transmission or emergency communica- within 90 days of their issue date, or else building offices in almost all of the Phase Lictonwood, which had their offices re- tions devices. they expire and may not be reordered or 3 buildings in a three-week long effort. modeled in previous phases, and Jackson The TV broadcasters in the Wilmington refunded. The remodels included new carpet, new Park House, which was just completed area are helping residents get ready by run- Most people agree that digital TV is the paint, matching furniture and a new lay- a few weeks ago. The less institutional ning broadcast tests like the one done by part of the inevitable progress of technology out of the office space. The result is a re- feel goes right down to the paint colors KING 5 in Seattle in July (see the August and recognize that the problems are not in- freshing new look that offers a better work issue of The Voice.) surmountable hurdles, even if the transition environment and a more pleasant place for Please see “homeWorks” on Page 7 During the tests, the regular TV program- to DTV does seem daunting at first.

Garden “I don’t care much for roses,” Thatcher If an applicant is on both Low Income said, “because they bit me.” SSHP Public Housing and SSHP waiting lists, and Continued from front page Continued from front page The garden club, which currently has many applicants are, checking in once will Doris Nelson, a relative newcomer eight members and room for a few more, whether or not they are still on the list.” be all that’s needed. to Ballard House, has her own flower meets a couple times during the grow- Seattle Senior Housing owns 23 buildings The program will be formally announced garden. ing season. Members don’t always talk in the City of Seattle; the program has 993 early in September, when all SSHP appli- “A lot of it is for color, and it’s a work plants when they gather, either — social- apartments in buildings that range from 24 cants will be told about Save My Spot and in progress,” she said. “I need a little bit izing, whether through conversation or to 72 apartments each. (Four of these build- how to use the Web site and the telephone of blue and a little more yellow.” a card game, is an important pursuit of ings permit residents to have a cat.) check-in system. In addition to notification Many of the plants in the garden are the club. Of the program’s residents, 90 percent are and follow-up reminder letters, applicants grown from seeds and starts donated by Thatcher said that gardening has helped seniors, and the rest are disabled younger will be sent wallet cards bearing Save My area nurseries, such as Swanson’s Nurs- her meet other like-minded people who people. SSHP has a tiered rent system based Spot instructions. ery. live at Ballard House. on residents’ gross income. At present, rents For now, people on waiting lists for the The city of Seattle has donated compost “I think we’re real lucky we get along range from $248 to $720. Housing Choice Voucher program (Section to the garden club. pretty well for a building this size,” she Beginning October 1, the Save My Spot 8) will not be included in the Save My Spot There’s a large basil plant in her corner said. check-in requirement will apply to all SSHP check-in program, and neither will people of the garden, which was donated by a For more information on the Ballard waiting lists along with all Public Housing waiting to be housed in SHA’s mixed-in- local food bank. Several potted plants, House gardening club, contact Robert waiting lists: Yesler Terrace, the Scattered come communities — NewHolly, Rainier bamboo, and some roses fill up other Canamar, club president, at 931-0077. Sites, and the 29 Low Income Public Hous- Vista and High Point. corners of the garden. ing high-rise buildings.

The voice 4 – sha news september 2008 HigHighh ppoioinntt heherraaldld NEWS ABOUT THE HIGH POINT COMMUNITY

Coming together to celebrate the heart of High Point

By Teresa Moore Moore Ink

On the sunniest day of the summer, a shining sky mirrored a community’s hopes for the new Neighborhood House High Point Neighborhood Center. Some 250 people — High Point residents, community leaders and Neighborhood House volunteers, staff and donors — gathered for a celebration of community spirit and to mark the ceremonial start of construction on the building, which will encompass 20,000 square feet of classrooms, gathering spaces, social service offices, technology labs and more. Co-hosted by the High Point Neighbor- hood Association, the event was a multi- cultural mix of fun, food and music, along with remarks from community leaders who praised the building’s pending impact on High Point residents. “Place matters,” Tom Tierney of the Seattle Housing Authority stated simply, noting the many partnerships that made the Photos by Mike Moore Neighborhood Center possible. Government funding partners include the State of Wash- About 250 people (above and ington ($2 million), federal government far left) turned out for the High ($588,000), City of Seattle ($500,000) and Point Neighborhood Center King County ($300,000). groundbreaking Aug. 16. The Others who shared their warm thoughts African drum group Naby at the event were U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, Camara (above left) and hip-hop King County Executive Ron Sims, King breakdancing group Massive County Councilmember Larry Gossett, Monkees (left) provided show- State Senator Claudia Kauffman, Seattle stopping entertainment. City Councilmember Dow Constantine, See “Groundbreaking” on Page 6

High Point community takes a ‘Night Out’

By Jennifer Cobb you even received a personal visit from Of- SHA Resident ficer McDaniels. The National Night Out event, sponsored Members of the High Point community by the High Point Neighborhood Asso- came together on August 5, to participate in ciation, was the first one for the new High the National Night Out event. Point community and marked the official Night Out is a national event held through- kickoff of the neighborhood Block Watch out neighborhoods across the country on the program. first Tuesday of August. It is designed to While the objective of Block Watch is heighten crime prevention awareness and crime prevention, it’s really just neighbors build community in neighborhoods. looking out for each other and knowing First held in Pennsylvania 25 years ago, who should be in the neighborhood and and now celebrated in all 50 states, the event who shouldn’t. has definitely grown in popularity. Seattle Some blocks have exchanged primary reported record participation this year, with and emergency contact information to have more than 1,000 events in the city; High available in the event of an emergency to be Point held six of those. able to help each other. Approximately 175 people, in six dif- While the Night Out event is a great time ferent block parties within the community, to get together, neighbors and blocks are celebrated Night Out with their neighbors encouraged to meet throughout the year. Photo by Jennifer Cobb with baseball, music, barbecue, burgers, hot Do you know all of your neighbors? Residents of High Point gathered for a Night Out event Aug. 5 dogs, potluck offerings, popsicles, fruit and From all of the feedback from last week’s root beer floats. events, it sounds like you should, so you Kids from all over the neighborhood ap- don’t miss out on the fun! peared to enjoy the festivities as they went For more information about being a Block High Point Neighborhood Association from party to party to meet everyone (and Watch Captain or general information about Quarterly Meeting experience the goodies). the High Point Neighborhood Association, Most attendees noted that they met at go to www.highpointneighborhood.org. Exploring East Africa: A Focus on Somalia least one neighbor they didn’t know previ- You can also email High Point Neighbor- ously, and even some brand new babies in hood Association Trustee Jennifer Cobb at 6 p.m. September 11, Commons Park Amphitheatre the group. One party had a visit from a local [email protected] Food provided after sunset fire station and entertained four firefighters or call 206-369-3177. Come learn about the culture and history of Somalia! in their group. Get involved today! www.highpointneighborhood.org If you registered your event with the city,

The voice september 2008 Sha news – 5 RRAAIINNIIEERR VvIiSsTtAa newsnews NEWS ABOUT THE RAINIER VISTA COMMUNITY

Summer picnic brightens New Rainier Vista

By Monica Duke Sehring said. SHA Resident She turned her concern into action and called to the Cascade Bicycle Club, who in A break in the clouds and lots of prep turn donated 20 helmets for distribution at work set the stage for a wonderful commu- the Summer Picnic. Having become a favor- nity gathering at Rainier Vista on August ite of many neighborhood children through 23. Kicked off with music at noon by Arts her cheerful personality and face-painting in Motion, the Summer Picnic filled RV’s talents, Sehring’s effort in equipping them Central Park with energy, fun, and opportu- with helmets is one that will have lasting nities for community involvement. impact on their safety. What started as a bright idea of Tiffany Throughout the day, a wide variety of Crosby, an RV resident and professional activities, visitors, and music kept the park event planner, turned into a day of fun and bustling. Community organizations, such a way for neighbors to get involved and to as the Boys and Girls Club and Campfire, get to know each other. came out to recruit volunteers, get families With Crosby leading the way, and with interested in their programs and plans, and support from Neighborhood House and find out how their programs could fit into many community members, the event the daily lives of RV residents. showcased the resourcefulness and the many The Seattle Department of Transportation talents of neighborhood residents. asked residents to report existing parking One neighbor in particular had a hand issues in the neighborhood and to suggest in orchestrating two of the day’s biggest ways to minimize the impact on residents highlights. Kelly Sehring, also known as once the nearby light rail station opens in “the face-painting lady” due to her careful the summer of 2009. and creative body-art at past neighborhood Visitors from the Seattle Sounders, the Photo by Monica Duke gatherings, saw the Summer Picnic as a way Seattle Police Department’s Mounted Patrol, Officers from the Seattle Police Department’s mounted patrol meet with the youth of to address a need in the community. and Percussion for Youth received enthusi- Rainier Vista during a summer picnic last month. So, not only did she sign up to paint faces astic welcomes, especially from the many again at the picnic (much to the delight of neighborhood kids at the event. the kids), but she also organized a bicycle From the contribution of delightful helmet fitting and giveaway. homemade foods to the evening potluck, to “As a pediatric nurse and community the generous donations of school supplies Kelly Sehring paints member, I am very concerned about the for the raffle, to the fun-loving friendliness a young girl’s face lack of bike helmets worn by the kids rid- of the water balloon toss and relay race vol- while the next in ing around Rainier Vista. It occurred to me unteers, many people had a part in making line looks on during that the community party might be a great this event a success. last month’s summer time to distribute free, donated bike helmets Crosby seemed pleased with how things picnic at RV. to the kids in the neighborhood, as well as came together. translated information about the importance “It was a great event — especially for a Photo by Monica Duke of bike helmets and general bike safety,” first time around,” she said.

Help clean up Rainier Vista The next Rainier Vista Community Cleanup will be Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m., beginning in the Central Park.

The Columbia branch of the Seattle Public Library quiet place to die. Someone recommended The Seattle Public Library invites us all Discuss a book, play a Brooklyn.’ What he finds, though, in this to tour all 26 new and remodeled branches Columbia Branch ebullient novel …is a vital, big-hearted and the spectacular Central Library today. Seattle Public Library game, sing a song, get borough brimming with great characters.” You can get a commemorative “Library help with homework Everybody is welcome. Passport” at the Columbia branch (or at any 4721 Rainier Avenue South October’s book is Autobiography of a other library branch) on Saturday, Sept. 13, Seattle 98118 By SHA Staff Face, by Lucy Grealy. The library’s Web site and then use it to tour any library you like 206-386-1908 says of this book, “At age nine, Lucy Grealy for the rest of the month. Hours: Monday, 1–8 p.m.; Tuesday, Here are highlights of events at the was diagnosed with a potentially terminal 1–8 p.m.; Wednesday,10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Columbia branch in September and early cancer. When she returned to school with a Homework Help at the Columbia Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday, 10 October. third of her jaw removed, she faced the cruel Branch a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; taunts of classmates. Monday through Thursday 4 – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, noon–5 p.m. Evening Book Group In this strikingly candid memoir, Grealy starting Sept. 1 Note: The Columbia Branch library Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 6:45–7:45 p.m. tells her story of great suffering and remark- Volunteers will be at this branch to assist has a good deal of material in Vietnam- and Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 6:45–7:45 able strength without sentimentality and students at all levels on a drop-in basis all ese — books for adults and teenagers p.m. with considerable wit.” through the school year except for school and younger children, magazines, mov- Join your friends and neighbors the first holidays. Volunteers help with particular ies and CDs. Wednesday evening of every month for Preschool Story Time homework projects, of course, but in doing a book group discussion at the Columbia Fridays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Oct. so they also show how to get through home- by for open play on the Wii (that entrancing Branch. Copies of the books will be avail- 3 from 10:30–11 a.m. work assignments without undue stress, how video game that gets you up on your feet able at the library. Bring your preschoolers to enjoy stories, to use the Internet as a research tool, and and moving) or sing your way to stardom on September’s book is the novel The rhymes, songs and fun with Anna Wiggs, our how to budget and schedule your time. No “American Idol,” or discover yourself as a Brooklyn Follies, by Paul Auster. children’s librarian. appointment needed, ever. dancer with “Dance Dance Revolution.” Or, Publishers Weekly wrote of this book, just come watch and enjoy the fun — it’s “Nathan Glass, a retired life insurance sales- “Libraries for All” Celebration and Game On! for Teens sure to be contagious. Suited for kids 10 man estranged from his family and facing “Passport” Distribution Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 3–5 p.m. through 18. an iffy cancer prognosis, is ‘looking for a Saturday, Sep. 13 from 1–3 p.m. Wii, Karaoke, snacks, good times: Come

The voice 6 – sha news september 2008 NEWHNEWHOLLOLLYY nnototeses NEWS ABOUT THE NEWHOLLY COMMUNITY

Summer fun at NewHolly

Photos courtesy Joy Bryngelson

Two events at NewHolly in the past couple months highlighted community fun in the neighborhood. In late July, residents gathered for a community potluck (left), organized by the neighbors on 39th Avenue South. Later that month, with the help of a $100 grant from community builder Joy Bryngelson, neighbors gathered for an ice cream social (above). For more information or to apply for a grant, contact Bryngelson at 723-1725.

• Develop partnerships to enhance com- Plan munity services, particularly for youth in Playground to be built in other community members. Continued from front page SHA’s large communities. Central Park Project organizers are planning on Rejuvenate and extend the useful life • Implement Family Self-Sufficiency building the new playground on October of SHA’s affordable housing stock: program (FSS) policy changes to improve The Othello Station Central Park 24. SHA Community Builder Joy Bryn- • Address short and long-term SSHP FSS participant outcomes and increase (NewHolly Phase III) has been selected gelson will help to recruit volunteers capital needs. program efficiencies. for a KaBoom! Playground Project. for the project. The new playground • Complete homeWorks high-rise reno- KaBoom! is a nonprofit organization planned for Central Park is expected to be vation program. Maximize SHA’s limited resources to that provides playgrounds in communities a significant benefit for youth at Othello • Plan for the redevelopment of Yesler fulfill our mission: across the country. The sponsor for the Station. Terrace. • Establish a local system for measur- NewHolly project is Bank of America. Seattle Housing Authority staff mem- • Plan for and possibly begin redevel- ing SHA’s performance in lieu of HUD’s KaBoom! will contribute $40,000 in bers plan to work with the developer of opment of Lake City Village and Holly assessment systems. playground equipment to be installed by the remaining mixed-use site and possibly Court. • Look for ways to reduce the admin- volunteers. Bank of America will provide other partners to complete the vision for • Complete High Point rental housing istrative burden on SHA and future and 200 volunteers. the Central Park Playground. and bring revitalized units at The Douglas current tenants, including reducing the In applying for the award, Seattle If you are interested in volunteering on-line. Begin construction of new rental frequency of annual reviews for Housing Housing Authority made a commitment to to help build the playground, contact Joy housing at Rainier Vista. Choice Voucher (Section 8) participants on provide 75 volunteers consisting of staff, Bryngelson at 206-723-1725 or e-mail her • Explore with the City of Seattle new fixed incomes, reducing the frequency of Seattle Housing Authority residents and at [email protected]. strategies to maximize our common pur- HCV inspections, and making income veri- poses of increasing and preserving low- fication more efficient in all programs. income housing. Information about SHA’s 2009 budget will also be available at the hearing. ing the highest standards of environmental Promote connected communities and If you have any question about the hear- Groundbreaking design and sustainability as designated by Continued from Page 4 stable families: ing on Sept. 15, or would like to comment the U.S. Green Building Council. • Explore innovative ways to encour- on the annual plan and budget, contact Stella Chao of the Seattle Department of It also will have the largest array of so- age and support economic security among Andria Lazaga at alazaga@seattlehousing. Neighborhoods, Neighborhood House Ex- lar panels in the state of Washington, with SHA families, including implementing org or 206-615-3546. If you need any dis- ecutive Director Mark Okazaki and Andrew 240 panels covering 4,000 square feet and pilot programs in conjunction with the ability accommodations or interpretation Mead of the High Point Neighborhood producing up to 50 percent of the building’s Seattle Asset Building Collaborative, and assistance to participate in the hearing, Association. energy needs. the Seattle Jobs Initiative. please contact Andria by Sept. 8. Food and entertainment had a multicul- The building will serve as a center of • Offer a safety net to return to public For directions or copies of plan and tural flare, from the Naby Camara drummers learning, friendship and opportunity for housing to those residents who give up budget documents, visit www.seattlehous- to the Massive Monkees hip hop dancers to 6,000 children, youth and adults each year, their housing subsidy to move to private ing.org. an international food buffet. many of them refugees and immigrants. For market housing. Surrounded by beautiful new homes and those community members striving to lift parkland, the building is being constructed themselves out of poverty, the Neighbor- with the environment in mind. It will be the hood Center will provide critical education, first LEED Gold-certified building by a -hu employment and support services. man services agency in Washington, meet-

The voice september 2008 Sha news – 7 YYeseslleerr happenhappeniinnggss NEWS ABOUT THE YESLER TERRACE COMMUNITY

world of existing urban neighborhoods. Yesler Terrace redevelopment hosting community workshops This workshop also addressed issues of types of open space in urban neighborhoods. By Judith Kilgore around and chat with neighbors. environments around the world. Most participants liked the images of court- Seattle Housing Authority Some of the least favorite places were These images were not presented as yard and townhouse housing, especially if the staircase connecting to Jackson Street recommendations for Yesler Terrace spe- the buildings included ground level access, a Over the past six weeks, the Yesler Ter- and intersections with little pedestrian vis- cifically, but to present how other cities “northwest feel” and close by open space. race Redevelopment Team and their plan- ibility. and neighborhoods around the world have They liked balconies but only if they are ning consultants, CollinsWoerman, have The community told us some of their fa- responded to living in a more urban envi- large enough to actually use. Mixed-use held three workshops to gather information vorite things to do in Yesler Terrace, which ronment. and mixed-income buildings received a and insights on community priorities regard- included gardening, walking around the After the ideas were presented, the com- nod, but only if they were well designed ing the future of Yesler Terrace. neighborhood and visiting the International munity was asked for feedback on the ideas and planned. The first workshop on July 31 addressed District for shopping and restaurants. they liked and disliked. The meeting par- In observance of Ramadan, there will be four issues with the community: In the future, workshop participants ticipants liked the ideas of farmers markets, no community workshops in September. The • What are you favorite places in and hope that a redeveloped Yesler Terrace improved street lighting, small shops below final two community workshops will be held around Yesler Terrace and why? will include community gardens including housing units and improved walking areas October 1 and October 15. • What are your least favorite places in public flower gardens, trails for walking and paths. On October 1 the topic will be Develop- Yesler Terrace? and biking, public art and a more livable They were concerned about the potential ing Priorities and Tools for Making Yesler • What are your favorite things to do in floor plan layout with amenities for people rental price of new construction for small Terrace Healthy and Safe. The topic of the Yesler Terrace? of all ages. business owners, loss of views due to final workshop will be Creating Yesler Ter- • The ideal future of Yesler Terrace will At the second workshop, held on August building heights and potential unit layout, race Businesses and Jobs. include_____ 5, the community and the planning consul- such as showers for disabled residents and Both workshops will be held at the Over thirty residents participated in this tant discussed living in an urban environ- adequate size and number of bathrooms for Epstein Building, 905 Spruce St., from workshop, which was fully interpreted. ment. Since the number of buildings and large families. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Some of the community’s favorite places the height of buildings will increase when The third community workshop on Both workshops are fully interpreted and included Harborview for its convenience to Yesler Terrace is redeveloped, the planning August 14 explored the future housing pos- light snacks are provided. Come and get doctors and great views of Seattle and the consultant took the community on a “virtual sibilities at Yesler Terrace. Again, workshop involved with developing Yesler Terrace’s P-Patch which was a good place to walk tour” to present images of existing urban participants took a virtual tour around the future.

in many Phase 2 buildings. Parties homeWorks were held at at Lake City House, Continued from Page 3 University West and Queen Anne Notes from the manager in Jackson Park, which are warm Heights. By Judi Carter That way, if everyone phones the out-of-state earth tones like ochre and rust. Center Park, the last Phase 2 Senior Property Manager contact, you will be able to know that all family To prepare for the office remod- building with ongoing work, can members are safe and where they are. els, many offices were stripped look forward to a celebration in Now that school has started again, and the bore- If you would like more information on how to bare. This meant that staff had to go October after the newly landscaped dom of late summer has given way to the excitement prepare for a disaster, please come to the manage- through a similar packing and mov- front entry is complete. of a new year, it might be a good time to start think- ment office. We have materials to share. ing process as residents who had to Meanwhile, other work continues ing about what your family would do if there was a I am noticing that many people are still putting make room for construction. on both Phase 2 and Phase 3 build- big disaster, like an earthquake or fire. the wrong things in their recycle totes. Please do The office operations moved to ings. Contractors are hoping that Do you have a plan for getting out of your home not put pizza boxes or glass bottles in your recycling temporary spaces in the building Summer has not taken a vacation quickly if there was a fire in one of your rooms? bin. Don’t put plastic bags of any kind in recycling. during the remodels so that normal this year so they can work on the What would you do if there was a big earthquake, Don’t put clothes, weeds or toys in your bin. office work could continue. roof repairs for Phase 3. and the roads were not passable? If you are unsure about what CAN be recycled, University House and other of- The hope was to take advantage How would you check to make sure your children please come to the management office to get printed fices also received updated internet of good weather for roof work, were safe if they were at school? What would you information. connections as part of upgrades which has been scheduled in build- do if the water pipes were broken and the water did As the Community Council continues to change by SHA’s Information Technology ings where homeWorks is slated not work when you turned on the faucet? and grow, it is exciting to see new leadership come department, which should make the to start later, like Stewart Manor, How would you eat if there was no electricity, so forth. work done on the computer network Barton Place, West Town View and the stove did not work? How would you keep warm Fadumo Isaq did a wonderful job of chairing the faster and more reliable. Just as the Center West. if such a disaster occurred in the cold of winter? August Community Council meeting! (The excel- goal of homeWorks is to make the If the weather doesn’t cooper- Do you know someone who lives in another lent food that she brought was a special treat too!) buildings a better place to live for ate, this work may be completed as state? It is strange, but during a major disaster, I hope to see as many residents as possible at residents, the hope is that it will homeWorks continues next year. often long distance phone lines work much better the October Community Council meeting. I will make it a better place to work for In Phase 3, work is nearing com- than local ones. be asking for input about my 2010 housing budget staff as well. pletion at University House, and Every member of your family should have the at that time. Besides the office remodels, some of the crew there will head to telephone number of an agreed upon person who The meeting will be at the Jesse Epstein Building August was also a big month for Barton Place to start pipe replace- lives in another state, if possible. in room 101 on October 21, starting at 6 p.m. celebrating the end of construction ment at the end of September.

And while they acknowledge that the Tierney said. program, has been assigned by Seattle Terrace chronically homeless are a group whose “Regardless of how management might Housing Authority to work with residents in Continued from front page needs should be addressed, they question change, we are definitely planning to keep this effort. He will be scheduling additional before they told us?” Bejin said. whether Jefferson Terrace is the right place the building in the public housing program. information meetings with residents in the A primary concern for both is the safety for such a program. They say the proposal There are no plans to sell it,” Tierney said. near future. of the Jefferson Terrace community. unfairly pits residents of Jefferson Terrace “Our goal is to maintain Jefferson Terrace According to Tierney, “There are many “We’ve spent years making our build- against the chronically homeless, both of as a safe and comfortable environment for people in the social service community who ing safe, so part of our concern is safety,” which are special populations whose needs its current residents.” are very supportive of this idea. However, Bejin said. are important. To help achieve that goal, Seattle Housing much difficult planning work and coordi- Admitting the chronically homeless According to Tom Tierney, Seattle Hous- Authority is forming an advisory commit- nation is yet to be done before we can be creates a safety issue in a building of ap- ing Authority executive director, the agency tee of Jefferson Terrace residents who can confident that such a change might actually proximately 280 residents, of which about has made “no decision about changing identify residents’ concerns and issues. take place.” 54 percent are seniors, Bejin said. the way that Jefferson Terrace is operated Bejin and Jackson worry that shifting SHA has hired Ellen Kissman, a former They fear that SHA will lower its suit- ….The Housing Authority is simply discuss- management of the building over to DESC Seattle Housing employee who now works ability standards to admit the chronically ing this possibility with other agencies.” would leave Jefferson Terrace residents as a consultant, to work with existing and homeless whose criminal records would If, after considering the pros and cons of without access to the services they are ac- possible future partners to explore possibili- currently make them ineligible for public changing the way the building is operated, customed to with SHA. ties at the building. housing. SHA decided to move ahead with making In late August, Tierney addressed a meet- For more information about what is being “We don’t accept people who fall outside changes, Jefferson Terrace would probably ing of building residents to tell them about considered for Jefferson Terrace, please call the suitability guidelines of SHA,” Bejin be managed by a nonprofit organization the changes being considered. Sven Koehler at 206-615-3536, or e-mail said. “These standards would have to be that’s experienced in providing supportive Sven Koehler, who has experience in him at [email protected]. lowered.” housing to people who have been homeless, working with residents in the homeWorks The voice 8 – sha news SEPTEMBER 2008 TTrransansllaatiotionsns TRANSLATED ARTICLES FROM THE VOICE

ክትባት ልጆችዎን ጤነኛና ሰላምተኛ ያደርጋቸዋል ተቋሙ ይለያያል፡፡ ኮሌጆችን ማነጋገር ይቻላል፡፡ ክታበት ናይ ቆልዑ ድሕንነት ብንርግጋጽ ጥዑያት ንክኾኑ ይሕግዝ። በዚህ ዓመት በእኛ እስቴት ውስጥ ለተፈጠረው ለማንኛውም ላልተሟላ ዶስ የልጅዎን የክትባት ኣኣብዚ ዓመት እዚ ኣኣብዛ እንነብረላ ስቴት እቶም ኣድላዬ ዝኾኑ የሚሳይል፣ ችክንፖክስ፣ ዉፒንግ ጉንፋን መንስኤ ሬከርድ ይመልከቱ፡፡ ልጅዎን ለማስከተብ ከፈለጉ ክታበት ዘይተኸትቡ ቖልዑ ጠንቂ ናይ ንፍዮ, ፍሮማይ.ቲኽቲኽታ የሁኑት ክትባት ሳይወስዱ በቀሩ ልጆች ምክንያት ከሚከተሉት አንዳንዶችን መጠቀም ይችላሉ፡፡ ሰዓት ለበዳ ጠንቂ ኮይኖም ኣኣለዉ ደቕኹም መማህርቶምን ነው፡፡ ቋሚ የጤና ጥበቃ አገልግሎት ሰጪ ተኸናኸኑን ተኸልእከሉን ካብዞም ህማማት እዚኦም ኣኣብዚ ዝመጽእ ለሚመጣው የትምህርት ዓመት ልጆችዎንና በአካባቢ የጤና ጥበቃ የክትባት ጣቢያዎችን www.metrokc. ናይ ትምህርቲ ዓመት ደቕኹም ኣድላዬ ክታበት ክምዝኽተቡ የሚገኙትን ለመጠበቅ የልጆችዎን ክትባት መጠናቀቁን gov/health/immunization/clinics.htm ብምግባር ሓድ ሓደ ጀማሪ ቤትምህርቲታት ሓዲስ ናይ ክታበት ያረጋግጡ፡፡ አንዳንድ ት/ቤቶች አዲስ የክትባት በኪንግ ካውንቲ የሚገኘውን አንደኛውን የመልሶ ት/ ጠለባት ድማ ይሓቱ ኣለዉ። አስፈላጊ መመሪያ አውጠዋል፡፡ ቤት የክትባት ክሊሊክ በwww.metrokc.gov/health/  ሻድሻይ ክፍሊ ዝኣትዉ ተመሃሮ ሻብዓይን ሻሙናይን ናይ ወደ ስድስተኛና ሰባተኛ ክፍል የሚገቡ ተማሪዎች immunization/clinicsforBacktoSchool2008.pdf የቴታኑስ፣ ዲያፔትሪያ እና ፒርቱሲስ ክትባት የግድ ወላጆች ወይም ህጋዊ ተጠሪዎች በሃይማኖት፣ ተታኑስ,ዲፍተርያ .ፐርቱቱስ ቫክሲን ክታበት ክኽተቡ ያስፈልጋቸዋል፡፡ በህክምና ወይም በእምነት ምክንያት ልጆቻቸውን ኣኣለዎም ወደ አንደኛ፣ ሁለተኛና ስድስተኛ ክፍል የሚገቡ ላለማስከተብ ወይም ለመምረጥ መብት አላቸው፡፡  ቖልዑ ቀዳማይ,ካላኣይ ሻዱሻይ ክፍሊ ዝእትዉ ናይ ቺክን የችክንፖክስ ክትባት ወይም በሽታው ካሁን ይህንን ለማድረግ ወላጆች ወይም ተጠሪዎች ፖክስ(ቫሪሰላ) ክታበት ክኽተቡ ኣለዎም ወይድማ እቲ ሕማም ቀደም ስለመኖሩ የሚገልፅ መረጃ ማቅረብ አግባብ ባለው መንገድ ለትምህርት ቤት መግቢያ ክምዝሓዞም መረጋገጺ ፎርም ከቕርቡ ኣለዎም ኪንደር አለባቸው፡፡ ኪንደርጋርተን የሆኑ ሁለት ዶስ ክትባት በሚያስፈልገው የክትባት ፎርምና ሰርቲፊኬት ባለው ጋርደን ክልተ ዶስ ናይዚ ክታበት ክወስዱ ኣለዎም። ያስፈልጋቸዋል፡፡ ቦታ በመፈረም ነፃ ማስደረግ ይቻላል፡፡ ሁሉንም ንሙሉእ ሓብሬታ ኣብዚ ዝስዕብ ወብ ሳይት ተውከሱwww.metrokc. ስለጠቅላላ የክትባት መግለጫ በ www.metrokc.gov/ ክትባት ያላሟላ ልጅ ትምህርት ቤት ከመካፈል gov/health/immunization/clinics.htm health/immunization/school.html ይመልከቱ፡፡ ወይም ክትባት የሚያስፈልገው በሽታ ሲመጣ ሊወገድ ናይ ኮልጅ ተመሃሮ ጠለብን ምኽርን ካብ ኮልጅ ንኮለጅ ይፈላለ የዚህ አስፈላጊነት ለኮሌጅ ተማሪዎች እንደትምህርት ይችላል፡፡ ቕጥታ ነቲ እትመሃርሉ ኮልጅ ትዉከሱ። ናይ ደቕኹም ናይ ክታበት ካርድ እትBኢቕኩም ተመልከትዎ ዝተረፎም ክታበት ከይህሉ ደቅኹም ክተኽትቡ ምስትደልዩ እዞም ዝስዕቡ ምርጫታት ኣለዉኹም . ተራ ክሊኒካት ናይ ጥዕና ምደበራትን ሓካይምን . ናይ ፓብሊክ ሄልዝ ክታበት ክሊኒካት www.metrokc.gov/health/ immunization/clinics.htm . ሓደ ፍሉይ ናይ ቤት ትምህርቲ ምጅማር ክታበት ኣብ ኪን ካዉንቲ ኣዚ ዝስዕብ እዩgov/health/immunization/ innclinicforbacktoschool2008.pdfወልዲ ውይኣለይቲ ተመሃሮ ኣብቲ ኣኣድላይ ሳንዱቕ ይጽሕፉ ኣኣብቲ ምስክርነት ናይ ክታበት ፎርም እቶ ቖልዓ ኣድላዬ ክታበት ክምዝውስደ ንምምልካት ቤት ትምህርቲ ንኽጅምርን።ኣድላዬ ክታበት ዘይወሰድ ቖልዓ ቤት ትምህርቲ መዋዕለ ህጻናት ንከይኣቱ ኣኣይካልን ኣዩ እቲ ሕማም ኣኣብ ዝቕልቅለሉ ግዜ ብቫክሲን ክትከላኸሎ እትኽእል

CHÍCH NGỪA ĐỂ GIỮ CHO TRẺ EM ĐƯƠC AN TÒAN VÀ MẠNH KHỎE Trong năm nay, ở tiểu bang của chúng ta, các trẻ em không đuợc chích ngừa đầy đủ đã gây ra các dịch bệnh như ban sởi, đậu mùa, ho. Hãy bảo vệ trẻ em và các em quanh chúng trong mùa học tới này bằng cách cho con em chích ngừa đầy đủ. Một số lớp học có qui định mới trong việc chích ngừa Các em học sinh lớp 6 và lớp 7 phải chích ngừa bịnh phong đòn gánh, bịnh bạch hầu, bịnh ho gà. Các em vào học lớp 1, lớp 2 và lớp 6 phải chích ngừa bịnh thủy đậu hoặc chứng từ trước đây em đã nhiễm bịnh đó. Các em mẫu giáo-kindergarten cần có 2 liều chích ngừa. Để biết lịch trình chích ngừa cách đầy đủ , xin hãy vào trang mạng www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/school.htm các điều kiện và qui định dành cho sinh viên đại học thì tùy theo trường. Hãy liên lạc trực tiếp với các trường đó. Hãy chắc chắn kiểm tra hồ sơ chích ngừa xem còn thiếu lọai chủng ngừa nào không. Nếu qúi vị muốn đưa con em đi chích ngừa, qúi vị có thể đến một trong các nơi sau đây: Bác sĩ gia đình Các sở y tế công cộng cung cấp dịch vụ chích ngừa Một trong các trung tâm chích ngừa cho con em trở lại đi học. hãy vào trang mạng để tìm biết thêm: www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/ImmClinicsforBackToSchool2008.pdf. Các phụ huynh hay người giám hộ có quyền quyết định có nên hay không nên chích ngừa cho con em của mình không, dựa vào lý do y tế, tôn giáo, hoặc vì triết lý khác. Phụ huynh hay người phối ngẫu phải ký tên vào Chứng Chỉ Xác Nhận Chích Ngừa – đánh dấu vào ô có ghi xin được miễn chích ngừa – để cho con em có thể được đi học. Trẻ em không được chích ngừa đầy đủ có thể không được đến trường học, họặc được đến nhà trẻ khi có trường hợp dịch bịnh phát ra.

Talaalku wuxuu dhowraa fayo qabka iyo in lagu tallaalo laba doos of ah tallaalkan kixda • Goobaha tallaalka ee dowladda caafimaadka caruurta. (xiiq-dheerta). (www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/ Caruurta aan la talaalin waxay ahaayeen ku- Liistada tallaalka oo dhameystiran fadlan clinics.htm) wii keenay ama sababta u ahaa fididda cudurada booqo webka cinwaankiisu yahay: • Mid ka mid ah goobaha khaaska ah ee ayka mid yihiin jadeecada, busbuska iyo xiiqd- www.metrokc,gov/health/immunization/ tallaalka oo loogu tala galay furitaanka sanad heer. Si aad u difaacdo caafimaadka caruurtaada school.htm dugsiyeedka cusub. (www.metrokc.gov/health/ iyo kuwa ku xeeran, waa inaad u dhamays tirtaa tallaalada looga baahan yahay ama lagula immunization/immclinicforbacktoschool2008. talaalka ay carruurtaadu u baahan yihiin sanad taliyo ardayda jaamacadaha iyo machadyada pdf) dugsiyeedkaan soo socda. digtaa waxay ku xiran tahay meesha uu arday- Waad diidi kartaa in carruurtaada lagaa Fasallada dugsiga qaarkood waxaa looga gaasi wax ka barto. Fadlan si toos ah ula xiriir tallaalo diidmadaas oo ku salaysan diin, caafi- baahan yahay in ay qaataan tallaal cusub: maamulka caafimaad ee goobahaas tacliinta maad iyo falsafo kelaba. Bulse waalidku waa • Ardeyda galaysa fasalka lixaad iyo todo- sare. inuu calaamadeeyo box-ka saxda ah eek u yaal baad waa in ay qaataan talaalka cudurrada Hubi in caruurtaada tallaaladoodtu uuna foomka cadeynta xaaladda tallaalka si aan ilma- teetanada, gawracato iyo furuqa. doosna ka maqnayn oo ay dhamays tiran yihiin. haaga loo tallaalin taasoo looga baahan yahay • Carrurta belaabeysa fasallada 1aad, 2aad Haddii aad rabto inaad tallaasho ilmahaaga marka ay bilaabayaan iskuulka. Canugii aan si iyo lixaad waa in ay qaataan tallaalka kixda waxaad aadi kartaa mid ka mid ah labadaan buuxda loo tallaalin looma ogolaan doono in (Tdap) ama keenaan cadayn sheegeysa in uu oo kala ah: uu iskuulka dhigto inta uu socdo cudurka mid cudurkani horay ugu dhacay. Caruurta bilaa- • Xarun bukaan dhowrto (xarun dhakhtar ah kuwa faafa balse tallaal looga hortagi karey. beysa kindergarten-ka waxay u baahan yihiin caadi ah) The voice