LATE JULY EARLY AUGUST 2026 NEWS
This will be short. I have not had time to work on this. Topics: Asks, Immigration, Housing & homelessness, Resources, Transit, Events, Climate, Fundraising, For non-profits. And attachments.
Asks:
From: Tobias Coughlin-Bogue <tobias@anything-helps.org>
Date: Wed, Jul 29, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Subject: Draft of Jack Letter
To:
Hello there,
I'm writing to ask you directly for help. Specifically, help with housing a client who is in immediate danger of losing housing and becoming homeless for the first time in their life. I know your job is helping people, and that you have established procedures for referral and intake and how you do that, but I'm writing directly because I have tried that route and come up empty handed. And, to be brutally honest, because I am scared.
I am scared to go back to this client, Jack, and tell them that they need to take their diabetic cat, their meager possessions, and their many mental health diagnoses out onto the street and figure it out. Our team at Anything Helps has nominated them for every housing or shelter opportunity that has popped up since they contacted us, but nothing has worked out and it seems nothing will work out before their move out date, which is July 31. I am especially scared because this is a person who does not have a survival plan, and who does not have the skills or temperment required to survive on the streets. This is also a person who has strongly hinted at suicidal ideation as an alternative to becoming unhoused.
I want to help this person, and have been trying as hard as I can to do so for over a month, but doors are simply not opening. At first, they didn't understand the reality of their situation, and were opposed to emergency shelter, tiny homes, or PSH. Now, they know that anything they can get that will keep them inside is everything. They have an appeal hearing for SSDI scheduled for November, at which point we should be able to get them into PSH or find them a voucher that will help them live sustainably with SSDI.
In the meantime, however, what they need is time. I am desperate to find them somewhere to land that will keep them safe and stable until they can find a long-term housing solution. They are clean, quiet, and capable of feeding themselves and keeping their space clean. All they need is some sort of space.
I know this is an unorthodox way of asking for it, but I am doing it because I can't stand the idea that our system can't catch this person. They are not suffering from SUD, their mental health issues are bad but not debilitating, and they are actually quite lucid and intelligent. There is no reason we should not be able to keep them from falling into homelessness, where they will surely suffer and their conditions will surely worsen. And yet, we are a day away from it. Before they contacted us, they did everything "right" -- applying for HEN, inquiring at low-income/disability housing, asking for rental assistance, asking friends to crash, etc. Nothing worked.
If you have a room of any sort, please, put Jack in it. They won't be there long, and it will mean everything for them.
Thank you,
Tobias Coughlin-Bogue
Case Manager
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Nominations needed: It's time to celebrate the people and organizations making an incredible impact across East King County! Nominations are now open for the 2026 East King County Human Services Awards. The East King County Human Services Collaborative invites you to help recognize the individuals and organizations making a difference in our communities.
Nominations are open and will remain open through August 11 at this link:
East King County Human Services Awards Ceremony & Luncheon Nomination Form
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Spirit of Peace UCC is working on starting a grief group in Issaquah. If interested in joining or helping contact Elizabeth at eli410maupin@gmail.com.
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Immigration
Good news: On behalf of CAIR-WA, we are thrilled to announce a victory for our client, who has unjustly been held in ICE detention for months. Originally from Mauritania, the man was called in for a routine immigration meeting - which should have lasted only 5 minutes. What ensued, was a year-long ordeal which had seen him transferred multiple states, along with deportation flight attempts by this administration.
At each step of the way, the CAIR-WA legal team stepped in to help the client with important filings, staving off the deportation to a third country.
Finally, freedom for our client.
Yesterday, we won a habeas corpus petition for the client and he was subsequently released. He has flown back to his home state and is now with his family, safe.
Brothers and sisters, this is just the latest - in a series of vital wins by this CAIR-WA legal team for vulnerable clients such as this brother. You have seen the power of our team’s work - now we need your help.
Can you donate now to support CAIR-WA's Immigrant Justice Project?
This is just the latest - in a series of wins in immigration court for our community, who continue to be unjustly targeted. CAIR-WA is the only organization in Washington doing this work for the Muslim community. Support our work today by clicking here.
CAIR Champions of Change- Building our Collective Power! Save the date! October 10th, 2026 for our CAIR Washington banquet! Make sure to get in our early bird special and get $10 off your tickets! We have an incredible lineup of speakers including community leaders, both local and national as well as our amazing CAIR-WA staff! Come celebrate 25 years of CAIR Washington at our 2026 Banquet on Saturday, October 10th at 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Meydenbauer Center 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA. REGISTER NOW
The Trump Administration has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Haitians and 4,000 Syrians currently in the United States.
Deportations began on Monday. As a result of this racist policy, families will be separated, local economies will take a hit and thousands of people will be forced back to countries in the grip of violence, instability and humanitarian collapse.
In response, our partners at the National Partnership for New Americans are organizing a rapid response call for climate activists on Thursday, July 30th at 3:00 - 4:30 PM PT / 4:00 - 530 PM MT / 5:00 - 630 PM CT / 6:00 - 730 PM ET.
The Trump Administration has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Haitians and 4,000 Syrians currently in the United States.
Deportations began on Monday. As a result of this racist policy, families will be separated, local economies will take a hit and thousands of people will be forced back to countries in the grip of violence, instability and humanitarian collapse.
In response, our partners at the National Partnership for New Americans are organizing a rapid response call for climate activists on Thursday, July 30th at 3:00 - 4:30 PM PT / 4:00 - 530 PM MT / 5:00 - 630 PM CT / 6:00 - 730 PM ET.
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Housing & Homelessness
Bad news: A divided City Council in Tukwila voted to approve a ban on homeless encampments this week, making it the latest city in South King County to criminalize sleeping outside. The law makes unauthorized camping in public spaces a misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The council members who voted in support of the ban said the police needed the tool to protect the city’s parks and trails.
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A video about another reason for rising housing costs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmKE4LBAXGA
Resources
Issaquah Back-to-School Resource Fair
The event offers new and gently used clothing, school supplies, medical care such as vaccines, support completing forms, and additional resources. Hosted in partnership with the Community Clothing Closet and the Issaquah Schools Foundation, the Back-to-School Resource Fair is aimed at ensuring all enrolled ISD students are equipped with the essentials they need to start the new school year confidently and prepared for success. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Clark Elementary, 335 1st Ave. S.E., Issaquah. District staff will offer support for completing forms such as the Enrollment Verification Process (EVP), the application for Free and Reduced Price Meals, and athletic registration in FinalForms. Additional resources at the fair will include the Issaquah Food Bank, the Circle, Cultural Bridges, The Garage, King County Library System and the City of Issaquah Recreation team. Anyone with transportation needs or other questions may email our team for assistance. If you plan to attend, please register for the event to help us plan. All ISD students and families are welcome!
Please complete the form to register for the event!
Wednesday, August 12 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Clark Elementary School
335 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
If you have transportation needs, King County Metro Flex may be an option for transportation to the school from Issaquah and Sammamish neighborhoods.
Resources Available for currently enrolled 2026-27 Issaquah School District students:
Clothing
New or gently used clothing for Students provided by the clothing drive. Made possible through generous partnership with the Community Clothing Closet.
School Supplies
Issaquah School Foundation will be onsite distributing Tools4School supplies and backpacks. Essential school supplies will be available for ISD students in need.
Medical Care
Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals will be on hand to provide physical examinations, sports physicals and emergency medications needed for school.
Food Services
Information about our school meal programs will be provided, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals throughout the school day.
More information about vaccinations will be provided as the event approaches. Walk-in vaccinations will also be accepted.
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Transit
Bellevue -- Starting July 27, construction crews will begin retrofitting the current Bellevue Transit Center Bus Depot to accommodate the Stride double decker battery electric buses. Major work will include painting, modifying the existing canopy structure, lighting and signage upgrades, and modifying the sidewalks. This work will last through February 2027, with some periods with little to no work. Work will take place in phases. The bus bays will remain operational throughout construction.
Sign up for King County Metero Riders Alerts.
Sign up for Sound Transit Rider Alerts.
This work will not impact the 2 Line.
Sound Transit monthly maintenance program in effect July 28-30 | Sound Transit
Buses will replace 2 Line trains between International District/Chinatown and South Bellevue stations during late night hours on July 28, 29, and 30 to accommodate planned monthly maintenance work. Passengers should plan ahead and expect around 30 minutes of increased travel time.
During the work, 2 Line trains will continue operating between South Bellevue and Downtown Redmond. There is no impact to 1 Line service.
The last eastbound train to Downtown Redmond serving all stations will depart from Lynnwood at 10:04 p.m., serving International District/Chinatown at 10:40 p.m.
The last westbound train to Lynnwood serving all stations will depart from Downtown Redmond at 8:51 p.m., serving South Bellevue at 9:17 p.m.
All trips between International District/ Chinatown and Downtown Redmond after those trains will be served by Link shuttle buses, which will make all intermediate stops.
A language line is available to provide translation assistance for passengers with limited proficiency in English at 800-823-9230.
Riders can sign up to receive email service alerts for Link light rail, ST Express bus routes, the T Line, and the Sounder N Line and S Line. Rider alerts provide information about schedule changes and help riders plan trips around inclement weather. Just go to Service alerts. Sign up for Sound Transit Rider Alerts.
Click here to read full announcement
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Events
Overdose Awareness Day Event Planned for August
DESC and community partners will host an event on Monday, Aug. 31, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. The event will bring together community members, substance use disorder providers, and people with lived experience.
This year's theme, "Overdose Is Preventable When We Act," highlights the importance of education, resources, and connection in preventing overdoses and supporting recovery. The event will honor those we have lost while centering community voices and the experiences of people who have been directly affected by substance use.
We hope you'll join us!
Learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day.
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Thursday, July 30, 5-6:15 pm PT, New Free EVENT with RJontheRise, here in the network!!! Use this code - RJRISEFIRSTMONTH - for your first month free, access all of RJontheRise content. (RJ = Restorative Justice)
The Truth About Trauma with Dr. Lisa Y. Collins: Free Live Online Conversation/Q&A
Hear from her about restorative justice and trauma, self-awareness and trauma, how we can move from simply "aware" to "responsive", and much, much more.
Dr. Lisa Y. Collins, author of The Truth About Trauma, STAR Professor (Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU) (acronym is Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience), whose humility, lived experiences, and grounded wisdom infuses a sense of hope and possibility in facing trauma, feeling confidence in assessing it in self and on behalf of those we serve, and bringing joy and compassion back into the center for all.
We are super excited to have this "public live podcast" with Dr. Lisa, to engage you and to Sign up is free and is an opportunity to ask pre-event questions: https://forms.gle/1ntDbMgXkzMNCewt8
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Veteran and Family Wellness Fair on Saturday, 15 August 11 AM to 3 PM at 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle, WA, United States, Washington 98199 sponsored by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
Celebrate the end of summer with good food, great community, and a full day of fun! The Native Veterans Program and Family Services present the Veteran & Family Wellness Fair! This is a FREE event for the whole community (all ages)!
Whether you’re looking to relax with a massage, get the kids ready for school, enjoy delicious BBQ, or connect with amazing local resources, we’ve got something for everyone!
Highlights & Activities:
FREE End of Summer BBQ
Back to School Supplies
Kids Activities & Games
Traditional Arts & Crafts, Beading, & Hair Braiding
Free Haircuts
Yoga, Meditation, Fitness, Karate, & Reiki
Massage Therapy
Live Music
Health Screenings (Blood Pressure & Glucose)
Indigenous Medicine
Resource Fair featuring Veteran, Employment, Family, & Social Service Providers ...and much more!
When: Saturday, August 15th, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center (5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle, WA 98199)
Admission: 100% FREE & Open to All!
Transportation: Need a ride? Transportation is available!
Questions or Transportation Requests?
Email us at veterans@unitedindians.org
Bring your family, invite a friend, and come kick back with us before summer wraps up. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Out of state but recommended by a local friend:
Dear Sacred Reckonings Community,
The Sacred Reckonings community continues to grow! We just finished a wonderful training in Boston with 36 congregational teams!
We write now to ask you to share the registration information about our upcoming Sacred Reckonings training in Minneapolis. Join us in person for two days of immersive learning at New Branches | 5011 31st. Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55417 and a pilgrimage with Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs from B’dote to George Floyd Square, the Renee Good memorial, and the Alex Pretti Memorial. The place-based story-telling about the history of the Doctrine of Discovery with Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs (Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican) is a new and incredible addition to the training and promises to be very powerful.
Here are all the details. We would appreciate your help in recruiting folks!
Join us in person in Minneapolis for Sessions 1 and 2:
Fri., Sept 18: 5-8:30 pm CT
Sat., Sept 19: 9:30 am-4:30 pm CT
Then continue your learning online for Sessions 3 through 5:
Mon., Oct. 26, 2026: 6:30-8:00 CT
Mon., Nov. 9, 2026: 6:30-8:00 CT
Mon., Nov. 23, 2026: 6:30-8:00 CT
Through our 5-session training series, you will be accompanied by facilitators, Rev. Dana Neuhauser and one of the guide’s authors, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel (read their bios here). The training opens with two retreat-style sessions over a weekend, and then continues online for the final three sessions.
We encourage you to invite 3-5 members of your racial justice team or others who share your passion for racial justice and liberation in the life of your congregation. Being part of a team will help you gain the most from our training experience. If you are curious about how to bring reparations work to your church, you are welcome to join as an individual.
Cost is $750 per congregational team (entire group participating in the same cohort), or $250 if attending as an individual. We want this training to be financially accessible to everyone and have reduced or free rates as needed.
To register, simply click this link.
With deep gratitude, Rebecca Voelkel, Dana Neuhauser, and Sara Green,
Sacred Reckonings Training Team
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Climate
Issaquah had a new climate Action Plan. Check it out at https://www.issaquahwa.gov/3268/Climate-Action-Plan
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Free trees for Issaquah and Sammamish residents: https://www.issaquahwa.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/6499
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Youth Climate Action Grants Available in Redmond and Bellevue - Applications open!
Young people with ideas to address climate change can apply for funding through new Youth Climate Action Fund programs in Redmond and Bellevue, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
In Redmond, applications opened July 27. Youth projects must partner with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, and each sponsor may support up to three projects. The City will host a project brainstorming and application workshop on September 2.
Bellevue's program accepts applications from August 15 through October 1 for youth-led projects that support the city's Sustainable Bellevue Plan.
Organizations are encouraged to share these opportunities with youth and consider serving as fiscal sponsors for eligible projects. For more information, visit the Youth Climate Action Fund webpages for Redmond and Bellevue.
For more information click here!
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Fundraising
Mark your calendar for Bellwether's annual Closer to Home luncheon on Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at The Westin Seattle
This inspiring event brings together community leaders, housing advocates, and supporters who believe everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable home. This year’s theme, Welcome Home, is an invitation to come in, gather in community, and celebrate the people, places, and possibilities that make us feel at home. We’re honored to welcome economist Raj Chetty, whose groundbreaking research on economic opportunity and social mobility has shaped national conversations about housing, neighborhoods, and pathways to success.
Join us as we celebrate the impact of affordable homes and invest in a future where more people can access the opportunities available in our region and contribute to building a stronger community for everyone.
Register here.
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For Non-profits:
Les Schwab Tires For A Purpose
We’ve found that one of the best ways to strengthen our communities is to give back to those driving positive change in them every day. Les Schwab’s Tires for Purpose awards local nonprofits that are making positive impacts in our communities with a set of free tires for their organization’s vehicle. It’s a meaningful way Les Schwab helps local organizations stay on the road to do more good. Know of a nonprofit organization that could benefit from a set of free tires? See our recipient qualifications and terms and conditions.
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Youth Climate Action Grants Available in Redmond and Bellevue - Applications open!
Young people with ideas to address climate change can apply for funding through new Youth Climate Action Fund programs in Redmond and Bellevue, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
In Redmond, applications opened July 27. Youth projects must partner with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, and each sponsor may support up to three projects. The City will host a project brainstorming and application workshop on September 2.
Bellevue's program accepts applications from August 15 through October 1 for youth-led projects that support the city's Sustainable Bellevue Plan.
Organizations are encouraged to share these opportunities with youth and consider serving as fiscal sponsors for eligible projects. For more information, visit the Youth Climate Action Fund webpages for Redmond and Bellevue.