MID JUNE 2026 NEWS
So much is happening in June! Watch for a separate email this week on ISIC and future plans.
Topics today: Housing and Homelessness, Immigration, Indigenous, Juneteenth, Employment, Mental Health Awareness, Events, Trainings, Resources, Community Asks and For Service Providers. There are some meaty attachments today, don’t miss them!
Housing & Homelessness
Bits of news:
From USAging: “This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim rule establishing a framework that states must use to implement the new Medicaid work requirements, which are required to be in place by January 1, 2027. The six-month timeline will put pressure on states to swiftly change their eligibility processes and other policies regardless of the added costs. CMS is accepting comments for feedback until July 31.” https://www.usaging.org/blog_home.asp?admin=1&Display=1293
From Hollywood Democrats.com:” If Trump gets his way, the 2027 budget would completely eliminate the Continuum of Care program, which currently helps more than 200,000 people remain housed. About one-third of recipients are families with children, at a time when an estimated 150,000 children experience homelessness on any given night.” You can message Congress at https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-reject-trumps-attacks-on-housing-and-homeless-assistance-programs/?source=group-hd&referrer=group-hd&redirect=https://hollywooddemocrats.donorsupport.co/page/FUNFGWTTRLK&link_id=1&can_id=1ba054c9e6b3a165768696bec392dc16&email_referrer=email_3271237&&&email_subject=trumps-priorities-chandeliers-for-the-elites-less-shelter-for-the-homeless
RAP’s (Resident Action Project) Monthly Statewide Meeting, Wednesday, June 17, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM This month, we’re partnering with Tenants' Union of Washington, for a statewide tenant “Know Your Rights Workshop” where we will share a presentation about Washington renters' rights as outlined in RCW 59.18. You will be able to ask questions related to your personal situation and be provided with tenant counseling and other resources as referrals.
Zoom Meeting – Register here: JuneSWmeeting
The Housing Alliance will host a webinar on current news and updates in federal housing justice advocacy June 10 from 11am to 12:30pm. Register Here: Federalwebinar
Friends of Youth has a Housing Subsidy Grantaccessible to homeless young adults aged 18-24 who have previous/current experience of a substance use disorder. Detailed in the application are examples of qualifying expenses such as rental assistance/back rent, emergency hotel stays, storage units and more. Lifetime allowance of $7,200. We will ask for proof of income or Zero Income Certification, W9 for payee, and ledger/itemized bill of the expense. Adobe Acrobat Sign
Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness: June Meeting & SUN BUCKS June 18, 2026 Our June 18 General Membership Meeting will feature information about Washington's Summer EBT program, SUN Bucks, which is available to all families with school-aged children your programs serve. Come learn about: - Program eligibility and automatic enrollment - How to access the SUN Bucks EBT card - Where families can go for support with this program. Our meeting will also feature information about crisis care options and responses in King County. As always, we will have time for Community Announcements. RSVP Today!
Justice In Aging: Federal Fair Housing Basics June 24, 2026 The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination against protected classes, such as people with disabilities. In this webinar, presenters will provide a broad overview of the FHA and why it is crucial for older adult renters in particular. Presenters will discuss how the FHA can be used to promote housing stability. The information in this webinar will be most helpful for aging, disability, and legal services advocates who work with older renters and want an introduction to the FHA.
Operation Nightwatch, Book Launch & Learn on Friday, July 31, 2026, 12:00 - 2:00 pm at Operation Nightwatch Shelter Dispatch Center302 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Enjoy lunch and listen to a reading from former Nightwatch Street Minister, Ben Curtis’s new book “Love Thy Neighbor: The Story of Operation Nightwatch on the Streets of Seattle” and hear from our current street ministers.
There is not charge to attend, but registration is required.
Space is limited, Register today!
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Washington Low Income Housing Alliance is holding virtual statewide forums:
Statewide Lived Experience Focus, July 15, 5-6:30pm - REGISTER
Statewide, Aug. 13, 5:30-7pm - REGISTER
Statewide Rural Focus, Aug. 18, 5:30-7pm - REGISTER
En Español, Aug. 20, 5:30-7pm - REGISTER
Statewide Organizational Members, September 2, 12-1:30pm - (Registration link will be sent separately)
IMMIGRATION
June 9, noon EISCC meeting (last meeting at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Factoria). Learn about The Circle in Issaquah. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6536494131?pwd=OXBHR0s5S2VSb2cvQjAvejVqTWRCdz09.
WAISN Trainings: WAISN has a new events page on their website! Check it out to stay updated and register for trainings. Upcoming trainings include:
Rapid Response -- June 8, 6-8 PM & June 30, 6-8 PM
Know Your Rights -- June 17, 6-7:30 PM
NWIRP: Immigration Update from NWIRP / Actualizaciones Migratorias de NWIRP June 23, 2026 In times of uncertainty, informing ourselves is a key tool to care for and strengthen our communities. We remain firm in our commitment to defend the rights of immigrant people and to share reliable and up-to-date information. We invite you to our FREE webinar with the latest developments in immigration issues. This space is for you, whether you're looking for guidance for yourself or someone close to you.
KCLS: ELL Learning Opportunities In Person & Online
English Language Learners (ELL) Class - Level 1 View all dates Renton Highlands Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills with experienced instructor, Quincy Sander. Level 1 is open to students of all levels. No class on February 16. Registration not required Walk-ins welcome.
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes Renton Learn English reading, writing, grammar and conversation skills with an experienced teacher. Taught by Bashir Amani Registration not required. Drop-in, walk-ins welcome.
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice Newcastle Practice speaking English with other English language learners and trained conversation helpers. All levels are welcome. Registration not required.
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice Issaquah Practice speaking English with other English language learners and trained conversation helpers. All levels are welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of the Issaquah Library and the King County Library System. Registration not required.
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice Sammamish Practice speaking English with other English language learners and trained conversation helpers. All levels are welcome. Registration not required. Sign-up if you would like an email reminder.
Online English Language Learners (ELL) Classes for Beginners View all dates Learn English reading, writing, grammar and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. The instructor will be remote.
INDIGENOUS
Declaring Interdependence:A Gathering for the 250th on June 9th at 5 pm PT
What we have been told about the history of democracy pales in comparison to the bigger truth and deeper practice. Indigenous wisdom teaches us that democracy was native to this land, practiced here long before the arrival of any Europeans. Our founders were invited to live in this deeper democracy — but did not fully accept the invitation.
On the cusp of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we accept the invitation and declare our interdependence— a future that leaves no one outside our circle of care.
We will explore the wisdom from the new book American Indigenous Democracy: A Call for Interdependence, which features the voices of Haudenosaunee elders and contemporary activists and extends the invitation to all of us to embrace principles of democracy that have always been here— and which we desperately need now.
Indigenous elders that will be joining Baratunde Thurston and Valarie Kaur in conversation:
Hatueyael José Barreiro, editor of the book, is a Taíno Nation novelist, journalist, and activist whose four-decade career has been devoted to the well-being of Indigenous peoples across the Americas..
Tekatsi:tsia’kawa Katsi Cook-Barreiro, a contributor to the book, is a Wolf Clan member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, a traditional midwife, Elder, and executive director of the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program..
And Loretta Afraid-of-Bear Cook & Thomas Kanatakeniate Cook will open our hearts in prayer and song.
This is a rare opportunity for us all and a beautiful counter-program to messages of domination, destruction, and selfishness.
Together, let’s reimagine how to organize around peace, reciprocity, long-term thinking, women at the center, and life itself — as a path toward our interdependence.
Join us! Register here→
The Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center’s Sacred Salmon Campaign invites you to join a powerful evening of witness and solidarity during a stop on the Seven Sisters: Return of the Matriarchy campaign. Journeying to Ancestral Future, Saturday, June 27th | 6–8 PM
St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
The Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities (INIC)* urges you to attend and support the 2026 Paddle to Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch hosted by the Nisqually Tribe July 31-August 5. Participation by people of faith and conscience extends our respect to and solidarity with Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples, cultures and communities.
Hosting the Potlatch and its thousands of guests is a remarkable undertaking requiring hundreds of volunteers. INIC is encouraging faith communities and individuals to volunteer before and/or during the event.
Learn more about the event, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, and paddle landings enroute here: https://www.nisqually-nsn.gov/heritage/Medicine_Creek_Potlatch_Journey
Articles:Remembering Standing Rock, an Indigenous perspective: https://ictnews.org/news/the-cavalrys-coming-indigenous-activism-from-1492-to-standing-rock/?utm_source=ICT&utm_campaign=c411b83743-THEWEEKLY_1_22_26_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-bcbe519f71-361275800&ct=t(THEWEEKLY_1_22_26_COPY_03)&mc_cid=c411b83743&mc_eid=6d16f46ecc
JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth Celebration (Seattle) Join Bellwether, Atlantic Street Center and Seattle Parks & Recreation on Thursday, June 18th for the 25th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. We will have a booth featuring art and stories by Bellwether employees.
For more information click here.
Eastside Honoring JuneteenthJune 13, 12-4pm at Juanita High School, Kirkland. Organized by local Black leaders, the 7th Annual Eastside Honoring Juneteenth event is happy to welcome back Mr. Delbert Richardson and his national award-winning Unspoken Truths Traveling Museum! Learn about the significance of Juneteenth, enjoy delicious food, shop from Black-owned businesses, and connect with community organizations. Come celebrate!
Featuring DJ AmberLove. Free and open to all
EMPLOYMENT
New King County Site with Paid Youth Opportunities
Check out YouthWorks, a new workforce development program that provides paid summer internships and volunteer opportunities for King County residents ages 16-24. Applications are now open for eligible residents.
Youth Financial Assistance Program (applications open until funding depleted)
Our Youth Financial Assistance Program provides financial assistance to youth (ages 18-24) who are from first generation newcomer families who require financial assistance for needs outside of rental assistance.
Eligibility requirements include:
Must be part of higher education institution (community, trade, 2-year, 4-year) in King County
Must have Washington State residence
Must have proof of Rental Housing
Please let the youth know to send proof of eligibility requirements to my email alan@rootedbrilliance.org
Funds are first-come, first-serve. Once funding has been used, the application will be closed. If found eligible, youth will receive a one-time payment that can be up to $500 depending on the need.
Communities of Rooted Brilliance Youth Financial Assistance Application Form – Fill out form
Questions about either program? Contact Alan Tang at alan@rootedbrilliance.org
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Check out these NAMI support groups: https://nami-eastside.org/supportgroups/
Celebrate Brain Health with First Hill neighbors at their fourth annual Brain Health Block Party in honor of Brain Health Awareness Month. From 11 am - 2 pm on Friday, June 26, have fun exploring the neighborhood, stopping at various brain-healthy activity stations to enjoy music, puzzles, creative arts, movement, and more. Healthy snacks included! A fun and free event for all ages, with a special invitation to folks age 50+.
Click here to find out more.
EVENTS
Health Care for All-WA has invited *Clarence Spigner, DrPH to present “British National Health Service: racial and social determinants of Health” for our next 2nd Wednesday Speaker Series. Dr. Spigner has a great deal to share about race, health and society in Britain and you're invited to join HCFA-WA for “British National Health Service: Racial and Social Determinants of Health,” this Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 PM PDT on Zoom.
June 11: "Never Again is Now" Permanent Mural Installation @ Bellevue Community College | 1:00 pm, RSVP for more info about the rescheduled (and controversial) installation ceremony for Erin Shigaki's "Never Again is Now" art mural. Erin, along with Stan Shikuma with the Japanese American Citizens League and Tsuru for Solidarity, will speak at the ceremony. This milestone seeks to honor the history and lived experiences of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II.
Eastside Honoring JuneteenthJune 13, 12-4pm at Juanita High School, Kirkland
Organized by local Black leaders, the 7th Annual Eastside Honoring Juneteenth event is happy to welcome back Mr. Delbert Richardson and his national award-winning Unspoken Truths Traveling Museum!
Learn about the significance of Juneteenth, enjoy delicious food, shop from Black-owned businesses, and connect with community organizations. Come celebrate!
Featuring DJ AmberLove. Free and open to all East King County Black graduates will be honored at the event - sign up here.
Queer Power Alliance is hosting Brunch Beats and Belonging with MC Harper Bizarre Hear from queer local lawmakers, plug into the No Hate in WA State campaign, and connect with organizations making a difference right here in our communities. June 14, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122 RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mhcmm Pay what you can.
Issaquah Nourishing Network meets Online, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 3:00 - 4:30pm. Contact Kim Weiss for the link. kimweiss5@gmail.com
Eastside Friends of Seniors: June & July Upcoming Events at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church
ChairFit - Movement & Wellness June 9 & 14
Wellness Social & Resources June 11
Summer Ice Cream Social & Live Music July 15
105TH anniversary of the first U.S. Race Amity Conference, Saturday June 13, 2-8pm
Praise - Protest - Purpose: music workshop and community dinner for experienced singers* - $15. https://bit.ly/RaceUnityJune13Sing
Sunday June 14, 4-7pm Race Unity Day celebration: MUSICAL JOURNEYS TO RACIAL JUSTICE - FREE Register soon. Spaces are limited! Eastside Baha’i Center 16007 ne 8th st, Bellevue, WA 98008 hosted by the Baha’is of Bellevue, Baha’is of Seattle and Saint Therese Parish. Register at link: https://bit.ly/RaceUnityJune14
Faith Action Network (FAN) and Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) on Wednesday June 17th at Noon offer a webinar that will explore how to unlock clean energy tax credits via elective pay. This session is designed to help the FAN community better understand opportunities available to faith communities and religious organizations, schools, hospitals, nonprofits, businesses, and other institutions seeking to invest in clean energy solutions.
KCLS: Humane Tales with Seattle Humane Wednesday, June 10, 20264:00pm–4:45pm Online event Ages 3-8 with adult. Online program. Join us for a fun and engaging online program with educators from Seattle Humane. Together, we’ll share a favorite story that highlights animal emotions and needs, learn about the important work happening at Seattle Humane, and discover ways we can all make a difference for pets in our community. You’ll also have the chance to meet a real rescue animal and hear their story!
Sunday June 28thPride Parade in downtown Seattle 10-3, Leadership Eastside invites you to walk with them. Tickets are free sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-eastside-marching-in-seattle-pride-parade-registration-1984321986478?aff=oddtdtcreator
Eastside Pride Month Art Show 2026The 6th “Rainbow on the Eastside” exhibition for Eastside LGBTQIA+ artists will be held at TWO venues this year: Together Center from June 3 – August 28, and Centro Cultural Mexicano from June 18- August 14. The 2 locations are within walking distance of each other in downtown Redmond. Free and open to the public.
Opening Reception: Thursday June 18, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Centro Cultural Mexicano.
Closing Reception: Saturday August 29, 11am-1pm at Together Center.
Meaningful Movies offers the Big Payback, a film about a tax funded reparations bill for Blacks in Evanston, IL on Thursday | 6/18/2026 | 6:00 PM PST at Center for Spiritual Living Ballard, 2007 NW 61st St., Seattle, WA
CommUNITY Barbecue, co-hosted by Look2Justice and ACLU Washington, Saturday, July 25 from 1 to 5 PM There wilis hosting l be food and entertainment provided by Common Sence Studios, Sandy's Food for the Soul, and the Fearless Dance Team. Plus games, activities, cake and more! Location: Seahurst Park, 1600 SW Seahurst Park Rd, Burien, WA
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/L2JACLUCommunityBBQIf you have any questions or need accommodations, please don't hesitate to reach out atmedia@look2justice.org
TRAININGS
Forefront: Calm in the Chaos: Practical Tools for Uncertain Times June 16, 2026 This dynamic, resilience-focused presentation equips participants with simple, evidence-based tools to reduce stress, regain a sense of control, and respond to uncertainty with confidence and clarity. Participants will leave not only with practical strategies they can immediately apply, but with a renewed sense of steadiness, perspective, and the courage to navigate whatever comes next.
The Circle: Understanding Affordable Housing with ARCH [SPANISH] June 18, 2026 During this workshop, an ARCH Program Coordinator will share information about affordable housing resources and homeownership opportunities available through ARCH. Attendees will learn about ARCH’s affordable homeownership program, including who may qualify, how income guidelines are used, and how eligible households and first-time homebuyers can access below-market-rate homeownership opportunities
July 16, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM -- How Aging Network Organizations Strengthen Innovative Caregiver Programs
Explore the new Advancing the Availability of Flexible and Accessible Respite Care for Family Caregivers Action Guide from USAging and the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center. This guide offers practical resources designed to help the Aging Network develop and strengthen innovative caregiver services and supports that meet the needs of caregivers. To further explore the guide and its application, join us for a webinar on Thursday, July 16, from 11:00–12:30 PM PT. Register today!
Introduction to Community Care Hubs webinar on June 16, 10-11 AM
Community Care Hubs are community-driven, regional networks that help people connect to social and health services that match their unique needs. Community Care Hubs operate under their regional Accountable Community of Health (ACH) to support the needs of individuals and families. When people receive support—such as housing, food, mental health care, or childcare—their health and the health of their communities improves.
Community Care Hubs help improve community health by:
Connecting people to social and health services,
Building capacity for community organizations and workers, and
Connecting systems through referral coordination.
This event intended for health care providers, social workers, and community-based organizations that connect individuals to health care needs.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d4e2j2j6QIm3qihuiLuUXw#/registration
Department of Services for the Blind’s Independent Living Program: Fall Class AvailableThe Department of Services for the Blind’s Independent Living Program is launching a new virtual training program for blind and low vision adults in Washington state. Virtual group sessions will run from September to early October 2026 and will cover everyday skills such as labeling, organization, low vision tools, adaptive cooking, cleaning, clothing care, recreation and more. This program may be a good fit for Washington residents who are 22 or older, not currently working or going to school, and have a vision impairment that significantly affects daily activities. Spots are limited. To learn more, contact Kim Canaan, Independent Living Program Manager, by June 12, 2026, at 206-616-6789 or kimcan@uw.edu.
RESOURCES
The FEMA registration deadline for the December storm disaster is June 10, 2026. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Youth Financial Assistance Program (applications open until funding depleted)
Our Youth Financial Assistance Program provides financial assistance to youth (ages 18-24) who are from first generation newcomer families who require financial assistance for needs outside of rental assistance.
Eligibility requirements include:
Must be part of higher education institution (community, trade, 2-year, 4-year) in King County
Must have Washington State residence
Must have proof of Rental Housing
Please let the youth know to send proof of eligibility requirements to my email alan@rootedbrilliance.org
Funds are first-come, first-serve. Once funding has been used, the application will be closed. If found eligible, youth will receive a one-time payment that can be up to $500 depending on the need.
Communities of Rooted Brilliance Youth Financial Assistance Application Form – Fill out form
Questions about either program? Contact Alan Tang at alan@rootedbrilliance.org
ELAP: Wills Clinic at the Bellevue School District Welcome Center June 13, 2026 This is a free opportunity for community members to get free help with wills and simple end-of-life planning. We’ll also have several bilingual attorneys on-site, including folks who speak Spanish, Mandarin, and Indonesian, so please help us spread the word to communities who could benefit. Clients will leave the event with signed/notarized documents when they finish. No Walk-Ins available, for an appointment you can call [425-747-7274 (English) 425-620-2778 (Español)] or schedule online. Flyer in English * Flyer in Spanish
Essentials First: Need help finding or applying for health insurance? Come see Patrick from Community Health Plan of Washington at Essentials First Bellevue every second Monday (coming up next on June 8!), or at Essentials First Kent every third Tuesday. Get support finding and understanding your options and applying for the coverage your family needs.
Evergreen Health: Free Neuro Nutrition Class June 16, 2026 10:30am Online An interactive class and discussion group for people who live with Parkinson's Disease, MS and other neurologic conditions. The focus of these classes will be to learn more about how to plan a good basic diet that provides the nutrition your body needs; understand the calories needed to achieve or maintain a reasonable weight; develop eating strategies to prevent GI issues like constipation and slow digestion; schedule meals for best medication action; and protect your energy by planning and preparing meals. FREE! Register each person attending. This class is held virtually.
Recovery Beyond:Recovery Soccer Watch Party / Marymoor Park Friday, June 19, 11:30am - 6:30pm Join us at the Velodrome Shelter in Marymoor Park (Redmond) for an exciting World Cup watch party on the big screen! Games: USA vs. Australia — 12:00 PM & Scotland vs. Morocco — 3:00 PM. This event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family! We’ll have snacks provided, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the matches. What to bring: Chairs, blankets, and your team spirit! Come cheer, connect, and enjoy a great day of soccer with the community! Find more June Events
IACS: We’re Excited to Welcome Back Care-A-Van to IACS Night Market 2026! June 20, 2026 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM We are delighted to once again partner with the Washington State Department of Health Care-A-Van to bring accessible health services directly to our community during IACS Night Market 2026. Available services may include: - Blood glucose screening - Blood pressure screening - COVID/Flu test kits - Vaccine education - Vision testing. No insurance required, No-cost services, All ages welcome, Walk-up services available. We are grateful to welcome the Care-A-Van team back this year and appreciate their continued commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our community. Crossroads Park, Bellevue. Come enjoy an evening of food, culture, music, shopping—and take advantage of these valuable wellness services while you’re there! Flyer in English * Flyer in Spanish
Solid Ground: FREE ONLINE MEDICARE HELP Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 2026, 5:30-7pm Professionals from the SHIBA program will be available to answer all your Medicare questions. Everyone’s welcome and no registration required. See FLYER IN ENGLISH & SPANISH for details and Zoom link information
KCLS: Renton Library Resource Days Next: June 18, 2026 View all dates RentonFor community members in need of support. Local social support providers will help connect you to resources such as healthcare, free job training, access to ORCA cards, a free phone (call ahead to confirm), gently used clothes, hygiene kits and free lunches (while supplies last). A special thanks to our partners at REACH Renton who provide food, clothing and amazing volunteers! Participating agencies might include: Cowlitz Indian Tribe Mobile Medical Van, Community Health Plan, Native Workforce Services Program, King County Regional Housing Authority - Ombuds & Coordinated Entry, LELO Re-licensing Program, International Community Health Services, Puget Sound Training Center, King County Promotores Network, King County Public Health (Orca Cards), DSHS Seattle Housing Authority, PIM Savvy - Renton, Renton Technical College. *Registration not required.
King County SCOPE:Community Resource Event - Federal Way Tuesday, June 30 • 4 PM - 7 PM Join us to connect with a variety of available resources, meet new people, explore different organizations, and get involved in initiatives that make a difference.
14. WDVA: Women Veterans — Women’s health & wellness resource fair July 23, 2026 10am - 2pm Connect with VA Puget Sound Health Care System providers, community partners, and wellness resources designed specifically for women Veterans. Come learn about available services, ask questions, and build community. Location: Seattle VA Medical Center Building 101, Entrance 1660 S Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108. Also, June 12 in Tacoma.
ORCA Releases Limited-Time Promotional 3-Day Pass for Summer ORCA has introduced a promotional 3-Day Puget Pass, offering unlimited transit rides for three consecutive days at just $18 for adults and $6 for ORCA LIFT, senior, and disabled riders. Available through August 31, 2026, the pass makes it easier and more affordable to travel throughout the Puget Sound region by transit this summer. Key Details of the Promotional 3-Day Pass: - Adult Fare Pass Price: $18, ORCA LIFT, Senior, or Disabled Fare Pass Price: $6, Promotion Duration: June 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026 (3 months), Pass Usage: 3-day passes must be used for three consecutive days and are best suited for riders expecting to take transit more than two times per day for three days in a row., *Unlimited Travel: Purchase one pass to ride and transfer between all eligible ORCA agencies for three consecutive days. Additional E-purse funds may be required to cover trips on King County Water Taxi, Seattle Center Monorail and Sounder trains., Exclusions: 3-day pass does not include fares for Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries, and select regional services.
King County Access Transportation Launches New Online Eligibility Portal King County Metro Access Transportation has launched a new online eligibility portal to make the application process faster, easier, and more transparent. Benefits include automatic routing of application materials for review, automated notifications and communications, and the ability to check application status online at any time. Advocates and applicants are encouraged to use the online portal instead of paper applications whenever possible. Rider ID and PIN are the preferred login credentials. If you are assisting a client with an existing Access record and need help setting up a PIN, contact the Access Certification Team at 206-263-3113 (WA Relay 711).
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & ASKS
Eastside Friends of Seniors: Suds, Beer & Food Tasting June 22, 2026 Let’s raise a glass to aging reimagined! We are planning a vibrant gathering that you won’t want to miss — full of fun, friends, and community spirit. Join us at Issaquah's Big Block Brewing for brews, bites, beats, and big raffle wins!
The Table: Free Community Meal
Every Saturday from 8:00–10:00am, Luther’s Table—together with Sustainable Renton and REACH Renton—offers a hot, nourishing meal for anyone who is hungry: for food, for community, or for both. All are welcome This meal is made possible by volunteers who prep, serve, and clean up each week. Want to get involved?
Meal prep: Thursdays from 1:00–3:00pm
Serve or clean up: Saturdays (come early—set-up starts around 7:30am)
Group opportunity: Want to serve with your church, workplace, or organization? Sign up as a team—we’d love to have you!
Sign up here to volunteer, or reach out to learn more.
Through partnership with Agape Love of Renton, a second meal is now offered each Monday from 10:00–11:00am. Come as you are. This is a space for nourishment, connection, and care to begin the week. If you’d like to learn more or volunteer,
contact Jeanine Burnley: agapelovinghelp@gmail.com
Housing & Environmental Equity Survey The Eastside Environmental Equity Coalition (EEE)* is gathering information from people about their experiences with income-based housing, often called “affordable housing.” We are a group that advocates for affordable housing and the policies needed to equitably meet housing goals for people who live, work, or play in East King County.*EEE includes Move Redmond, Eastside For All, Housing Development Consortium, 350 Eastside, Liveable Kirkland, Eastrail Partners, and more! Survey hosted by Eastside For All in partnership with the Eastside Environmental Equity Coalition
The Sophia Way: For the month of June, please support ourBlack Hair Care DriveWe are proud to participate once again in the Black Hair Care Drive! In partnership with YouthCare, Mary's Place, and Friends of Youth, we are helping provide Black youth, women, and families experiencing homelessness with culturally relevant hair care products that can be difficult to access or afford. Please support this community effort by purchasing items from the wishlist throughout the month of June. Help ensure community members have access to products that affirm their identity, dignity, and well-being.
City of Seattle: ADA Transition Plan Survey 2026 By Sept 15, 2026 The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) strives to provide a pedestrian network that is accessible and usable for everyone. While a range of SDOT projects include accessible pedestrian improvements in their plans, SDOT’s ADA Program is updating our ADA Transition Plan to further define priority locations and destinations and existing barriers to access. We want to make sure that traveling and enjoying Seattle is easier for everyone! From our local parks, to work, and places of interest in Seattle, we want to hear from you on how we can improve accessible travel for all! We invite you to complete our community survey by September 15, 2026. Your input about your experiences and your ideas to improve our public right-of-way and services for people with disabilities are highly valuable as we update our ADA Transition Plan so that we can better coordinate with existing programs and projects and develop action items and plans to focus on for the next 7 years.
King County: Input on Flooding Impact to Issaquah Community King County is interested in learning more about how the most recent flooding we had in December 2025 may have impacted the Issaquah communities that your organization serves. Information shared will help inform the Issaquah Creek Capital Investment Strategy which is managed by King County, on behalf of the King County Flood Control District, and seeks to identify projects and programs to help reduce flood risks. Natalie Seitz, the County’s Project Manager, is interested in meeting with you, virtually or in-person. Natalie would like to hear about the work you do, the communities you serve, and the specific needs and priorities of the communities around Issaquah Creek who experience flooding. If you are interested in participating in a meeting virtually, please email the below contacts with some dates and times that work for you. Flyer in English - Flyer in Spanish - Flyer in Chinese - Flyer in Arabic - Flyer in Russian
Natalie Seitz, nseitz@kingcounty.gov
Kristin Anderson, KAnderson@stephersonassociates.com
Alex Roque, aroque@stephersonassociates.com
Please Join FAN and Climate Solutions in Signing This Petition to Update and Improve our Building Energy Codes
"Our homes and buildings are an enormous source of often unseen pollution; not only from constructing them, but then using and maintaining them. Powering appliances, heating water, running HVAC systems – all of this takes energy, and produces emissions. We deserve clean-powered, high-efficiency buildings that keep us comfortable without burning toxic fossil fuel gas."Strong energy codes are one of the best ways to build thriving, climate-friendly cities from the bottom up. We’ve already done incredible work to make Washington’s buildings some of the healthiest, most climate-friendly in the country. It’s time to build on that work, make improvements, and keep Washington leading on the path to a clean, affordable, energy-efficient future." (from Climate Solutions one-pager)
This opportunity to update and improve our building energy codes comes up only once every three years. Please sign here.
Climate Solutions is also looking for folks to testify at the WA State Building Codes Council hearings:
July 14: hybrid zoom/in-person in Olympia
July 17: hybrid zoom/in-person in Spokane area – would really like as many folks as possible from the Spokane area in person
Please let Elizabeth know if you are interested in testifying. dickinson@fanwa.org
Want to learn more? Check out this article by Deepa Sivarajan at Climate Solutions.
FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS
BSK: Non-BSK Funding Opportunities List – June - August DeadlinesWe will always promote our Best Starts funding opportunities here on the blog and our website. But we’re also posting a monthly blog series, highlighting funding opportunities from other agencies and organizations that support groups that promote the health and well-being of our babies, children, and young people
City of Issaquah: Seeking Service Providers for Culture Fest: Issaquah Welcomes You The City of Issaquah is excited to announce the planning of our annual Culture Fest: Issaquah Welcomes You, scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This vibrant event is a cornerstone of our community and features a robust resource fair that connects residents with local organizations, fostering a sense of belonging and access to valuable resources. We would like to warmly invite your organization to participate in this year’s Welcoming Week resource fair. Our goal is to create a fun, free, and family-friendly event that welcomes everyone, with a heartfelt focus on celebrating and supporting immigrants and refugees. Attendees can look forward to food trucks, live performances, music, decorations, and engaging activities for children. Last year’s event was a tremendous success, and we anticipate an even greater turnout this year. For the resource fair, The City will provide tables and chairs for participating organizations. We ask that organizations bring their own promotional materials, tablecloths, and, if desired, canopies. Additional event details and logistics will be shared as we get closer to the event date. If your organization is interested in joining us, please register by July 15 HERE