KCHA NEWS -- December 2009

A resource for King County Housing Authority residents




Single mother finds rewarding job on Birch Creek redevelopment crew

By Heather Miller
King County Housing Authority

Patricia Woodruff was absolutely determined to find a job.

The Birch Creek resident hadn’t had steady work in almost three years, stretching the household budget for herself and her daughter to its limits. Two or three times each week, Woodruff would stop by the Center for Career Alternatives (CCA) – the employment and education resource center in the on-site Kent Family Center – and ask about job openings. When a flagger position opened up with Synergy Construction, Inc. – the general contractor redeveloping Birch Creek – she jumped at the opportunity.

After applying, Woodruff stopped by the center every day to find out if she’d gotten the job. That determination paid off. She’s been working as a flagger for Synergy since April – after the company covered the cost to send her to a one-day training course.

“Synergy has been marvelous to me,” Woodruff said. “With them, the training is really ongoing. They give you a chance to go out into other areas and learn about different jobs.”

Woodruff was promoted to lead flagger a few months after she was hired.

“That’s adding to my management experience,” she said. But the biggest effect of her new job has been the security it’s brought back to Woodruff’s household. Not only does she work close to home, making it easy to care for her daughter, but Woodruff also has steady income once again.

“It had an instant impact,” she said. “This gives stability not just to me but to my daughter as well.”

In addition to being grateful to Synergy for hiring her and helping to grow her skills, Woodruff said she is thankful for the care and assistance that CCA provided.

“They have done so much for the community,” she said of CCA. “Without their office here, we’d have to travel quite a far distance to access similar services.”

Woodruff has resided at the Kent property for nearly five years and said having an affordable place to live has been a blessing. She’s loved the opportunity to be a part of the redevelopment project that’s transforming Birch Creek into a more attractive and comfortable place for families.

“When you see people moving back, it’s just a big upgrade,” Woodruff said of the redevelopment work. “You’re actually making a difference in people’s lives.”

Center for Career Alternatives

In King County outside Seattle, the Center for Career Alternatives has two locations:

Kent Office
13111 S.E. 274th St.
253-639-1162

White Center Office
9618 14th Ave. S.W.
206-957-0684

 

 

 

Community groups provide holiday food, gifts

The following locations plan to offer free food or gifts for the upcoming holiday season. For additional options, visit the community resources section of the Web site www.crisisclinic.org and do a search
for “holiday.”

AUBURN

Auburn Food Bank
What: Provides holiday food bags and toys for children of eligible low-income residents of the Auburn School District.
Address: 930 18th Place N.E.
Directions: Walk in to register by Dec. 18. Registration times are 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, or between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Required documentation includes verification of current address, proof of number of household members, Social Security card, birth certificate, or school report card for every child.
More information: 253-833-8925

BELLEVUE

Bellevue Parks & Community Services – Crossroads Community Center
What: Coordinates a holiday party for Bellevue-area youth that includes entertainment, refreshments, Santa, and gifts. Youth must be present to receive a gift.
Address: 16000 N.E. 10th St.
Directions: The event is at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Must be a Bellevue youth between the ages of 5 and 18. Only serves 18-year-olds who are still in high school. Parents and guardians are welcome but not required to attend.
More information: 425-452-4874

Hopelink
What: Offers select holiday food items for low-income area residents and gifts for those residents’ children and grandchildren.
Address: 14812 Main St.
Directions: Pre-registration required. To register, call Hopelink by Dec. 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Required documentation for new clients includes photo identification, current proof of address and income and documentation for all household members.
More information: 425-943-7555

DES MOINES

Des Moines Area Food Bank
What: Distributes food to low-income area residents for a full holiday meal based on each applicant’s immediate household size.
Address: 22225 Ninth Ave. S.
Directions: Walk in between 9 a.m. and noon Dec. 21-23. There’s typically a two-to three-hour wait so show up as early as possible. Required documentation: photo identification for all adults, Social Security cards, medical coupons or birth certificates for all children, and a current bill to verify your address.
More information: 206-878-2660

FEDERAL WAY

Multi-Service Center
What: Provides holiday food for eligible low-income food pantry clients and gifts for their children.
Address: 1200 S. 336th St.
Directions: Walk in to register for an appointment to pick up food and gifts between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, or 18. Required documentation includes photo identification, proof of
address, and Social Security cards for all family members.
More information: 253-838-6810

HIGHLINE AREA
(Parts of Burien, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and unincorporated King County)

Highline Area Food Bank – Manhattan Community Center
What: Offers self-select food for a full holiday meal for Highline area residents.
Address: 18300 Fourth Ave. S.
Directions: Pre-registration not required but preferred. Walk in to register between noon and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, or between 5:30 and 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Distribution is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 22. Required documentation includes photo identification, proof of current address, and verification of family size such as school records or medical coupons for all children.
More information: 206-433-9900

KENT

Kent Food Bank and Emergency Services
What: Provides holiday gifts and food boxes for low-income residents of the Kent School District.
Address: 515 W. Harrison St., Suite 107
Directions: Walk in to register by Dec. 16. Registration hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 5 to 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Required
documentation includes proof of address, a photo identification for each adult in the household, and identification for all children in the household such as birth certificate, Social Security card, medical coupon, or letter from school.
More information: 253-520-3550

KIRKLAND

Hopelink
What: Offers select holiday food items for area residents. Also, a gift room is set up so low-income parents/guardians can select gifts for their children ages birth through 18.
Address: 11011 120th Ave. N.E.
Directions: Pre-registration is required both for food and for children’s gifts. For non-enrolled clients, please call between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information. For the gift room, both enrolled and non-enrolled clients must call for an appointment by Dec. 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Required documentation includes photo identification for every adult, proof of household income, proof of address, and Social Security card or birth certificate for every household member.
More information: 425-889-7880

NORTH/EAST KING COUNTY

Salvation Army – East King County
Toys for Families: Provides toys for low-income children of families in East and North King County. Children can request certain items, which are donated specifically for them. Or, parents or guardians can shop for a certain number of free toys (without children present) at the Salvation Army.
Senior Assistance: Provides Christmas gift baskets for eligible low-income seniors, ages 60 and older, who live in East or North King County. Baskets contain non-food items, such as blankets, slippers, and hygiene items.
Address: 911 164th Ave. N.E., Bellevue
Directions: Walk in to apply by Dec. 11 between 1 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enrollment may close if program fills before the deadline. Household income must be at or below 50 percent of median income, based on family size. Identification is required of each household member, along with proof of household income. For the children’s toy program, each family must have at least one child in the household age 17 or younger.
More information: 425-452-7300

REDMOND

Hopelink
What: A gift room is set up so that low-income parents/guardians and grandparents can select gifts for children ages birth through 18.
Address: 16225 N.E. 87th St., Suite A1
Directions: Both enrolled and non-enrolled clients must call for an appointment by Dec. 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Required documents include either a current Hopelink-
Redmond client card or a Social Security card for every adult and child in the household, income verification for one full recent month, and a current utility bill or medical coupon to verify address.
More information: 425-882-0241

SHORELINE

Hopelink
What: A gift room is set up so that low-income parents/guardians and grandparents can select gifts for children ages birth through 18.
Address: 15809 Westminster Way N.
Directions: Both enrolled and nonenrolled clients must call for an appointment by Dec. 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Required documentation includes either an up-todate
Shoreline Hopelink food pantry card or a photo identification for adults, proof of address, proof of income, and Social Security cards.
More information: 206-440-7300

 

 

 

Please answer HUD survey

By KCHA Staff

How are we doing?

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to know if residents are satisfied with the King County Housing Authority. Your household may be randomly selected to receive the Resident Service and Satisfaction Survey in the next few months. The survey will measure your opinion about your living conditions.

If you are selected, please take the time to complete the survey. Resident participation is essential to the survey’s success.

HUD provides the majority of taxpayer dollars that fund KCHA’s low-income public housing programs. Resident satisfaction and experience with living conditions are now included in HUD’s yearly evaluation of KCHA and all other public housing authorities.

Who developed this survey?

The survey was developed by HUD with the help of public housing resident leaders and industry representatives.

Who will receive the survey?

Not all residents will receive a survey. Residents will be chosen randomly using an automated computer system. The survey will take place yearly. So if residents do not receive a survey this year, they may in the future.

How will the survey results be used?

HUD will use the overall survey results to determine how well KCHA is doing in five areas: maintenance and repair, services, communication, safety, and development appearance.

Will the survey be confidential?

If you receive a survey, you should not write your name on it. HUD is committed to ensuring that housing authorities will not know who participated or how individuals responded. Your identity will remain confidential. Only the combined results of the survey will be shared with KCHA.

 

 

 

 

HEALTHY FAMILIES

News for Families Living in KCHA Communities

 

 

 

StartZone gives a boost to Southwest King County entrepreneurs

By StartZone Staff
Special to The Voice

Ruth Tial Par’s dream was to convert her hobby of sewing clothes into a business opportunity.

Originally from Burma, Tial Par, who uses a wheelchair, moved to Kent more than a year ago and found the help she needed to make her dream a reality at StartZone. That’s a new initiative at Highline Community College that assisted her with mapping out a business plan and purchasing new sewing machines. Her business – Ruthy Tailoring – recently started accepting customers.

“I’m really appreciative,” Tial Par said of the help she received from StartZone. “Thank you, thank you. I don’t know how else to say it.”

StartZone helps women, people of color, immigrants, and people with disabilities start and grow small businesses in Southwest King County. Since opening in October 2008, the program has helped more than 120 people who want to begin or expand their businesses. In addition, StartZone members have started 15 businesses and created at least 30 jobs.

StartZone services are free to members and include assessments, referrals, business consulting and planning, loan packaging, workshops, mentoring and opportunities for networking and peer support.

Adugna Wubbie, of White Center, came to StartZone with the hope of building a successful business and financially helping his family back in his native Ethiopia.

“For me to receive all of these services and help for free is a success and blessing in and of itself,” he told audience members at a recent celebration.

He and his partner started Rose Super Clean Services, a commercial janitorial service, and are now earning about $3,000 a month in revenue. By the end of his first year in operation, Wubbie hopes to generate at least $10,000 a month.

“I believe success is not only measured with money,” he said. “It’s also measured by whether you’re doing something you like to do.”

To learn more

For more information about StartZone, please call 206-878-3710 ext. 3388, e-mail startzone@highline. edu, or visit startzone.highline.edu.

 

 

 

 

YWCA Job search 101

This month: Making the most of searching for jobs online

By the YWCA Greenbridge Career Development Center

The Internet is an ever-growing resource when it comes to connecting job seekers and employers. So if you’re looking for a job, a key way to maximize your chances of success is to go online.

Getting started with your search

If you’ve never searched for a job online before, you can get started by visiting some of the key mainstream job search sites and just get acquainted with how they work.

The following Web sites are very large and widely used. Each has unique features; you’ll ultimately want to choose the sites that work best for you.

  • www.monster.com

  • www.hotjobs.com

  • www.headhunter.com

  • www.careers.yahoo.com

  • www.quintcareers.com

  • For government jobs, try www.usajobs.opm.gov

  • For freelancing jobs, try www.guru.com

Remember that job search sites are simultaneously used by job seekers and employers. So you can use the Internet both to look for work and to help employers find you.

To search for existing job postings, refine your job search.

Search using keywords that describe the type of work you’re seeking and add more terms to narrow your search as you continue your research.

Don’t forget to specify your location; entering your zip code normally works fine.

Most job sites also have an “Advanced Job Search” tool so that you can narrow your results using, for example, a particular company name, job title, or commuting distance.

You can refine your search even further by visiting your industry’s national or regional Web site, where you can find jobs in your field that might not appear on a broad national job board.

More and more, employers are advertising jobs on these sites in hopes of getting a bigger pool of qualified applicants.

When possible, use job alerts. Most job boards have features that allow you to sign up to receive e-mail alerts about newly available jobs that match your chosen criteria.

This will help you apply for jobs as soon as they are posted, making it more likely that employers will notice you.

Watch out for scam job listings. Be careful if you see job listings promising quick and easy income, or requiring a fee or your Social Security number in order to apply. They’re likely to be scams.

When it comes to helping employers find you, use one or more of the job search sites to post your résumé online.

Posting your résumé helps companies find you online. Bear in mind that anyone may be able to see it.

Many job sites give you the option of posting anonymously, although companies may then be less likely to contact you.

Another way to bring yourself to employers’attention is to get connected. How many times have you been told that it’s not what you know, but who you know?

Thanks to the emergence of professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.com, job seekers no longer have to rely on the old standby of exchanging business cards with strangers.

These sites are composed of millions of industry professionals and allow you to connect with people you know, and so forth.

(A word of caution: When you sign up for online social networking sites, you are in a public domain. Unless you are able to put a filter on some of your information, nothing is private, and it can be difficult to erase once it is posted.)

Applying for jobs online

Beyond simply advertising on the Internet, many employers now offer the option of submitting an online application.

When you decide to apply for a position online, remember that it’s often still important to write a customized cover letter.

A well-written cover letter that is customized to the company or individual recipient shows that you are serious. Try to show how your qualifications and experience relate to the company’s needs.

It’s a good practice to prepare for technical glitches. Save a completed online application for your files or print it off before submitting it in the event you need to start over, re-enter data, or resubmit.

Also, reread your completed application before hitting the SEND button.

  1. You may not be allowed to re-apply or have a time constraint for re-applying.

  2. Use consistent font sizes and formatting in your résumé.

  3. Check your résumé and cover letters for typos and grammatical errors.

  4. Typos aren’t any more acceptable online than they are on paper.

Contact the YWCA

If you need help preparing for a job fair or need general job search assistance or career counseling, the YWCA can help.

We offer résumé and cover letter writing assistance, computer training, e-mail setup, case management programs and even educational workshops.

Monday through Friday, please contact the YWCA Greenbridge Career Development Center at 206-336-7000 or by visiting 9720 Eighth Ave. S.W., Seattle, or the YWCA Green River Career Development Center at 253-735-7030 or by visiting 1102 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn.

 

 

 

 

Simple Delights

This month: Chicken garden risotto

While a healthy diet is the cornerstone to good health, meeting that goal can be a challenge. The recipe below conforms to the recommendations contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We hope you find it easy, tasty, and economical.

Chicken Garden Risotto

Serves six.

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 1 3/4 cups (12 oz.) uncooked orzo pasta (orzo is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta)

10 oz. package of frozen broccoli, thawed 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) reduced sodium chicken stock or broth 10 oz. package frozen corn, thawed 1/4 tsp. black pepper 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions:

1. Rinse chicken. Pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

2. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for two minutes.

3. Add orzo, broccoli, and broth. Reduce heat to medium. Cover skillet. Cook six minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Add chicken. Cook six minutes.

5. Mix in corn and pepper. Cook five minutes.

6. Remove pan from heat. Stir in cheese gently. Serve hot.

Nutritional facts per serving:

Calories: 434

Total Fat: 11 grams

Saturated Fat: 3 grams

Cholesterol: 33 milligrams

Sodium: 312 milligrams

 

 

 

 

GENERATIONS

News for Senior and Disabled Residents of KCHA Communities

 

 

 

Recognize and combat holiday depression caused by loss of loved ones

By the Healthy Aging Partnership

As people grow older, the loss of loved ones can bring on depression that may be heightened during the holiday season. But older adults and the people who care about them can take steps to deal with depression to make the holidays bearable – and even enjoyable – after a loss.

It is natural to grieve the death of a spouse or close companion and to feel the loss more deeply during festive occasions that were once shared. Often, friends and family members are hesitant to talk to
grieving survivors about their feelings. Or, they may go overboard in trying to “make things better.”

AARP – one of the 30 not-forprofit and public agencies that comprise the Healthy Aging Partnership in the Puget Sound area – offers these suggestions for helping others manage depression during the
holidays.

• Bringing up the subject of celebrations after losing a loved one can be hard, but it is essential. If you don’t do this, family members may inadvertently hurt each other’s feelings or misunderstand each other’s actions or words.

• People often want to continue to observe holidays as they did before, but they may find it difficult to follow the usual traditions. Make changes in the planned celebration that will help to accommodate the
feelings of loss. After the event, talk openly about how it went and plan any necessary changes for the next time.

• Grieving survivors may choose not to attend social and family gatherings. If there is a religious ritual connected to the event, you might suggest they attend that portion and not attend the “celebration.”
Discuss ways to add a new element to celebrations or start a new tradition. Here are a few suggestions:

• Did the deceased traditionally say grace or the blessing before the holiday meal? Perhaps there is someone who wants to do it now; select the youngest family member or have the whole family say it together.

• On special occasions, leave an empty chair at the table or light a candle in honor of your loved one.

• Include the loved one’s favorite food as part of the holiday meal.

• Buy a large, clear vase and write all of your loved one’s achievements, roles, and characteristics around the vase with paint pens. Tuck it away each year, except on special days, and then fill it with your loved one’s favorite flowers.

While depression following a loss is normal, being seriously depressed for two weeks or more is the sign of a potentially serious condition. Prolonged depression can include problems with sleep patterns, appetite, irritability, fatigue, persistent physical problems like headaches, or difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions. In instances of prolonged depression, contact a doctor, friend, or family member – or call the confidential assistance line at 1-888-4ELDERS (1-888-435-3377).

Never take suicide threats lightly. If you hear one – or ever have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself – call the local toll-free suicide crisis line immediately at 866-427-4747. It is not true that people who talk about suicide never do it.

To find resources for treating depression or managing any other issue associated with living a healthier life as an older adult, you can get free and confidential information and assistance by calling 1-888-
4ELDERS (1-888-435-3377) or visiting the Healthy Aging Partnership Web site at www.4elders.org.

HAP is generously supported by its partner agencies, Puget Sound Energy, and the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation.




 

RSVP connects older adults with volunteer opportunities

By Solid Ground

Solid Ground – a local nonprofit organization – has a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) that can help you get involved in the community.

RSVP encourages people 55 and older to volunteer, and currently, the program has about 2,000 volunteers working at hundreds of businesses and nonprofits in King County. RSVP can help you find
the right volunteer opportunity in your area that best suits your time and interests.

The benefits of getting involved with RSVP include:

• Membership in a national service organization. With RSVP, your volunteer hours are counted as part of a national movement.

• Personal attention from RSVP staff to find a volunteer site that is suited to your desires and needs.

• Travel reimbursements for public transit or auto mileage if you need transportation assistance in order to volunteer.

• Supplemental insurance while you’re volunteering and traveling to and from your volunteer site.

• A subscription to “Experience in Action” – RSVP’s quarterly newsletter.

• Annual volunteer recognition.

To find out more or sign up to volunteer, please go online to www.solid-ground.org/GetInvolved/Volunteer/RSVP/Pages/default.aspx, or call 206-957-4779 ext. 116.

 

 

 

 

Residents with disabilities can seek Reasonable Accommodations

The King County Housing Authority is committed to providing accommodations to persons with disabilities so that their living arrangements are, as a whole, comparable to that of other applicants and residents.

Requests must be medically necessary and sufficiently tied to the individual’s disability. To request a reasonable accommodation, please talk to your property manager or resident services coordinator. Also, a copy of the reasonable accommodation request form for public housing applicants and residents is available on the KCHA Web site at www. kcha.org/currentresidents/sh_reasonable.aspx.

 

 

 

 

Harrison House preparing for Green River flooding

By Gina Bellisario
King County Housing Authority

If you turn on the television or read the news, you’ve probably heard about the potential for flooding in the Green River valley this winter.

One of the support structures at the Howard Hanson Dam was damaged following a record high water level in January 2009. That means that with heavy rainfall, there’s a possibility that the Green River may overflow its banks. The Harrison House in Kent is the largest KCHA subsidized housing property in the flood zone.

Harrison House recently held a flood preparation meeting for residents, their family members and their friends. The Kent Emergency Services Department, Mayor Suzette Cooke, and American Red Cross were present. They discussed what steps have been taken to prevent flooding and plans to evacuate if it does flood.

How will I know if there is a flooding danger?

First, you can listen to the news, tune into the City of Kent’s 1650 AM radio station or public access television station Channel 21, or visit the city’s Web site at www. ci.kent.wa.us.

In addition, Kent is part of what’s known as the Code Red community alert system. It’s kind of like a reverse 9-1-1 system: Kent land-line telephone numbers automatically will be called with automated messages. But to be absolutely sure your number is included or to register a cell phone or other telephone number, you can register your contact information with Kent’s Code Red system at www.kentCodeRED. com.

When will the city notify us about the possibility of flooding?

There will be three warning levels. The first warning is a two- to three-day notice because of a projected threat of flooding due to severe weather. You’re encouraged to start enacting your household’s emergency response plan at that point.

The second warning means that dangerous conditions exist, and there’s a good probability of flooding. You’ll definitely want to kick your emergency response plan into full gear and consider evacuating.

The third warning is an evacuation order, meaning that you should evacuate within 30 minutes because flooding danger is imminent.

What happens if we get an evacuation order?

Harrison House staff members are working with residents on the details of their individual evacuation plans. KCHA staff phone numbers are included in Kent’s Code Red system. If warnings are issued, staff will be present at the building to assist residents with their evacuation. If residents have not left by the third warning, KCHA is working with the City of Kent on bus transportation to “rally points” at local churches that will then transport residents to local shelters. (All pets must be in carriers for them to be sheltered).

How can I prepare in advance?

KCHA staff members have been working with residents to prepare for this potential disaster. Because there is a possibility of power outages and sheltering in place, we are encouraging residents to have an emergency kit with basic supplies (water, non-perishable food, first aid, flashlight, etc.) in their homes. In addition, KCHA has supplied an emergency kit on each upper floor of Harrison House that includes a NOAA/American Red Cross crank radio. We also are encouraging residents be prepared by having a “ready-to-go” kit in case they need to evacuate quickly.

In addition to resident preparedness, KCHA maintenance staff members have been developing a plan to help minimize potential damage to the building.

As much as we hope this will not happen, we want to be prepared. We appreciate all of our residents’ patience and understanding during this time.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Gina at 253-437-2440.

 

 

 

News Notes

Hopelink can connect you with an interpreter

Is it hard for you to speak or understand English at your medical (doctor) or state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) appointments? Your doctor or your DSHS case worker can ask Hopelink to send an interpreter to your appointment.

Interpreters can help you communicate with the doctor or DSHS staff. The interpreter also can help the doctor or DSHS staff member understand your issues or concerns.

Doctors or DSHS staff can call 425-378-7977 to ask for an interpreter to come to your appointment.

City of Kent provides recreation for those with disabilities

The Kent Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department offers adaptive recreation services for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Services include community integration, social activities, cooking classes, community trips, visual arts, theater, computer classes, and more. Many programs are available in the evening.

The Kent Parks Resource Center is located at 315 E. Meeker St.

To apply and find out about fees – which vary – please call 253-856-5030 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can e-mail resourcecenter@ci.kent.wa.us.

 

 

 

 

Make your home safe during winter weather

The King County Housing Authority wants to be sure that you stay warm this winter but that you also take precautions to protect yourself. Below are some tips on how to avoid winter fire hazards and how to stay safe during a power outage.

Avoid fire hazards

Don’t overload your home circuitry with a space heater. Use extension cords that have the necessary rating to carry the amp load.

Avoid using electrical space heaters in areas where devices can come into contact with water, paints, solvents or flammable liquids, and place heaters at least three feet from bedding, furniture, drapes, and other objects that can catch fire.

Never leave a space heater on when you sleep or leave the area. This is a carbon monoxide and fire hazard.

Don’t keep trash near your heating system. Never leave burning candles on window sills or on any furniture that has a cloth covering. Use an appropriate candle holder at all times.

Power outage safety

Use a flashlight to help you find your way around.

Don’t use candles because they can cause a fire hazard.

Turn off any electrical equipment that you were using before the outage, including your stove. Leave one light turned on to alert you when power returns.

Don’t use generators or other fuel-burning devices such as heaters or grills inside your home. Those can cause potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you suspect that a person has carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately move them into fresh air. Make sure the person gets to a hospital.

Try not to open your refrigerator unless absolutely necessary. That will help preserve the perishable food you have inside.

 

 

 

 

TRANSLATIONS

Translated Articles for Our Residents

Make your home safe during winter weather

Сделайте свой дом безопасным в зимнюю погоду

ЖУОК хочет, чтобы вам было тепло этой зимой, но также важно, чтобы вы принимали меры предосторожности.

Избегайте пожароопасных ситуаций

Не перегружайте домашнюю электросеть обогревателем. Используйте удлинители, соответствующие напряжению сети.

Избегайте использования обогревателей в местах, где они могут соприкоснуться с водой, красками, растворителями или воспламеняющимися жидкостями и располагайте обогреватели не менее чем в трёх футах от постелей, мебели, занавесок и других возгорающихся предметов.

Никогда не оставляйте включенным обогреватель на время сна или отсутствия из дому. Это опасно пожаром и угоранием.

Не держите мусор возле обогревательных приборов. Никогда не оставляйте зажжённые свечи на подоконниках или на покрытой салфетками мебели. Всегда используйте подходящий подсвечник.

В случае отключения электричества

Освещайте свой путь фонариком. Не зажигайте свечи, так как они могут вызвать пожар. Выключите все электроприборы, которыми вы пользовались перед отключением электричества, не забудьте про электроплиту. Оставьте один выключатель во включённом положении, чтобы вы могли увидеть, когда подача электричества возобновиться.

Не используйте генераторы или другие приборы на топливе, такие, как печки или грили внутри дома. Они могут стать причиной смертельного отравления угарным газом.

Если вы подозреваете, что кто-то отравился угарным газом, немедленно переведите его на свежий воздух и позаботьтесь о доставке пострадавшего в госпиталь.

Старайтесь открывать холодильник только в случае крайней необходимости, чтобы предотвратить порчу продуктов внутри него.

Gurigaagu ahaado mid safe ah

KCHA waxay rabtaa inaad hoy ka

hesho qaboobaha nagu soo aadan,

balse ay muhiim tahay inaad taxadar baan muujiso si aad naftaada u badbaadiso.

Iska Ilaali khatarta dabka.

Yaree isticmaalka kulaylisada korantada ku shaqaysa, isticmaalna qaybiso leh koronto ku filan si ay u qaado amp.

Iska ilaali inaad isticmaasho kulayliyaha korontada meelaha ay biyo, rinji, solfentis ama dareere dabka qabsan og, saddex feetna ka fogee kulaylisada gogoshaada, kuraasta iyo

waxyaabaha kale ee dabka u nugul.

Waligaa kulayliso shidan ha uga tegin gurigaaga. Waa Kaaroon monooksiydh dabkana waa qabsataa.

Qashinka ka fogee kululaysada guriga. Ha ka tagin shumac shidan daaqadda korkeeda ama alaabta guriga ee maryo ku fidsan yihiin.Isticmaal saxanka shumaca la saarto markasta..

Badbaadada koronto la’aanta

Isticmaal toosh si aad uga adeegato gurigaaga

Ha Isticmaalin shumac, waayo dab ayey dhalinyaan

Demi dhamaan nalalka iyo qalabka

kale ee aad Isticmaalaysayba intaan

korontadu tegin.

Hal nal ha kuu daarnaado si aad u

ogaato marka korontadu imaato.

Ha Isticmaalin motor koronta ee gas ku shaqeeya sida kulayliso ama giriil gurigaaga gudihiisa. Waxay keeni karaan sun (carbon Monoxide). Had-dii aad ka shakido in qof sumoobay (suntan carbon monoxide), si deg-deg ah ugu gudbi meel hawo fiican leh, hubsana in isbitaalka la geeyo.

Isku day inaadan furin tallaaagada haddaysan baahi weyn kuu hayn si aysan cuntada kaaga halaabin.

LÀM CHO CĂN NHÀ BẠN AN TÒAN TRONG MÙA ĐÔNG

Cơ quan Cấp Phát Gia Cư –KCHA muốn cho bạn được ấm áp trong mùa đông này, nhưng điều quan trọng là bạn nên cẩn thận để tự bảo vệ cho mình

Hãy tránh nguy cơ bị cháy nhà

Đừng làm ổ điện bị quá tải khi dùng máy sưởi lọai xách tay. Hãy dùng lọai dây dẫn điện cần thiết có đủ tiêu chuẩn tải điện cao thế.

Hãy tránh dùng máy suởi xách tay ở các chỗ có nước, sơn , hay các hóa chất dễ cháy, và hãy để máy sưởi cách xa độ 3 bộ tây từ giường ngủ, bàn ghế, màn cữa hay các vật dễ cháy khác.

Đừng bao giờ để máy sưởi họat động lúc bạn ngủ hay lúc bạn không có ở nơi đó. Đây là nguy cơ dễ bị nhiễm độc chất than khí, và nguy cơ bị cháy nhà.

Đừng để máy sưởi gần nơi có rác rến

Đừng để đèn nến đang cháy nơi gần màn cửa hay trên các bàn ghế bọc vải. Hãy luôn để đèn nến lên các giá đựng.

An Tòan Lúc Bị Cúp Điện Hãy dùng đèn bấm để di chuyển Đừng dùng đèn nến vì dễ gây cháy

nhà

Hãy tắt đi các dụng cụ xài điện mà mình đang xài trước khi bị cúp điện kể cả bếp lò, chỉ cần chừa lại một ngọn đèn thôi, để khi có điện lại, mình sẻ biết ngay

Đừng dùng máy phát điện hay các lọai máy sưởi chạy dầu bên trong nhà mình, đó là những thứ có thể gây ra nhiểm độc chất thán khí chết người

Nếu qúi vị nghi ngờ một người bị nhiểm độc chất thán khí, lập tức dời họ đến nơi có thóang khí và đưa họ đến bịnh viện.

Cố gắng tránh mở tủ lạnh (lúc bị cúp điện) trừ lúc cần thiết, như thế để giữ cho đồ ăn trong tủ lạnh kéo dài lâu.

 

 

 

 

TRANSLATIONS

Translated Articles for Our Residents

Fadlan ka jawaab su’aalaha HUD-ka

Xafiiska guryeynta iyo horumarkinta degaanka ayaa rabta inay ogaato in degenayaasha guryaha dawladda ee Degmada King ay ku faraxsan yihiin adeegyada hay’adda.

Bilaha soo socda waxaa laga yaabaa in qoyskaaga lagu daro qoysaska heli doona Su’aalaha ku saabsan qanaca adeegyada hay’adda guryeynta ee Degamada King taasoo cabiraysa xaalad nololeedkaaga. Haddii lagu doorto, fadlan buuxi warqadda laguu soo diro, kana jawaab su’aalaha.

Ka qayb qaadashada degenayaasha guryahan waaxay muhiim u tahay guulaysiga sarfeyga.

HUD waa haydda federaali ah bixisana lacagta ay KCHA ku dhisto kuna maamusho guryahan low-income-ka ah. Ku qanacsanaanta xaalad nololeedka guryaha waxay ka mid tahay sargeyga sanadlaha ah ee HUD ka rabto dhamaan hay’adaha guryaeynta ee KCHA ka midka tahay.

Yaa sameeyey Su’aalahan?

HUD ayaa samaysay Su’aalahan kadib la tashi aya la yeelatay hormuudka genayaasha guryaha dawladda iyo dadka matala guryeynta.

Yaa heli doona Su’aalahaan?

Degenayaasha oo dhan ma heli doonaan Su’aalahan (sarfeygan). Degenayaasha waxaa si talan taali ah loogu dooranayaa kombuyuutarka. Sarfeyfu wuxuu dhacaa sanad kasta. Haddi aadan sandkaan helin waa suuro gal inaad heshid mustaqbalka.

Sedee ayaa loo isticmaalayaa natiijada ka soo baxda sarfeyga?

HUD waxay in badan oo sarfeyga ka mid ah u Isticmaalaysaa sida KCHA ka yeesh shan arimood: dayactirka, adeegga, xiriirka, badbaadada, iyo bilicda dhimayaasha.

Ma wax qarsoonbaa Sarfeygu?

Haddii aad hesho sarfeygan, ha ku qorin magacaaga. HUD waxay balan-qaadaysaa inaysan qolyaha guryuhu ogaan cidda ka qayb qaadatay iyo sida ay uga jawaabeen su’aalaha. Aqoonsigaagu waa mid xafidan oo aan cidna ogaan Karin. Natiijada oo laysku daray ayay KCHA ogaanaysaa oo kaliya.

XIN VUI LÒNG TRẢ LỜI CHO CUỘC THĂM DÒ CỦA HUD-BỘ PHÁT TRIỂN ĐÔ THỊ VÀ GIA CƯ

Bộ Phát Triển Đô Thị & Gia Cư- HUD của chính phủ liên bang muốn biết xem cư dân có hài lòng với Nha Cấp Phát Gia Cư KCHA hay không.

Trong vài tháng sắp tới, gia đình qúi vị có thể đuợc chọn đại, để nhận được tờ thăm dò về cung cách phục vụ và mức hài lòng của cư dân, trong đó có phần thăm hỏi ý kiến của qúi vị về điều kiện sinh sống.

Nếu đuợc chọn, xin qúi vị hãy bỏ giờ ra để trả lời cho tờ thăm dò. Sự tham gia từ nguời cư dân là rất quan trọng để cho cuộc thăm dò đuợc thành công.

Bộ Phát Triển Đô Thị & Gia Cư- HUD cung cấp phần lớn tiền do dân đóng thuế để tài trợ cho Nha Cấp Phát Gia Cư –KCHA chương trình nhà cho người có lợi tức thấp. Nhưng kinh nghiệm sinh sống và mức độ hài lòng của cư dân được bao gồm vào việc đánh giá hàng năm của Bộ Phát Triển Đô Thị & Gia Cư- HUD với các cơ quan cấp phát nhà ở cho cư dân có mức lợi tức thấp, trong đó gồm có Nha
Cấp Phát Gia Cư KCHA.

Những ai thực hiện tờ thăm dò ?

Bộ Phát Triển Đô Thị & Gia Cư- HUD đặt ra tờ thăm dò này với sự giúp ý kiến của đại diện cư dân cùng với đại diện các nghành kỷ nghệ. Những ai sẽ nhận được tờ thăm dò ?

Không phải tất cả mọi cư dân đều nhận được tờ thăm dò này. (Chỉ có một số) cư dân sẽ được chọn đại qua hệ thống điện tóan. Cuộc thăm dò sẻ được thực hiện hàng năm, do đó nếu cư dân không nhận được tờ thăm dò trong năm này, thì có thể họ sẻ đuợc chọn trong tương lai.

Kết quả cuộc thăm dò sẻ được xử dụng như thế nào ?

Bộ Phát Triển Đô Thị & Gia Cư- HUD sẻ dùng kết quả tòan bộ của cuộc thăm dò để đánh giá Cơ quan Cấp Phát Gia Cư quận King – KCHA trong năm lãnh vực: bảo trì và sữa chửa, việc phục vụ, việc trao đổi thông tin, việc an tòan và việc phát triển xây dựng.

Cuộc thăm dò có được giữ tín cẩn không?

Nếu qúi vị có nhận đuợc tờ thăm dò, thì đừng ghi tên qúi vị vào đó. Bộ Phát Triển Đô Thị & Gia Cư- HUD cam kết và bảo đảm rằng các cơ quan cấp phát nhà ở sẻ không được biết cư dân nào tham gia và trả lời thế nào cho cuộc thăm dò.

Danh tính của qúi vị được giữ kín. Chỉ những kết quả tổng kết của cuộc thăm dò thì được chia sẻ cho nha cấp phát gia cư mà thôi.

Please answer HUD survey

Ответьте, пожалуйста, на вопросник ЖГР

Федеральный отдел жилищного и городского развития хочет знать, довольны ли жители работой жилищного управления округа Кинг.

В последующие несколько месяцев ваша семья может быть наугад выбрана для получения вопросника “Обслуживание жителей и удовлетворённость услугами” (Resident Service and Satisfaction Survey), который определяет ваше мнение о своих жилищных условиях.

Если вы будете выбраны, посвятите, пожалуйста, время на заполнение вопросника. Успех обследования полностью зависит от участия жителей.

Ж Г Р н а п р а в л я е т б о л ь ш у ю ч а с т ь налоговых сборов на финансирование программ жилья для малоимущих семей ЖУОК. Удовлетворённость жителей и их опыт проживания включены теперь в ежегодные оценки качества работы всех жилищных управлений, включая ЖУОК.

Кто разработал этот вопросник?

ЖГР разработал вопросник с помощью представителей от жителей общественных домов и представителей отрасли.

Кто получит вопросник?

Не все жители получат вопросник. Жители будут выбраны наугад, используя автоматическую компьютерную систему. Опрос будет производиться ежегодно, так что если жители не получат вопросник в этом году, они могут получить его в следующие годы.

Как будут использоваться результаты опроса?

Ж Г Р буд е т и с п о л ь з о в а т ь о б щ и е ре зульт аты опро с а для определения эффективности работы ЖУОК по пяти параметрам: содержание и ремонт, услуги, связи, безопасность и внешний вид жилых районов.

Будет ли обследование анонимным?

Если вы получите вопросник, не пишите на нём своё имя. ЖГР обязывается обеспечить полную секретность, так что жилищные управления не будут знать, кто участвовал или как отвечали на вопросы. Ваша личность останется в секрете. Только общие результаты опроса будут сообщены ЖУОК.

 

 

 

WHITE CENTER SCENE

News About the Greenbridge and Seola Gardens Communities

 

 

Residents welcome first café, eatery to Greenbridge

By KCHA Staff

Nia resident Trudy Auxier was so excited about Dubsea Coffee opening up adjacent to her apartment building that she spread the word to everyone she could.

“I like hot chocolate, I like being able to come over and listen to people, and I was really interested to see the paintings,” she said. “I think this is just marvelous.”

Dubsea Coffee, which opened in mid-November at Greenbridge, serves organic and direct trade Stumptown coffee, organic Rishi teas, hot chocolate, and chai. The café also offers a variety of baked goods from Little Rae’s Bakery, Macrina Bakery & Café, and High 5 Pies as well as breakfast items such as bagels, granola, and yogurt. Sandwiches and Boylan sodas also are available. Beyond its food and drink offerings, Dubsea features wireless Internet and gallery space for local artists.

“What better way to build on the vision of Greenbridge than to offer a warm, comfortable destination where people from all walks of life can share great coffee and conversation,” said Stephen Norman, KCHA’s executive director. “Dubsea Coffee will also provide much-needed jobs in this community.”

Bryant Sim is a 16-year-old Greenbridge resident who is working part-time at the café. He’s excited by the chance to delve into his new job.

“Coffee is really interesting to me – and this job is really close to home, so I can walk to work,” Sim said. “This is also my first work experience. It’s a great opportunity because it will help prep me financially for college.”

At its recent grand opening, the café’s first 250 customers received a free, 12-ounce drink of their choice, courtesy of Synergy Construction, Inc. – the company that constructed the building that’s home to Dubsea. The name stems from a term of endearment sometimes used by those who live in White Center, referring to the community’s initials: W.C.

The coffeehouse is the brainchild of Sibelle Nguyen, who sees her shop as a place where civic interaction can take place.

“Being open and loving – and inspiring each other to be that way – is what I hope this space will achieve,” she said. “There’s so much going on in this community that I want Dubsea to be a catalyst for fostering connections and friendships. I want to offer a place that fills residents with a sense of pride.”

 

 

 

News Notes

Greenbridge Library

• Family Story Time: 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 9, and 16. Join us in the meeting room for 30 minutes of books, songs, rhymes, and silliness.

The Greenbridge Library is at 9720 Eighth Ave. S.W., Seattle. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, please call 206762-1682.

White Center Library

• Game On!: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Play your favorite multiplayer video games on GameCube, Xbox 360, and the Wii.

• Rock! Rock! Rock!: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. This original children’s rock concert is performed by some crazy puppet musicians.

• Study Zone: 6 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, and 17. Drop in during scheduled Study Zone hours for free homework help from trained tutors.

• Early Learning Fiestas: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, and 17.

This series of workshops is designed for Spanish-speaking families to prepare their children for kindergarten. Parents and caregivers can teach children the basic learning skills they will need before they can actually read and write.

• White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar & Charlie’s Crazy Christmas Show: Dec. 5. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., shop for gifts at the bazaar and bake sale; at 2 p.m., watch Charlie’s Crazy Christmas Show with kids’ comedian, author, illustrator, and sound imitation expert, Charlie Williams.

• World Language Story Time: 6 p.m. Dec. 8. Join us for Vietnamese stories, songs, rhymes, dances, and more!

• Alphabet Soup Family Story Time: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. Join us for stories, songs, finger plays, and fun as we read our way through the alphabet.

The White Center Library is at 11220 16th S.W., Seattle. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 206243-0233.

Highline Public Schools

Dec. 4, 11, and 18: Professional Collaboration Time-Early Dismissal

Dec. 21-31: Winter Break-No School