COVID-19 has revealed the huge economic and health disparities perpetuated by racism and inequitable systems. At Neighborhood House, we see these disparities firsthand. Critical information and access provided only in English and maybe Spanish, access available only online, and major donors of health care systems “cutting the line” to get the vaccine before their phase … Read more
“Still, more than two weeks into the current phase, immigrant and refugee elders continue to face challenges in accessing the vaccine, from language barriers to a lack of transportation and technology, say group members Helping Link and Neighborhood House, two nonprofits that serve immigrant and refugee populations. Their experiences reflect concerns about inequities around the … Read more
“STONE: She was able to help Hadera get a shot at a nearby pop-up clinic. Janice Deguchi, executive director of Neighborhood House, says their clients were also given early access to sign up for the mass vaccine site. JANICE DEGUCHI: That would definitely be an example of what worked. More of that would be great. … Read more
This piece was originally included in the Winter 2021 Community Partner Connection newsletter of the Department of Social and Health Services. With many programs going remote in 2020, Neighborhood House was concerned about keeping our elders plugged into their social circles and services. Most of these clients have limited financial resources and speak a first … Read more
“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin At Neighborhood House one of our most important core values is: Equity: We believe equity is determined by the community and those who live in it. We share power, work to repair past inequity, and … Read more
This written testimony was sent to the King County Council in response to Motion 2021-0046 regarding equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution and access. Dear King County Council Members, I write in support of Proposed motion 2021-0046 which would address equity in accessing the COVID-19 vaccine during these initial stages of distribution and have some suggestions for … Read more
This statement was put together by the Healthy King County Coalition in partnership with Neighborhood House. Policy Change for Health Equity SB 5129: Concerning the possession of vapor, vapor products, tobacco, and tobacco products by minors When Tobacco to 21 was passed it rightfully omitted penalties for commercial tobacco use and possession on those ages … Read more
Dear Neighborhood House, Last week’s assault on our democracy was the inevitable culmination of years of division and racism. The insurrection follows over four years of anti-Black, anti-Muslim, anti-Asian, and anti-immigrant messaging. The current administration and its allies passed racist policies including family separation, public charge rule, the Muslim ban, severely restricting our borders to … Read more
“Rimi Afroze, program manager of the Aging and Disability Services of Neighborhood House, said the mainstream healthcare system has long overlooked the particular needs of immigrant, refugee, and marginalized populations. During the pandemic, she ‘faced huge roadblocks’ in trying to find culturally appropriate support for homebound elders who were becoming increasingly depressed and anxious, such … Read more
This month, Governor Jay Inslee announced his equity policy package that would include $365 million for equity related initiatives. The package proposes a wide variety of investments like capital investments for Africatown Land Trust and Rainier Valley Food Bank, outdoor recreation equity, and equity for foster and homeless students. Some policy proposals that you may … Read more
We don’t know yet how history will view 2020, but we know we will be proud of the things we have accomplished at Neighborhood House. One of Neighborhood House’s newest employment case managers, Katie, shared a recent experience: “October was my first month working for Neighborhood House, so I spent a lot of time getting … Read more
Last month’s Equity IRL talked about white supremacy culture and if you read further, the accompanying article also offered some antidotes. Several years ago, Neighborhood House adopted Gracious Space, which is based on Gracious Space: A Practical Guide for Working Better Together written by Pat Hughes and published by the Center for Ethical Leadership. Gracious Space, when done … Read more
For the past 9 months, our lives have been turned upside down. We’ve had to balance working from home and homeschooling, change our holiday plans, and wear a mask. For low-income children, youth, adults, families, seniors, and people living with disabilities, the effects of the pandemic are even greater. Lack of financial resources, lack of … Read more
When you think of white supremacy, many people think of people wearing white hoods, burning crosses, and terrorizing Black people, Jews, LGBTQ people and other people of color. But, white supremacy is also white supremacy culture – an invisible force that keeps people of color and those without power silent and powerless. Living and working … Read more
We are happy to announce that the new Sunset Neighborhood Center in Renton officially opened its doors on October 12! The center will host numerous social service agencies, including tenants from Neighborhood House, along with HealthPoint, Valley Cities, and St. Vincent de Paul. Neighborhood House first got involved in this project in 2016 when the … Read more
“If Bezos or any other wealthy donor were to fund existing free preschool programs for low-income families in Washington, there are many areas that their wealth can fill, according to Karin Ganz, an administrator at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). They include supporting more mental health consultation services for parents … Read more
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in expanded unemployment benefits, which has made many more community members eligible for unemployment than were before. This benefit has been a much needed lifeline as people were laid off and/or lost hours of work. As Washington State’s Employment Security Department’s (ESD is the department that administers Unemployment benefits) … Read more
“In the time of Covid-19, everyone is at risk when one community can’t access safety net programs allowing them to stay home. Instead of staying in isolation, people with Covid may have to venture out to work to survive, advocates say. The problems caused by that slip of paper are one of a series of … Read more
The following is an entry from the blog Nonprofit AF, published August 24, 2020 and written by Vu Le. After the kids went to sleep one day, my partner and I put up “Ugly Delicious,” a show where celebrity chef David Chang explores different types of food and talks to various chefs and restaurant owners. In one … Read more
10.1% That’s how much you are paying when you purchase most basic necessities, except unprepared food. Diapers, household goods, and prepared food are all subject to sales tax. Sales taxes are regressive taxes where everyone pays the same tax rate regardless of their income. Because everyone pays the same, higher-income taxpayers pay a smaller percentage of … Read more
Neighborhood House
1225 South Weller Street, Suite 510
Seattle, WA 98144