Current Resources & Opportunities
Resources available for people living on low incomes are constantly changing. Fortunately, you can stay on top of the latest news about new and upcoming opportunities by reading Resource Wire, which is sent out in a weekly email and updated below.
Attending college, a trade school, or other post-secondary education institution is one of the best investments you can make in your future, but unfortunately sky-rocketing tuition rates have made many of these programs unimaginably expensive. Fortunately, public high school graduates in Renton, Seattle, and Tukwila are now guaranteed a FREE two-year college education under the cities’ “Promise” programs. Read on to learn more, plus find info about job training, renter education, and more! FREE COLLEGE FOR RENTON, SEATTLE, AND TUKWILA STUDENTS WHEN: Applications due starting in February 2026 WHAT: Students who expect to graduate from public high schools in Renton, Seattle, and Tukwila may be able to attend at least two years of college for FREE under a growing number of “Promise” programs. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid in addition to individual program applications. MORE INFO: Read Renton students can go to community college debt-free with this program in the Seattle Times. TEEN, YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIP & OPPORTUNITY FAIR WHEN: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd Street, Suite 100, Burien, WA 98166 WHAT: Learn about internships, apprenticeships, and community resources available for young people ages 16 to 25. Walk-ins welcome; register to receive a reminder email. TO REGISTER: Go to Teen and New Adult Internship and Opportunity Fair. MORE INFO: Download the Teen and New Adult Internship and Opportunity Fair flyer.
FREE HELP CHANGING CAREERS WHEN: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1:30-3pm WHERE: 2707 I Street NE, Auburn WA, 98002 WHAT: Learn about tools and resources for exploring career transitions as well as training and educational options to ease that transition. These are in-person meetings. TO SCHEDULE A MEETING: Go to event registration. MORE INFO: Go to Join Us for Career Transition Training Workshops/Funding for Education SAVE ON SEATTLE UTILITY BILLS WHEN: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 2–5 pm WHERE: Family Resource Center @ Cedar Crossing, 1005 NE 67th St., Seattle, WA 98115 WHAT: Come meet with representatives from Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light to learn how you can save up to 50% of your electric bill and 60% off your monthly bills for water, sewage, and garbage. Make sure to bring IDs or photos of IDs for everyone over the age of 18 in your household, as well as proof of income (such as a DSHS letter, pay stubs for the entire month of December, SSI letter, etc.). MORE INFO: See if your income qualifies. QUESTIONS? Call 206.647.1790 or email theteam@familyworksseattle.org. NEW RESOURCE HUB IN WHITE CENTER WHEN: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:30am WHERE: White Center Hub, 10829 8th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146 WHAT: The White Center Community HUB is a shared, multi-use facility designed to foster connection, expand access to essential services, and support collaborative community efforts. It brings together nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and residents in a space that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and shared purpose. MORE INFO: Go to White Center HUB’s Ribbon Cutting. FREE LEGAL HELP FOR RENTERS WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Kent Law Library, 401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032 WHAT: Tenants’ Rights Legal Clinics offer free legal advice on a walk-in basis to low-income King County residents facing landlord-tenant issues. Tenants will meet with an attorney one-on-one for a brief consultation to discuss issues such as disputes over lockouts, utility shutoffs, moving in/out, repairs, discrimination, habitability, retaliation and more. Additional upcoming dates: MORE INFO: Download the Free Walk-In Legal Help flyer or go to the online calendar. HOW TO FIND HOUSING THAT WORKS FOR YOU WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 5-6:45pm WHERE: Online; register to get link WHAT: As a Washington state renter, it can be a daunting task to find housing search information and know what it takes to find rentals. The laws and processes can be confusing and even overwhelming. Learning general information about housing search and tenants’ rights is the first step to being a successful renter. Join Solid Ground tenant counselors to learn about: Tenant Law Center attorneys may be available during presentations for general legal information, and we share legal aid resources during each presentation. If you’re currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 206.267.7069 or hjpstaff@kcba.org. TO REGISTER: Go to Rent Smart: General Information on the King County Public Library website. JOB FAIRS & HIRING EVENTS WHAT: A variety of employers are holding hiring events over the next week, with some making on-the-spot offers with no experience required. Auburn job fair More info: Go to WorkSource King County Job Fair-January 28th. MORE INFO: To find additional job openings and events, go to WorkSource Workshops & Hiring Events or Port Jobs Hiring Events. FREE MEDICAL CARE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS WHEN: Various times and locations listed below. WHAT: King County’s Street Medicine Program provides walk-in medical care for people who are living homeless (or were recently homeless) only. In addition to the clinic dates below, check out the Street Medicine Program page for the weekly encampment outreach schedule. Upcoming dates: QUESTIONS? Call 206.963.8628 or email streetmedicine@kingcounty.gov. FREE & LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE WHEN: See various dates and times below. WHAT: Seattle Veterinary Outreach, Washington Health Outreach, and Doney Coe Pet Clinic provide veterinary care for free or at a reduced cost to the pets of people experiencing homelessness and or living on low incomes. Veterinary care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early to secure a place in line. Services are reserved for those experiencing homelessness or living with a low income, which is verified at clinics. Pet owners should bring their SNAP, EBT, WIC, SSI, or TANF cards. Alternatively, a letter confirming that the pet owner is living in subsidized housing or receiving housing vouchers is also acceptable. Upcoming dates: MORE INFO: Visit Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic Calendar, Washington Health Outreach Schedule and Services, or Doney Coe Services.
~UPCOMING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES~ FREE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY JOB TRAINING WHEN: 15-week course runs March 2 through June 15, 2026, Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm WHERE: Online WHAT: The Per Scholas IT Support Program is designed to prepare students for COMPTIA A+ certification and for tech career opportunities such as an IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support Technician, and Computer Repair Technician. Prior technology experience is helpful but not required. TO APPLY: Go to Jumpstart Your Tech Career. MORE INFO: Download the Per Scholas AI-Enabled IT Support flyer. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AMERICAN INDIANS WHEN: Applications accepted through March 2, 2026. WHAT: Applications are now being accepted for the American Indian Endowed Scholarship (AIES), which is intended to help students with financial need who have close social and cultural ties to an American Indian community in Washington state. Students can use the scholarship at public colleges and many independent colleges in Washington. Award amounts range from around $500 to $3,000. Ten to 15 students are selected each year to receive the awards. Students may get AIES funding for up to five years, but must reapply each year. TO APPLY: Review the application instruction sheet and submit an application through the online AIES Portal. CITIZENSHIP CLASSES FOR GREEN CARD HOLDERS WHEN: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 6pm, January 5 – March 19, 2026 WHERE: Three in-person locations: WHAT: Learn to read and write to pass the U.S. citizenship test along with basic speaking skills for the interview and US History and government. You’ll be asked for proof of Permanent Residence (Green card) Public benefits. MORE INFO: Download the IRC Free Citizenship Classes flyer. GET HELP PAYING FOR SCHOOL WHEN: Apply now for the 2026-2027 school year. WHAT: If you’re thinking about attending college, trade schools, job training, or apprenticeships starting in fall 2026, now is the time to learn about what kind of financial aid you may be able to get. Both the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) for the 2027-2027 school year are now available. Don’t know which form to use? It’s simple: MORE INFO: Go to Apply for Financial Aid on the Washington Student Achievement Council’s website. RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES! WHEN: English sessions are held several times a month, various days and times. Spanish sessions are held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm. WHERE: Zoom WHAT: Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series presented by Solid Ground Tenant Counselors, with Tenant Law Center attorneys available to help answer questions. Rent Smart Webinars in English See All Upcoming Tenant Webinars NEED MORE HELP? ¿NECESITA MÁS AYUDA? When you need help, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we put together these lists of ongoing community resources in King County for help with things like housing, food, childcare, transportation, employment, and more. Click on the topics below to see what’s available in each area.
WHEN: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm (chat hours 10am-4pm) WHAT: 2.1.1 is the best way to connect with a range of social services and resources available in King County, including help with housing, food, utilities, health care, and transportation. CONTACT: Call 2.1.1 or 800.621.4636, text your zip code to 898.211, email kc211@incontactemail.com, or go to 2.1.1 Community Resources Online to search a database of services. WHAT: Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of state services and benefits, including food, cash, child care, long-term care, and Medicare savings programs. MORE INFO: Go to See If I Qualify to find out which programs you may be eligible for. CONTACT: Email waconnectioncomments@dshs.wa.gov. WHAT: Affordable Seattle is an online resource to help you find benefits you may be eligible for in the City of Seattle. In just five minutes, find out how much you could save on child care, food, transportation, and utilities. MORE INFO: Go to Affordable Seattle. WHAT: Produced by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, the Reduced Cost Services Guide is a collection of discounted services for people with low incomes, including internet, telephones, utilities, transportation, health care, financial institutions, and children’s activities. QUESTIONS? Contact Brice Montgomery at montgba@dshs.wa.gov.
WHAT: The Child Care Aware of Washington Family Center is a statewide call center that helps families find licensed child care providers, navigate child care financial assistance options, and find alternative forms of care. MORE INFO: Call 1.800.446.1114 or email familycenter@childcare.org for help over the phone in multiple languages.
WHAT: Washington College Grant (WA Grant) gives eligible students money for more types of education like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college. The amount you receive depends on family size, income, and the cost of your school or program. WA Grant is available to the following people: MORE INFO: Estimate your award with the Financial Aid Calculator or determine your eligibility by going to Washington College Grant Eligibility & Awards. TO APPLY: Go to Apply for Financial Aid.
WHAT: There are more than 30 local food banks in Seattle that offer free groceries. In addition, some food banks have other items available such as clothing, diapers, and pet food, as well as community resources like housing, child care, job assistance, and personal finance. If you need to find a food bank or meal program close to you, these up-to-date maps and lists show where you can find them across Seattle. MORE INFO: Visit Find a Food Bank to and Meals Partnership Coalition to find the food bank and meals programs nearest you. WHAT: There are several organizations that serve up free meals in the Seattle area, often with vegetarian and allergy-free options. MORE INFO: Find additional sites in this list of Seattle Meals compiled by the Department of Human Services.
WHAT: You can now call, text, or chat 9.8.8 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). It’s confidential, free, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Services are available in Spanish in addition to interpretation services in over 250 languages. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 7.1.1 then 1.800.273.8255. You can dial 9.8.8 if you’re having: 9.8.8 doesn’t replace any crisis call centers in Washington state – it’s an addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers. The current NSPL number, 1.800.273.TALK (8255), remains active along with 9.8.8. MORE INFO: Download the 9.8.8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline flyer. WHAT: The Washington Recovery Help Line is a free, confidential 24-hour, statewide help line for substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health. Visit Washington Recovery Help Line website for resources. We offer: 1) Free and confidential support, 2) Connection to local treatment providers, 3) Medication for opioid use referrals, and 4) DSHS benefits application assistance. Connect with the Washington Recovery Help Line via: CONTACT/MORE INFO: This is a service of WA state DSHS and Crisis Connections, located at 9725 3rd Ave NE, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98115. Contact them at recovery@crisisconnections.org.
Many King County housing services, including help with rent payments, can only be accessed by first calling 2.1.1 or 800.621.4636. WHEN: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm WHAT: The King County Tenant Resource Line is available for any low-income tenant in King County with an eviction notice, an eviction summons, or subsidy termination notice, and/or tenants who require reasonable accommodations due to disability. When they call, tenants are screened and provided legal advice from attorneys on the line, self-help resources, or legal representation as available. Interpretation is provided as needed. CONTACT: Call 206.580.0762 or 1.855.485.8767 for help. WHEN: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm WHAT: Are you exiting homelessness and need help covering the cost of moving into your new place? Call 206.694.6833 to leave a message for the North Seattle Regional Access Point (RAP) Diversion Program. (RAP responds within 2 business days, except holidays.) To qualify for move-in assistance, you’ll need to have already: CONTACT: Call 206.694.6833 for help. WHAT: Solid Ground Tenant Counselors help Washington state families and individuals maintain permanent and reliable rental housing through: CONTACT: Call 206.694.6767 on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am-1:30pm, to leave a message for the tenant counselors. WHAT: Broadview Shelter and Transitional Housing is a safe haven at a secure location for parents and their kids experiencing domestic violence (DV) and homelessness. Broadview’s specialized children’s services help young people restore a sense of safety, normalcy, and structure so they too can heal and thrive. CONTACT: Call 206.299.2500 for Solid Ground’s confidential DV shelter services.
WHAT: Low-income households in Xfinity’s service areas may qualify for free or low-cost ($9.95/mo) internet services through the Affordable Connectivity Program and Internet Essentials. MORE INFO: Visit Xfinity’s Internet Essentials website to see if you’re eligible and find out how to apply – or call 1.855.846.8376. WHAT: You may qualify for a free smartphone and wireless service through SafeLink. You can also keep the phone and number you already have. Eligible customers get: MORE INFO: Text “HELP” to 611.611 or call 1.800.723.3546.
WHEN: Every Thursday, 8am-5pm WHERE: Solid Ground Transportation, 8100 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 WHAT: Be a part of making life easier for those living with disabilities in our communities. Join our team of drivers who provide ACCESS bus services for people who can’t use Metro’s fixed-route system, helping people get to critically needed health and human services resources, and connecting people with their communities. Solid Ground Transportation offers: TO APPLY NOW: Go to the Solid Ground Bus Operator job description (and scroll down for the application). QUESTIONS? Call 206.694.6817 or email jobs@solid-ground.org. Nonprofit Organizations Programs (free and/or paid) MORE INFO/QUESTIONS? Visit the Communities of Opportunity (COO) website or contact Dan Bernard, Communities of Opportunity Employment Manager, at dan.bernard@kingcounty.gov. WHAT: TRAC Associates provides funding for training, help with job searches and résumé writing, work-related supplies, peer and group counseling, expungement services, and transportation. Services are available to King County residents who’ve been recently released, recently charged, or pre-released from the criminal legal system. MORE INFO: Contact Anu Waku at anu@tracassoc.com or 206.498.3522 or download the TRAC Associates flyer. WHAT: Are you currently homeless? Unemployed? African Community Housing & Development offers employment opportunities, interview prep, job training, housing assistance, and more! MORE INFO: Contact Shirwa Aden at 425.436.8134 or shirwa@achdo.org. WHAT: WorkSource hosts free virtual workshops for job seekers in multiple languages on topics such as financial capabilities, interviewing techniques, job-search strategies, perfecting applications, résumés and cover letters, skills and abilities analysis, strategies for success, and more. MORE INFO: See all upcoming free workshops for job seekers in King County on the WorkSource workshops and hiring events calendar. WHEN: Tours and info every Monday at 9am WHERE: Orion Industries, 1590 A Street NE Auburn, WA 98002 WHAT: Orion Training & Employment offers skills training and assessment in their aerospace business, janitorial, office skills, and customer service programs. We support individuals to achieve their goals through our job placement and job retention services. Participants receive: MORE INFO: Download these paid training program flyers: Orion aerospace or Orion custodial services. QUESTIONS? Contact cindy.arnold@orionworks.org or 253.661.7805.
WHAT: The ORCA LIFT card offers a convenient, more affordable way to get around Puget Sound by bus, light rail, streetcar, water taxi, and more. To qualify, your gross household income (before taxes are taken out) must be no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, as established by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Those receiving Apple Health Medicaid, WIC, and Basic Food are eligible for the program. TO APPLY: Go to Apply for or renew your ORCA LIFT card or call 800.756.5437. MORE INFO: Go to King County Metro Discounted Fares. WHAT: All youth 18 and younger can ride transit services in Puget Sound for free through Move Ahead Washington’s Youth Ride Transit for Free! program. Riders aged 13 and older are encouraged to bring one of the following when they ride, if they have it: Youth ORCA Card Current High School or Middle School Student ID Youth who don’t have a Youth ORCA Card or Student ID can still ride for free on most services; just get on board! Tapping your Youth ORCA card allows transit agencies to better understand how many young people are riding transit, including where and when. Transit agencies use this information to make future improvements. MORE INFO: Go to Youth Ride Transit for Free! to get a new youth ORCA card, replace your lost one, or register your card. WHAT: The Bike Works Bikes-For-All! program provides free rebuilt bicycles and helmets to Southeast Seattle youth, adults, and families who are facing barriers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Income limits apply. MORE INFO: Go to the Bikes-For-All! page.BACK TO TOP
WHAT: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. Your family’s monthly income may qualify you for free or low-cost energy services once every 12 months. WHAT: The Utility Discount Program (UDP) helps you get and stay current on utility payments by offering a discount of up to 60% on your Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on your Seattle Public Utilities bill. This program is available for residential City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers only. You may be eligible if: MORE INFO: Go to King County’s Energy Assistance webpage to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. QUESTIONS? Contact the Access and Outreach Team or call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP) at 1.800.756.5437.
New This Edition
Welcome to Resource Wire for January 14 – 21, 2026!
BACK TO TOP
Happening This Week
Upcoming Resources
BACK TO TOP
Ongoing Community Resources
General Resources
KING COUNTY 2.1.1
WASHINGTON CONNECTION
AFFORDABLE SEATTLE
REDUCED COST SERVICES GUIDE
Child Care
CHILD CARE AWARE OF WASHINGTON FAMILY CENTER
Education
FREE MONEY FOR CAREER TRAINING, COLLEGE, OR APPRENTICESHIPS
Food
SEATTLE FOOD BANK & MEALS MAPS
FREE MEALS
Health/Behavioral Health Care
9.8.8 FOR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES
RECOVERY HELP LINE
Housing
EVICTION HELP HOTLINE
HELP WITH MOVE-IN COSTS
INFO ON RENTERS’ RIGHTS IN WA STATE
HOUSING FOR DV SURVIVORS
Internet & Phones
FREE & DISCOUNTED INTERNET
FREE SMARTPHONES & SERVICE
Jobs & Training
DRIVE FOR GOOD! WEEKLY JOB FAIR FOR SOLID GROUND DRIVERS
TECH JOB SKILLS TRAINING IN SEATTLE-KING CO.
JOB HELP FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM
HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT HELP
JOB SEEKERS’ VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS – MULTILINGUAL
PAID JOB TRAINING FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES & MANUFACTURING
Transportation
DISCOUNTED TRANSIT FOR ADULTS
FREE TRANSIT FOR YOUTH
FREE BIKES & HELMETS
Utilities
HELP PAYING ENERGY & WATER BILLS IN KING COUNTY
DISCOUNTS ON UTILITY BILLS
