Hopelink

This week, Hopelink sprang into action to support thousands of people who lost power across north and east King County. With many families having to throw away spoiled food just before the Thanksgiving holiday and some households still in the dark as of Saturday morning - it will take weeks for the most vulnerable members of our community to recover. These families can count on Hopelink for help along the way, but, we need your support. When you make an online donation of any amount, our Food Assistance program staff can make quick grocery store runs to replenish the shelves in our busy Food Markets, or our Facilities staff can make repairs to keep each of our Housing program units warm and cozy. Will you give what you can to help us support our neighbors as they recover?

The latest in My Edmonds News series, "Health Matters," focuses on how barriers to public transportation can lead to negative health outcomes, highlighting the role transportation plays in health. For many, finding the right transportation for their needs can be difficult to navigate. With expanded Sound Transit light rail service into Snohomish County, there's even more choices alongside ride sharing, volunteer transportation, and community shuttle services. The article features an interview with Hopelink's very own Laura Loe, who discusses how Hopelink's FindARide.org aims to provide a centralized place where people are matched with their best transportation options. Check it out here https://lnkd.in/gTDHqtvW

The 29th Annual Reaching Out Luncheon brought our community together to celebrate resilience and the power of shared stories. Hopelink’s Interim CEO, Meghan Altimore, emphasized how connection strengthens our mission to end poverty. Among the inspiring stories, NEMT Contracts Manager Victor Londo?o Quintero shared his journey from an English for Work student to pursuing a graduate degree and contributing to Hopelink’s Transportation team. He introduced a video of Adult Education graduate Maricela, who shared, “Everybody falls sometimes, and we all need a hand to help pick us back up, and Hopelink is a mighty hand.” Keynote speaker Stephanie Land, author of Maid, reflected on the impact of empathy and connection, saying, “I have received thousands of messages from people who heard my story and felt a little less alone." Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate these stories and support Hopelink’s mission. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3CDokUw

As temperatures drop this winter, many of us will see our expenses rise, like groceries and energy bills. For too many families in our community, these wintertime challenges can put their stability at risk. When you Lend a Hoping Hand, your contribution directly benefits vital programs where our neighbors can access food, shelter, and warmth. During a time of great need, your support alleviates the stress of cutting back for families so they can focus on what matters most – each other. Let's ensure no one goes without this winter - https://bit.ly/3CjSITM

Today, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of veterans in our community. At Hopelink, we’re committed to supporting veterans who face unique challenges, from housing and food insecurity to economic hardship. In Washington State, 5.7% of veterans live below the poverty line, and housing remains a significant issue. Many veterans, especially those aged 45-64, struggle with housing instability, economic hardship, and access to affordable services. Our commitment to advocating for anti-poverty solutions that ensure all members of our community can thrive remains steadfast. Veterans, thank you for your service, and thank you for inspiring our mission every day.

Hopelink proudly offers comprehensive services to our north and east King County neighbors, with full-service centers in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline and Sno-Valley (Carnation). Our transportation services reach even farther, supporting folks across both King and Snohomish counties. We provide critical social services through a variety of programs, including housing and transportation, case management, energy and food assistance, employment and financial coaching, adult education, financial assistance, and an extensive referral network. Discover more about Hopelink services that may benefit you or someone you know! https://bit.ly/3AjY3d6

Throughout October, Hopelink staff and volunteers have been tabling at our service centers and housing sites, encouraging our clients to register to vote in this fall’s election. As the deadline approaches, don’t miss your chance – register online at VoteWA.gov by Monday, October 28. If you have your ballot, make sure to fill it out and return it by Election Day on Tuesday, November 5.

Winter is right around the corner, but we’re still in awe of how our community turned out to alleviate child food insecurity through during our End Summer Hunger campaign. “This year’s campaign saw our community show up in a huge way as we more than doubled the number of drives held to end summer hunger,” shared Suzette Hart, Hopelink Development Director, Giving. Click the link below to read about the impact of End Summer Hunger! Also, stay tuned for how you can help ensure no one in our community goes without shelter, warmth, or food this winter through the Lend a Hoping Hand campaign! https://bit.ly/3NDJB2t

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the 29th Annual Reaching Out Luncheon! Each contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in sustaining Hopelink services. It was wonderful to see all of you, both in-person and virtually.

Today, we honor White Cane Awareness Day, which celebrates the independence of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. At Hopelink, we are committed to prioritizing inclusion, accessibility, and equity because we understand that through this focus, we can create equitable systems and outcomes. Our commitment is demonstrated through both our programmatic and advocacy efforts, including: Inclusive tech, like our Find a Ride program, which empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired to plan their transportation journeys with ease. Advocacy for the Nothing About Us Without Us bill ensuring that people with lived experience have a voice in the decision-making processes for policies that directly impact them. We’re proud to champion accessibility and embed it at the heart of everything we do. Let's keep building a future that works for everyone.