Neighborhood House board voted to sign on with dozens of other community based organizations, elected officials, and labor unions to endorse proposition 1 to renew the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Service Levy (VSHSL) that provides $564 million over 5 years for essential services to across the region.
In this video highlighting VSHSL services, our resource coordinator Josephine Baker explains the importance of our work in the community. Neighborhood House is one of 150 community based organizations, running over 300 programs with VSHSL funding reaching more than 185,000 people.
If this levy passes,
- VETERANS will keep one-stop service centers, job training, financial assistance, housing, and supportive services. Since 2018, the levy has contributed to a 40% reduction in veteran homelessness.
- SENIORS will keep expanded countywide services at 39 senior centers, as well as housing, tax relief support, food assistance, and programs for healthy aging in place. Each year, 28,000 seniors use levy-funded senior centers.
- NEIGHBORS FACING BARRIERS will keep mobile and 24/hr assistance for gender-based violence survivors, legal assistance, shelter, mobile-medical vans assisting people experiencing homelessness, and supports for individuals with disabilities. Since 2021, more than 8,000 domestic violence or sexual assault survivors have received levy-funded services.
- AT NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, VSHSL funds will continue to support our seniors ability to age well in place and provide flexible funds for us to support job seekers.
The Age Mastery program is a fun and engaging education and behavior change practice for aging well in familiar spaces while building community. Our participants created their own wellness activities such as a walking club during the pandemic while respite services were unavailable. We used VSHSL funds to purchase walking shoes to support seniors’ participation. – Emy Haruo, Neighborhood House Director of Community Health
In late 2021, Mr. Mohammed Afzal, a refugee from Afghanistan, arrived in King County after being evacuated from Kabul due to the Taliban takeover. He didn’t have a Social Security Card, making him ineligible for Federal and State employment programs. However, with the help of the VSHSL flexible funds, we provided him with immediate support (rent and transportation) and training. Once he received his Social Security number and work permit, Afzal enrolled in a more comprehensive program that enabled him to secure a job at International Rescue Committee. VSHSL funding ensured that Afzal had the necessary resources to rebuild his life in his new community while gaining valuable skills and stability. – Ali Scego, Neighborhood House Director of Economic Opportunity
On August 1st, vote yes on King County Proposition 1 to make critical investments in human services, and take care of our seniors, veterans, and neighbors facing language, cultural, and systemic barriers.
In solidarity,
Janice Deguchi, Executive Director