News — Page 6

Advocates are urging Washington residents to contact their legislators to support HB 2238, a bill aimed at creating a statewide strategy to end hunger. The bill has passed out of committee and is moving to the House floor for a full vote. HB 2238 directs the Washington State Department of Agricul...

Essentials First held its first annual Day of Action on Feb. 4, gathering community members and lawmakers in Olympia to address hygiene insecurity as a public health issue. Founded in 2017 by Nabrath Sheriff and her mother, Nickhath Sheriff, Essentials First aims to provide equitable access to hy...

Stephen’s journey took him from Kansas to California before he settled in Washington for an electrical engineering job. After losing his job, he became unhoused and faced fears of survival without food or money. A police officer directed him to the Bread of Life Mission, where he found support du...

Matthew, who was adopted from South Korea at age 4, faced a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and instability. After being placed in foster care and adopted by three different families, he found himself on the streets for 15 years following the loss of his low-income housing just days before C...

David, who faced numerous challenges during his childhood, sought a fresh start at the Bread of Life Mission after years of battling addiction. At 40, feeling fed up with his lifestyle, he decided to change. With support from his mother, who reached out for help, David arrived at the Mission on N...

Manuel, a devoted father, struggled to support his children after moving to Seattle in search of better job opportunities. Facing age discrimination in the job market, he became homeless when he could not find affordable housing. Seeking help, he turned to the Bread of Life Mission, where he foun...

Ernest faced significant challenges after the death of his best friend, which left him heartbroken and homeless. With no place to stay, he turned to Bread of Life Mission at the recommendation of his friend’s son. Ernest was welcomed with love and support from the staff and other guests, helping ...

On February 10, 2026, the Town Council of Yarrow Point will hold a Study Session at Town Hall from 3:15 to 4 p.m. The session will feature an open forum discussion, but there will be no opportunity for public comment. Residents can listen to the meeting by joining a virtual Zoom session or by cal...

Proposed legislative budgets are suggesting a $41 million cut to essential early learning programs, including the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy. This subsidy aids over 40,000 families who are working or studying by making high-quality child care affordable. Without the subsidy, th...

Staying socially connected is crucial for the health and happiness of seniors, according to the Federal Way Senior Center. Friendships and shared activities significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults and veterans in South King and Pierce County. Research indicates that strong soci...

LIHI had a productive year in 2025, achieving significant milestones thanks to the support of donors, volunteers, partners, allies, and advocates. The organization expressed gratitude for the crucial assistance it received during a time of political uncertainty. Highlights from the year showcase ...

A new resource titled “Helping Consumers Choose the Best Plan” is available in Spanish to assist individuals in selecting the right health insurance plan through the Marketplace. This tip sheet offers guidance on the factors to consider when choosing a plan, ensuring consumers can make informed d...

The Washington School-Based Health Alliance (WA SBHA) is collecting statewide data on school-based health centers (SBHCs) in Washington through an annual survey. All SBHC healthcare provider organizations and partners are encouraged to participate by providing updated information on their sites. ...

A webinar on designing evaluations with accessibility for people with disabilities in mind is scheduled for February 19, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM ET. This event follows IHDD’s recent Lunch and Learn session and aims to enhance inclusive evaluation practices. Often, individuals with disabilitie...

Air Force Veteran Auston Duncan is training for the 43rd Athens Marathon while recovering from a spinal cord injury he sustained during his first snowboarding trip in 2021. The injury fractured his T8 and T9 vertebrae and resulted in other serious injuries. Duncan plans to dedicate the marathon t...

A research team from the University of Washington’s Sociology Department, in collaboration with Sound Transit, is looking for participants for a study on the experiences of commuters with disabilities related to hearing, vision, and mobility. The study aims to enhance a commuter feedback question...

Spending time outdoors is not only enjoyable but also has healing effects on people of all ages. Research shows that nature can lower cortisol levels, boost the immune system, reduce depression, and improve attention, blood pressure, and sleep quality. Some doctors even prescribe outdoor activiti...

Week 4 of the legislative session reveals significant cuts to early learning programs in Washington state, particularly affecting the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy. This subsidy currently assists over 40,000 families by making child care affordable, enabling parents to work or pur...

The Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) participated in the Gates Foundation’s Gender Identity Day of Service on February 2. This event brought together Gates Foundation staff and local nonprofits, including Mary’s Place, Jubilee Women’s Center, and Westside Baby, for a Lunch & Learn that highlig...

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is transforming mental health care for Veterans and is seeking dedicated mental health providers to join its efforts. The VA combines evidence-based care, innovative technologies, and research to address the evolving needs of patients. Its Office of Researc...