Our Stand Against Racism series kicks off with the YWCA Seattle I King I Snohomish Employment and Regional Services Director, Matt King, exploring the impact of racism in the criminal justice system. Discrimination may no longer be legal against groups defined by race, gender or other protected characteristics. But there is at least one group against whom discrimination in employment and housing remains legal – those with criminal records. What does this have to do with race? Read on!
Firesteel Blog
Social Media and Community Building: A Homelessness Advocate Perspective
(Photo thanks to InvisiblePeople.tv)
Carey Fuller manages multiple social media accounts with vibrant online communities. She is also experiencing homelessness. Living in Kent, WA, with her two daughters, Carey shares her perspective on online community and social media advocacy that can positively impact the homeless community.
Session Ends and Advocacy Works!
Great news this morning. After working through the night, legislators agreed upon a budget and session has come to a close! What's in the budget? $67.1 million for the Housing Trust Fund, Housing Essential Needs fully funded, no cuts to TANF and Disabililty Lifeline Medical saved!
Advocacy works and we are so grateful for everyone who added their voice during this last session. Our two Firesteel priority bills, the Housing Trust Fund and EHB2048 document recording fees, both received the support they needed. It's time to celebrate all the hard work that was put into these passing!
Stand Against Racism
In just over a week, we will begin another series called Stand Against Racism. Every year the YWCA aims to eliminate racism by raising awareness in an event called Stand Against Racism. YWCAs across the nation and other organizations are invited to participate in the event by coordinating their own "stand" on April 27, 2012. Community members are welcome to join any "stand", culminating in hundreds of thousands of people taking a Stand Against Racism across the US.
Want to learn more about how Firesteel plans to participate? earn More.
The Lowdown on Affordable Housing: Whatcom County
Entrance to Mount Baker Apartments in Bellingham, managed by the Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington.
We are continuing our affordable housing series and now take a look at Whatcom County. Greg Winter of the Whatcom County Coalition for the Homeless took time to share a snapshot of affordable housing in Bellingham and its surrounding area.