Case updates November 24, 2020

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Case updates November 24, 2020


United States
  • cases 12,498,734 - 165,282 cases since last report
  • deaths 259,005 - 1,989 deaths since last report

Washington state
  • cases 153,906 - 2,887 for 1 day
  • hospitalizations 10,242 - 76 for 1 day
  • deaths 2,704 - 14 since last report

King county
  • cases 41,500 - 764 since last report
  • hospitalizations 3,055 - 25 since yesterday
  • deaths 853 - 4 since yesterday

Seattle
  • cases 10,419 - 175 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 707 - 2 since yesterday
  • deaths 197 - 0 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,032 - 22 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 127 - 0 new
  • deaths 69 - 1 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 124 - 2 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 6 - 0 new
  • deaths 2 - 0 new



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Funding available for Environmental Projects in Shoreline

The new mural at Paramount School Park restroom was a 2020 Environmental Mini Grant project. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


Want to improve your community and protect the environment? 

The City of Shoreline offers grants of up to $5,000 to individuals, community groups and business owners for projects that enhance the environment and promote environmental stewardship in the community. 

Applications for the 2021 funding cycle are due by Monday, January 18, 2021.

Projects must provide a tangible benefit to the community and environment and include a match of at least 20% of the grant value. The match value can be provided in volunteer service hours. Projects must focus on one of three key areas:
  1. Work Towards a Zero Waste Shoreline
  2. Support Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  3. Protect Our Natural Environment

Past projects have included: providing interactive, nature-based learning experiences for students at local elementary schools, constructing a community garden, and sponsoring free environmental events like Northwest Solar Fest and community movie nights.

Find more information and download the application at: www.shorelinewa.gov/environmentalminigrant. For questions, contact Cameron Reed creed@shorelinewa.gov 




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A warm response to the Shoreline Police coat drive

Community response to police coat drive
Photo courtesy Shoreline Police

Shoreline Police Officers often come across situations where community members are in need of a warm coat. They decided to hold a coat drive and ask the community to donate.

They placed a drop box in front of Shoreline City and put out a notice.

The response was incredible! Our officers now have lots of coats to distribute to those in need during the following winter months.

A huge thank-you to all who took the time to donate winter coats for our coat drive.

With your help, every officer will be able to provide a coat for those in need of one this winter.



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Collision on I-5 at SR 104 sends two to hospital with minor injuries

Collisions on I-5 at SR104. Photo courtesy WSDOT

Around 1pm there was a 4-5 vehicle collision on northbound I-5 at SR104. Washington State Patrol and Shoreline Fire responded.

According to Shoreline Fire Public Information/Education Officer, Firefighter, EMT Michelle Pidduck, two patients were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The left lane was blocked and traffic was slowed considerably during the response and clean up. 



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Unique recumbent tricycle stolen in Kenmore


A unique recumbent tricycle was stolen earlier this week in Kenmore. It is an EZ-3, and is blue with a black seat. If you see it in the area, call KCSO non-emergency line 206-296-3311.



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Notes from Shoreline City Council meeting November 23, 2020



Shoreline City Council Meeting
November 23, 2020


Notes by Pam Cross

The meeting was held remotely using the Zoom platform.

Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

All Councilmembers were present.

Report of the City Manager, Debbi Tarry

COVID-19 Update

A reminder of the Governor’s new statewide restrictions in effect through December 14.



Case counts in King County continue to grow. Since last week the average over the past 14 days has grown to 321 new cases per 100,000 residents. Remember that the target is 25 per 100,000.

Hospitalizations in King County are also growing and for the first time have passed the target goal of less than 80% occupied.

In Shoreline our average new cases has increased to 16 from 14 per day in just this past week. We have had 231 new cases in the past two weeks. Hospitalizations have also increased. 


In partnership with the School District and Shoreline FD, we handed out 500 masks at our mask distribution event on Saturday.


  Councilmember Roberts distributing free masks


Shoreline Celebrates with Food shorelinewa.gov/recipes

Even if we aren’t able to enjoy holiday gatherings together right now, we can still cook our favorite fall and winter meals. Spread some joy this season by sharing a recipe and exploring the recipes your neighbors have shared.

Send recipes to neighborhood coordinator Constance Perenyi at cperenyi@shorelinewa.gov and include a picture if you have one.

Public Reminders

City will be closed for business on Thursday and Friday November 26-27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Council Reports (all meetings were attended virtually)

Councilmember McGlashan attended the Tri-Regional Transportation Forum meeting. They reviewed the legislative agenda and discovered that the 148th bridge was not on the agenda. They were able to get it added.

Councilmembers Roberts and McConnell attended the meeting of the National League of Cities Summit. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards was elected as Second Vice President, so she will be in line to become president in two years. This is the first person from Washington since about 1980.

Councilmember McConnell attended the Asian Municipal Organization group and the Transportation Forum.

Councilmember McConnell apologized for words she spoke at last week’s meeting on racial equity. She stated her words were poorly chosen, missed her intent, and were hurtful to Shoreline BLM and others who provided input and feedback on Resolution 467 declaring the City’s commitment to building an anti-racist community.

Deputy Mayor Scully attended the salmon recovery WRIA meeting. There’s never good news about salmon. Unfortunately. There were higher than expected chinook at the Ballard Locks but chinook at the spawning grounds were lower than usual. They are investigating the reason.

On the All Home Board: the Coordinating Board that he is a member of will cease to exist as it begins to turn it over to the new Regional Board.

Mayor Hall. Next week is the annual general meeting of the Sound Cities Association (SCA).

There are several things on the agenda including no increase in membership dues. The By-Laws are also being updated. But an issue came up that concerns him:

After hearing from the business community, particularly restaurants, the SCA Board sent a letter on behalf of all member cities to Governor Inslee stating they want the Governor to reconsider his COVID restrictions and to provide more support for the restaurant industry. Only a handful of cities was consulted (Shoreline was not). It was signed by the Mayor of Kent. The mayors got a copy after it was delivered. Subsequently, the Mayor wrote our own letter to the Governor stating that the SCA letter did not apply to all 38 member cities in King County, and that in Shoreline we follow the science and support the public health experts attempt to keep our communities safe.

The SCA Public Issues Committee reviews and evaluates policy positions and recommends to the Board what, if any, action should be taken.This process takes two months but a simple amendment of the bylaws would allow the Board to move more quickly when necessary by requiring that any future statements that go out from SCA, that are not presented to the board by the Public Issues Committee (PIC), are copied to all cities before they are delivered.

Any feedback?

SCA is basically a trade group. They’re not a government. It’s never an emergency. And we don’t want other cities speaking on behalf of Shoreline.

Maybe there should there be a timeframe for the cities to respond. Even that could take a while. It’s more likely to pass without a timeline.

The general meeting is next week. We will share our proposed wording with Deanna Dawson, the Executive Director of the Sound Cities Association. She can then share with the other cities and maybe other cities will want it too.

Public Comment

Jackie Kurle, Shoreline, spoke against the enhanced shelter
Nancy Morris, Shoreline, spoke against the enhanced shelter
Nancy Pfeil, Shoreline, spoke against the enhanced shelter

Approval of the Agenda

Approval of the Agenda adopted by unanimous consent.

Approval of the Consent Calendar

The Consent Calendar approved unanimously by roll call vote.
 

Action Item 8(a) Authorizing the City Manager to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the Operation of an Enhanced Shelter Within the City of Shoreline with King County and Lake City Partners (LCP)

Colleen Kelly, Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Director

At the November 16 Council meeting two changes were made to the Interlocal Agreement between King County and the City of Shoreline.

  1. It was changed from an Interlocal Agreement to a 3-party memorandum of agreement KingCo, LCP, Shoreline
  2. King County will not be automatically billed for excess police calls due to the number of calls for service at the shelter exceeding an agreed upon threshold. Instead the County “will work with the City to reduce calls below the threshold level.”

Amended introductory language was changed relating to the MOA, insurance and indemnification provisions were included, and the term of the MOA will run through June 2023 with extensions available.

DISCUSSION

Motion and second to approve signing the MOA

The Nuisance Ordinance was included in the MOA. It refers to a certain number of calls based on single family residence or multifamily. How does this code apply to a shelter?

Reply: we discussed this provision as multi-family which resulted in a threshold of 24 nuisance calls within a 180-day period

Shouldn’t this be clarified? Couldn’t someone later disagree with it? Shouldn’t the language be precise? There could be a change in staff who doesn’t believe a shelter is multifamily occupancy.

Reply: defers to Margaret King, City Attorney

Councilmember question continues: the MOA refers to the Nuisance Ordinance. When you go to the ordinance, it refers to single family and multi-family. But could KingCo say the shelter isn’t multifamily and obviously not single family, so this ordinance is not applicable?

King: I think it meets the definition of multifamily with shelter use.

How do we define multifamily? Generally we’re talking about apartments or things like that.

King: I believe that by including in the Agreement that the parties have an understanding that that’s how it’s going to be treated and so they’ve added additional agreement that that is the proper analysis for us to follow. And I think they would be hard pressed to be able to then back away from that understanding since this is a separate contractual agreement. I don’t think there’s a need to clarify. Not concerned about it at this point.

NOTE:

Multifamily dwellings are separate housing units contained within one building or several buildings within one complex. Multifamily dwellings may have units located above other units. Apartments and mixed-use buildings with apartments are considered multifamily dwellings. (Ord. 767 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 631 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2012; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002).

A dwelling unit is defined as: Residential living facility, used, intended or designed to provide physically segregated complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation facilities. A dwelling unit is to be distinguished from lodging, such as hotel/motel or dormitory. (Ord. 391 § 4, 2005; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002).

A homeless shelter is defined as: A facility operated within a building to provide short-term, temporary or transitional housing for individuals or families who are otherwise homeless and have no immediate living options available to them. Such facilities may provide support services, food, and other services as an accessory use. (Ord. 850 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019).

How would you respond to the concerns about the effect on neighborhood? The Agreement addresses a lot of things, but how does this Agreement address the off-site concerns?

Reply: it doesn’t specifically address those concerns and it’s hard to draft a document that can do that. I think we have a commitment in the Good Neighbor Plan and in conversations with LCP. People complain about parks but it’s difficult to have any entity take responsibility for a community problem. How can we tell if the problems are exacerbated by the shelter or not? It’s in the best interest of LCP to mitigate its presence in the community.

What is the plan for someone who leaves? Either choosing to leave or asked to leave.

Reply: they are free to leave. If asked to leave, LCP will work with them to make a plan for where they go next.

Will the City or other shelter operators be informed if someone is asked to leave? What is the plan if they have no place else to go?

Reply: not part of this discussion beyond what she just said.

This shelter is just a part of the whole picture. We can’t be telling people they can’t stay in the parks unless there’s someplace else for them to go. Now there is someplace for them to go. We will also need more enforcement in our parks. We will develop an approach to say now that you have someplace to go, you have to get your tent out of the park. LCP will be more in the position of providing an observation and report function. LCP is responsible for within their 4 walls and the City is responsible for what goes on in the community.

What was the source for developing the Good Neighbor Plan?

Reply: based on LCP suggestions with a couple of additions

How did the local neighborhood and parks planned walks come about?

Reply: because of concerns that were brought up about other areas, LCP wanted to plan to walk around their property for clean up. The Good Neighbor Plan goes beyond that by stopping by parks and Town Center. They will ask their residents not to congregate, or to move back to shelter, or reach out to other people to consider living in the shelter.

Will they be walking around at night? U-Haul employees were worried about overnight campers.

Reply: We didn’t talk at that level of detail. This would require a citywide approach utilizing our police and outreach staff. This needs to be built out. We can’t make LCP responsible for all homeless in the City. LCP would work as a partner, but not the lead.

Neighborhood concern is not what is happening inside the four walls. They and we are concerned about the neighborhood. We will have to continue to work on the Good Neighbor agreement to make it stronger and make sure it works effectively for the neighborhood.

The MOA provides clear authority for the City to determine if a nuisance exists, and if it can’t be abated by the steps proposed, to require that the shelter use be discontinued.

Wording from the MOA

“The City has a Chronic Nuisance Property Ordinance (SMC 9.30) which outlines specific conditions that constitute public nuisance activities. King County and Lake City Partners understand and agree that should the Enhanced Shelter be determined a chronic nuisance property as set out in that Chapter, the City may take action to abate the nuisance pursuant to SMC 9.30.050, provided that reasonable notice is given in accordance with this Agreement. King County and Lake City Partners agree that abatement may specifically include the ability to order that the Enhanced Shelter use be discontinued if the City reasonably determines that steps to cure the nuisance will not be sufficient to adequately protect health and safety. If Lake City Partners or King County fail to address any written demand by the City to correct a violation within the cure time stated in the demand, which shall not be more than 45 days or less than 10 days, the City may order the Enhanced Shelter use be discontinued until such violations(s) are corrected.”

VOTE

Passes 7-0


Action Item 8(b) Adoption of Ordinance No. 909 – 2020 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket Amendments to the Shoreline Comprehensive Plan

Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner, gave the presentation


  1. Amend Table 6.6 of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan to acquire park and open space between Dayton Avenue and Interstate 5 and between 145th and 165th Streets.
  2. Amend the Point Wells Subarea Plan to be consistent with Interlocal Agreement between City of Shoreline and Town of Woodway.
Proposed additional amendment to modify land use policy from 44 units per“gross” acre to “net” acres which would result in lower density.

To amend transportation policy adding traffic restrictions

DISCUSSION

Motion and second to approve 909

Motion and second to modify the planning commission’s recommendation by amending land use policy from 44 units per “gross“ acre to “net” acre

VOTE to modify from gross to net acres

Passes 7-0

Motion and second to amend transportation policy adding traffic restrictions.


VOTE


Passes 7-0

VOTE on main motion Ordinance 909 as amended

Passes 7-0


Study Item 9(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 907 - Amending Development Code Sections 20.20, 20.30, 20.40, 20.50, and 20.80 for Policy Amendments

The Planning Commission held study sessions to discuss the proposed amendments and give staff direction on the amendments on July 2 and August 20, 2020. The Commission then held the required public hearing on October 1, 2020.

Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner, continued with this presentation

Amendments are collected throughout the year. There were administrative and clarifying amendments that were discussed on November 9. Tonight’s discussion is covering the proposed policy amendments. There was a very brief summary of the 21 amendments.

Next step bring to Council for adoption on Dec 7

DISCUSSION

Amendment 18

Regarding tree replacement exemption: Why would we require some people to have a fee in lieu, and allow others to have the replacement number reduced?

Reply: I can’t think of an example right now. I will look into it.

I would like that removed. It isn’t fair that some have to pay it and others don’t.

What if it said reduction and fee in lieu? Would that fix it?

How does that fit with the proposed amendments from Save Shoreline Trees?

Reply: Save Shoreline Trees is still submitting amendments. Those amendments come back to the planning commission and Council in 2021 so we haven’t analyzed those amendments yet.

Could we have a simple comparison just specifically on Amendment 18 so we can compare it to what Save Shoreline Trees is proposing?

Reply: yes we can prepare that for you.


Regarding shelters, what is the purpose of “such as” language. Why is it there? Is meant to be limiting?

Reply: it’s just an example. The wording is not meant to be limiting.


If we don’t do anything with Amendment 16, will it go as part of the Housing Action Plan?

Reply: the planning commission thinks it should be studied as part of the Housing Action Plan. It might become part of the Housing Toolkit but it wouldn’t become part of the housing code. It should be analyzed.

Then should it be removed from this batch of amendments?

Reply: yes it needs more study and public input


What does section E do with slopes created by previous grading? The slope still exists regardless of how it got there.

Reply: we would rely on the geotechnical work for the previous grading, so the slope owner coming in who wants to do an addition by that slope isn’t so burdened.

But what about slopes that developed historically. They wouldn’t meet current seismic code, so how does going back to the previous reports really makes sense for new development?

Reply: the staff report provides the complete wording that states a current review by a qualified professional is still required. But I will bring someone who is more familiar with administering the part of the code to answer your questions at the next meeting.


Study Item 9(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 912 - Authorizing Assumption of the Ronald Wastewater District and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute and File the Joint Petition of Dissolution of the Ronald Wastewater District

John Norris, Assistant City Manager, gave the presentation

Ordinance 912 sets a formal assumption date of April 30, 2021. It also confers upon the City Manager the authority to jointly with Ronald Wastewater District petition for dissolution of the District. Finally, it directs continued orderly transition of governance.

Councilmembers Roberts and McConnell were thanked for their work on the coordination committee.

DISCUSSION

Councilmembers are pleased with the results from all of the hard work put in by everyone involved.

What came of the early conversations about RWD representatives remaining after the assumption?

Reply: there is still opportunity in what we call the Wastewater Utility Advisory Committee. When this first came up we were talking about an assumption in 2017. The City has now operated this utility for almost 4 years. So we’ve gained a lot of experience. And a lot has changed. But this is still an open issue and has recently been discussed.

Coming back on consent on December 7, 2020.

Meeting adjourned.




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Eye to the sky!

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler



Barred Owls can look a little alien, no?
--Gloria Z Nagler




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Curl up on your couch with Shoreline Community College Winter Continuing Education classes

Grab a hot drink and tuck into a new Continuing Education class this Winter! 

Online classes begin as soon as early January and require no application or previous experience.

Learn a new language in French Fundamentals or Spanish Beginning, test your skills as an armchair detective in Fingerprints and Forensics: Understanding the Basics of Crime Scene Investigation, or wade into crafting in Embroidery for Beginners. 

Classes include learning activities, lectures, and discussions in a fun and supportive online environment.

To see a full list of classes, please visit the Continuing Education Course Catalog or contact continuing-ed@shoreline.edu for more information.



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NUHSA announces 2020 Human Service Awards


The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) is proud to announce its 2020 Human Services Award winners. 

Each award recipient has demonstrated a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our North King County community and has supported or advocated for a strong and accessible health and human services system, strengthening our community through their initiative and leadership. 

New this year is the Youth Human Services Leadership Award to honor the young people in North King County who are advancing the conversation on health and equity and taking action to support the well-being of our community.

Nominees and winners will be honored virtually at NUHSA's 2020 Human Services Awards celebration and annual meeting on December 8, 2020, 5:00 – 6:30pm. 

We are pleased to welcome King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski who will provide introductory remarks. 

To join in the event, register in advance here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctce-rrDwqHdJgDax-XwavTc4T_KMTZYj3

Outstanding Human Services Program

West Side: Shoreline Community Court and Resource Center
East Side: Babies of Homelessness

Nominees:
Center for Human Services Family Support Department
Hunger Intervention Program
North Sound RADAR
Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park

Human Services Champion of the Year

West Side: Karen Tynes, Community Advocate
East Side: George Ahearn, EastWest Food Rescue

Nominees:
Maria Cisneros, Family Liaison, Northshore School District
Theresa LaCroix, Executive Director, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Dallas Wood, Program Director, Hunger Initiatives, YMCA of Greater Seattle

Youth Human Services Leadership Award

Black Lives Matter Shoreline

NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards have been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008. 

NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. 

Through partnership and collaboration, NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.

For more information, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.



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LFP Mayor: Let’s Wrap up the Year Safely

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
From Lake Forest Park Mayor Jeff Johnson

As we move into winter, we have all heard about the increasing numbers of COVID cases in Lake Forest Park, our state, and the nation. During our holiday celebrations, let’s please all keep this in mind. I encourage the community to join me in adjusting expectations and celebrating safely, in small household groups.

If we all take measures to protect ourselves and our families, those measures will also help protect our neighbors. I look forward to resuming our community events and programs in 2021, as we move into subsequent phases of the state’s reopening plan. Together, we will make it through to better days and a better 2021.

I know the Lake Forest Park community is a caring one that will continue to support our local businesses and remember those less fortunate. If you are able, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.

In whatever form they take for you and your family this year, I wish you happy holidays.



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Support local artists on Artist Sunday Nov 29 - give something handcrafted this Holiday Season

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and the Gallery at Town Center have joined the Artists Sunday alliance, to promote local artisans and craftspeople on Artists Sunday, which is celebrated on November 29, 2020 the Sunday after Thanksgiving. 

Artist Sunday, falling between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday® and Cyber Monday, is a day dedicated to encouraging consumers to shop with artists and give something special, unique, and hand-crafted this holiday season. 

The Arts Council appreciates the culture artists create and the impact they have on our local community, while adding expression and beauty to our lives.

The Gallery at Town Center has a large selection of handmade art items by Pacific Northwest artists, including jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, and wood. We are always on the lookout for new and interesting inventory. Stop by and discover our most recent finds.

On the walls will be 12”x12” (or smaller) paintings, mixed media, prints, and photography – the perfect gift size! Plus, boxes and bags are available for most small items helping to make your gift-wrapping a snap.

Featured Local Artists: Carol Austin, Elsa Bouman, Jean Burnett, Jennifer de Mello e Souza, Lee Harper,Janis Howes, Cheryl Hufnagel, Monica Josephson, Susan Lally-Chiu, Sonya Lang, Alison Leigh Lilly, Marsha Lippert, Jennifer Munson, Mary Peterson, Sue Robertson, Rebecca Shelton, Julie Steed, Shannon Tipple-Leen

Regular Gallery hours: Weds - Sat, 12-5pm

Gallery extended holiday hours:

Sundays: Nov 29 - Dec 20th, 12-5pm
Monday: Dec 21st, 12-5pm
Tuesday: Dec 22nd, 12-5pm
Thursday: Dec 24th, Christmas Eve: 10am-5pm

And you can always shop online!

Questions? Call the Gallery at 206-588-8332.

The Gallery at Town Center is a program of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council and is located inside the Lake Forest Park Town Center on the lower level. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 98155.



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Shoreline Chamber of Commerce grants announced for new members

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce has received $10,000 from King County to help support Chamber members with economic relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first round of grants were awarded to existing members of Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. 

Funds remain and the Chamber would like to open up the remainder of the grant funds to local businesses. If awarded the grant, businesses will be asked to join the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce: https://shorelinechamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/join

Fill Out the Application HERE

Applications are due November 30, 2020

  • Grant awards may be up to $1000, based on 25% of their monthly rent costs.
  • Grant applications will be reviewed by staff with a recommendation to the Shoreline Chamber Executive Board. - The Executive Board will make the final determination of grant awards.
  • Eligible expenses must be within the time period of March 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020.
  • Grant recipients are required to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Chamber which will require the filing of a report on how the funds were spent. An invoice or documentation of expenses must be provided.
  • Grant recipients must also submit a W-9 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf). A 1099 will be issued to a grant recipient as required by the IRS no later than January 2021.

ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES
  • If awarded the grant, businesses will be asked to join the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce: https://shorelinechamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/join
  • Businesses located in the City of Lake Forest Park will not eligible because there is another grant that is exclusively for those businesses.
  • Loss of business income related to COVID-19, year-over-year 2019 to 2020, of at least 25% (e.g. 3 months revenue in 2019 versus 3 months in 2020 after COVID). Documentation must be provided.
  • Business in good standing (e.g. have current business license, City taxes and fees paid, current on all State and regulatory requirements, not facing pending litigation or legal action, including Shoreline code enforcement).
  • Grant awards may be up to $1000, based on 25% of their monthly rent costs.
  • Grant applications will be reviewed by staff with a recommendation to the Shoreline Chamber Executive Board. - The Executive Board will make the final determination of grant awards.
  • Eligible expenses must be within the time period of March 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020.
  • Grant recipients are required to enter into a Grant Agreement with the Chamber which will require the filing of a report on how the funds were spent. An invoice or documentation of expenses must be provided.
  • Grant recipients must also submit a W-9 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf). A 1099 will be issued to a grant recipient as required by the IRS no later than January 2021.

ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES
  • If awarded the grant, businesses will be asked to join the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce: https://shorelinechamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/join
  • Businesses located in the City of Lake Forest Park will not be eligible because there is another grant that is exclusively for those businesses.
  • Loss of business income related to COVID-19, year-over-year 2019 to 2020, of at least 25% (e.g. 3 months revenue in 2019 versus 3 months in 2020 after COVID). Documentation must be provided.
  • Business in good standing (e.g. have current business license, City taxes and fees paid, current on all State and regulatory requirements, not facing pending litigation or legal action, including Shoreline code enforcement).
If you have any questions, or can not access the Google Form, please contact the grant administrator at shorelinechambergrants@gmail.com.

For more information contact: The Chamber Office at info@shorelinechamber.org


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Agenda for Shoreline council meeting November 30, 2020

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


By Pam Cross

The agenda for the November 30, 2020 Council meeting includes the following:

Action Item 8(a) Discussion of Resolution No. 467 - Declaring the City’s Commitment to Building an Anti-Racist Community - Sponsored by Councilmembers Roberts and Robertson

Council will discuss proposed Resolution No. 467, including any subsequent public comment that has come in following the Nov 16 meeting, before taking action to adopt it.

Action Item 8(b) Adopting the 2021 State Legislative Priorities

At the November 16 meeting, Council made two modifications to the Priorities: (1) Add a fourth Shoreline-Specific Priority: Continue to pursue a pathway for State partnership in the future development of a Community and Aquatics Center; (2) Insert an item under “Legislative Issues the City Supports” to develop more sustainable revenue sources that are less regressive and targeted toward high-earning individuals and corporations.

Study Item 9(a) 185th Street Station Subarea Plan Progress Report 2015-2020

Study Item 9(b) Discussing the Addendum to the Feasibility Study for Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and the Landscape Conservation and Local Infrastructure Program (LCLIP) in Shoreline

Staff will provide examples of how the program would work with real examples throughout the City. Council may provide direction to staff on whether the City should continue pursuing a TDR program including LCLIP based on the results of the updated LCLIP Study and information from tonight’s presentation. 

This would include the development of an LCLIP ordinance and a complimentary TDR program for future Council consideration. The detailed report by ECONorthwest and Forterra is included in the staff report available online. This was last discussed in Meeting Notes for July 27, 2020.



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Thank you, Shoreline Public Schools Foundation Donors

Our donors are amazing, generous and making a difference! 

Since September, they have made a huge impact on the students, staff and families in the Shoreline Public Schools!

To date, nearly $79,000 in funding has been provided to support:
  • 200 hotspots so students have reliable internet connections
  • Take home books for young readers
  • Earbuds to help support at home learning
  • Gift cards to reduce food insecurity and help through the holidays
  • Curriculum support in: Science, Language Arts, Social Emotional Learning and Stress Management, and Ethnic Studies

We are grateful for their support, and thrilled they have found the mission of the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation a worthy cause. Thanks-for-giving!

SPSF Board of Trustees
www.shorelinefoundation.org



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Jobs: Shoreline Community College


Shoreline Community College

Customer Service Specialist 2 (Enrollment Services and Financial Aid) - temporary

Date of first consideration: December 7, 2020

Description and Application: https://bit.ly/2J2jdRR



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After 70 years in Shoreline, Washington Tree Service moves to Mukilteo

Washington Tree Service building demolished

Story and photos by Cynthia Sheridan

Washington Tree Service is a locally owned and operated family business built on a history and reputation of delivering excellent customer service and providing tree, shrub and lawn care programs to a growing number of homes and businesses in the Puget Sound Area, according to their website.

Nothing left but the sign
Over 70 years ago, Jack Pitts, and his son-in-law Stan Raplee, turned their love of big beautiful trees into a business and Washington Tree was born.

When a siege of caterpillars hit the Seattle area in the fifties, Stan and Jack figured out a way to get rid of them, and the pest control side of the business took off.

In 1963, Jack and Stan expanded again, this time into lawn care.

Twenty-five years later WTS manager Ed Walter co-founded Washington Friends of Farms and Forests, to encourage and build dialogue and unity between pesticide companies and environmental advocates in Washington State, writing new legislation with then Senator Patty Murray regarding pesticide-sensitive registries.

Ed eventually became president and CEO. In 2015, he retired and Washington Tree and Lawn Care merged with Senske Services.

The Washington Tree Service building was directly
behind Pagliacci Pizza on Ballinger Way
Recently, the historic WTS business site, directly behind Pagliacci's on Ballinger Way, was demolished.

It is now being prepared for the construction of apartments.

Washington Tree Service (under Senske ownership) has relocated in Mukilteo where it continues to offer the same great service for the Puget Sound region.

4333 Harbour Pointe Blvd SW Suite B Mukilteo, WA 98275 (206) 362-9100.




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Case updates November 23, 2020; State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline; two new deaths in Shoreline

State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help.

You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are.

You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.


Case updates November 23, 2020


United States
  • cases 12,333,452 - 157,531 cases since last report
  • deaths 257,016 - 1,058 deaths since last report

Washington state
  • cases 151,019 - 3,842 for 1 day
  • hospitalizations 10,166 - 70 for 1 day
  • deaths 2,690 - 35 since last report

King county
  • cases 40,736 - 671 since last report
  • hospitalizations 3,030 - 10 since yesterday
  • deaths 849 - 14 since yesterday

Seattle
  • cases 10,244 - 134 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 705 - 4 since yesterday
  • deaths 197 - 6 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,010 - 10 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 127 - 0 new
  • deaths 68 - 2 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 122 - 3 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 6 - 0 new
  • deaths 2 - 0 new



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King County Elections certifies the 2020 General Election results; 86% record-breaking voter turnout

Photo courtesy King County Elections


King County Elections (KCE) certified the county’s 2020 general election results, marking the official end of vote counting.

Out of 1.4 million registered voters in King County, 86.67% turned out this election, breaking the last record of 85% in 2012.

  • 909,000 (73.9%) voters returned their ballots to ballot drop boxes
  • 307,000+ (24.98%) returned by mail
  • 13,500+  (1.1%) by fax

A little over 10,000 (0.85%) ballots were rejected for signature issues, and 707 (0.06%) were returned too late, making up just 0.91% of total ballots.

Final results are posted on the Elections’ webpage.

Said KCE Director Julie Wise, “This election is a testament to the effectiveness of our vote-by-mail system in carrying out the will of the people — even during a global pandemic. 
"None of this is possible without the hundreds of Elections’ staff working around the clock to process and count every single ballot, and of course, the King County voters who showed up and made their voices heard.”

KCE has worked to increase voter turnout by improving voter access and convenience in often overlooked and under-resourced communities. In 2016, King County had 10 drop boxes; today, the county has a total of 73.

This year voters turned out earlier than previous general elections, returning over 244,000 ballots within the first five days of the return period.

The results were certified during Tuesday’s canvassing board meeting. Livestreamed from KCE’s Facebook Page (KCElections), board members Julie Wise, Kevin Wright of the prosecuting attorney’s office and Carolyn Busch, chief of staff for King County Council, presided over the election’s certification.

With just a 57-ballot difference, the race for the 5th Legislative District state Senate seat is up for a hand recount. Hand recounts are required when the vote total difference between two candidates is less than 150 votes and less than 0.25% of the total number of votes cast for both candidates.

“The recount will take place at our headquarters in Renton and will be open to observers from both major political parties and campaigns,” added Wise. “We’ll begin the recount in December and expect it to take about two weeks to count the estimated 100,000 ballots.”

Featuring an 18-inch ballot, the general election was comprised of 64 races, with a total of 118 federal and state candidates, as well as 22 measures, with 16 local and six state. Included were state, county, city, school and special purpose district measures.



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Rotary of Lake Forest Park Sharing Tree

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Last year's Sharing Tree with Santa


COVID-19 has brought on unforeseen economic hardships throughout our community. The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, however, is committed to provide children in need with giving and goodwill during the holiday season.

Replacing the generous donation of toys beneath the Sharing Tree, this year the Rotary Club will place a donation box on the lower level of the Lake Forest Park Town Center to accept gift cards, cash, or checks.

  • When: November 28 - December 20, 2020
  • What: Gift cards should be focused on local stores that provide toys, clothing, electronics, etc. for children and teens.
  • Who: Charitable organizations collecting these contributions are Center for Human Services, North Helpline, and Youth Gift Baskets.

By participating in The Sharing Tree, the community's collective effort will make a substantial impact for children to experience the joy of the holidays!

Town Center is located at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.




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Winterfest Cascade K8 Community School Craft Fair is online this year


Winterfest Cascade K8 
Community School Craft Fair

November 23 - December 5, 2020

We can’t gather as a community, but we can help our community by shopping local for the holidays! 

Click on an image to visit each virtual “booth.” Our Winterfest webpage has a vendor directory to give you a central place to find out what your friends and community members have for sale this year.

Local item pick up can be arranged with the seller or you may have the option to pick up your items at Cascade K8 Community School on December 5, 2020. 2800 NE 200th St, Shoreline 98155.



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Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service


Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 25th 7:00pm

This Wednesday evening, tune in for a special collaborative worship service from 
  • Richmond Beach Congregational United Church of Christ, 
  • St. Luke Parish, 
  • First Lutheran Richmond Beach, and 
  • Calvin Presbyterian Church. 

Rev. Neil Trainer (Calvin Presbyterian), Father Brad Hagelin (St. Luke), Rev. John Bjorge (First Lutheran) will share reflections on psalms of thanksgiving, with prayers from Rev. Emily Mitchell (Calvin Presbyterian) and a sermon from Rev. Dr. Paul Ashby (RBCC). 

Musical offerings from Calvin Presbyterian's Twelve Bells Handbell ensemble, First Lutheran's vocal quartet, the RBCC-UCC virtual choir, and a special collaborative piece from Joel Bevington (Director of Music Ministries, FLRB), Valerie Grissom (Director of Music Ministries, CPC) and Katie Skovholt (Choir Director, RBCC) and more.

Hosted by Richmond Beach Congregational Church, and premiering on Facebook and YouTube at 7:00pm on November 25, 2020.


Either can be searched by: rbcc-ucc



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First female Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 100 seeks community help to complete her Eagle Scout project

Holiday Gift Drive for Shoreline Kids Happening Now

Shorewood High School Senior Brynn Smith is asking for support from the community for her fourth annual holiday gift drive.

Smith works with the Shoreline School District elementary schools and volunteers to provide gifts to families in need around the holidays.

This year the project will also serve as Smith’s Eagle Scout Project as she strives to become the first female Eagle Scout from Troop 100.

Volunteers get partnered with a child and their wishlist. Gifts need to be purchased and delivered to Smith between now and the 1st of December 2020. 

COVID has cancelled the usual wrapping party and Santa letter writing campaign. To participate and view further details, visit this link - https://signup.com/go/WBQhojU



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Sam Scott cancels annual Holiday Studio show in favor of individually scheduled appointments

Pottery by Sam Scott

Shoreline ceramic artist Sam Scott will not be having his annual Holiday Studio Opening this year because of COVID-19.

He has decided to set aside a week, from Sunday, November 29 to Saturday, December 5, 2020 for appointments with people who would like to come over and check out work he has been creating.

Of course masks will be required.

Sam Scott's studio is ready for shoppers


Please contact Sam at 206-542-1944 or email him at cheerspots@yahoo.com to set up an appointment. Check out more information at www.samscottpottery.com , on the news page.

There will be lots of functional and decorative ceramic pieces.



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Thanksgiving 2020

 



Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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Thanks to The Cinnamon Bears

The Cinnamon Bears
Photo courtesy Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center

Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Center thanks the Cinnamon Bears who baked and served buns and cocoa at Saturday’s fundraiser, November 21, 2020.

And thank you to all who supported the event with your purchases and donations.

Stay tuned for more drive through activities from your Senior Center.



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Case updates November 22, 2020; Shoreline hits 1,000 cases; King county hospitalizations top 3,000

Today's Washington state COVID19 data report includes 6,277 new cases, roughly three days’ worth of results. 

Disease transmission is widespread throughout Washington state, putting us at the highest risk we've been at in the entire pandemic.

Case updates November 22, 2020


United States
  • cases 12,175,921 - 147,840 cases since last report
  • deaths 255,958 - 882 deaths since last report

Washington state
  • cases 147,537 - 6,277 for approximately 3 days
  • hospitalizations 10,096 - 331 for approximately 3 days
  • deaths 2,655 - 36 since last report

King county
  • cases 40,065 - 1,393 since last report
  • hospitalizations 3,020 - 47 since yesterday
  • deaths 835 - 0 since yesterday

Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 1,000 - 40 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 127 - 1 new
  • deaths 66 - 0 new

Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 119 - 2 since yesterday
  • hospitalizations 6 - 0 new
  • deaths 2 - 0 new



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Black Voices: Black Minds Matter


December 14, 2020 at 6pm there will be a special Black Voices presentation and discussion on supporting Black mental health in our communities with Dr. Derek McNeil, PhD, and Heather Casimere, M.A. 

Register at https://shorelineschools.org/BlackVoices

About Derek McNeil, Ph.D

Dr. J. Derek McNeil serves as the president of the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology; he formerly served as Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Dr. McNeil has a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. Prior to his tenure at The Seattle School, Dr. McNeil served as faculty in the PsyD program at Wheaton College Graduate School for over 15 years.

Dr. McNeil has worked as a clinician in private practice, a diversity advisor, an organizational consultant, and an administrator. His research, writing, and speaking have focused on issues of ethnic and racial socialization, the role of forgiveness in peacemaking, the identity development of African-American males, leadership in living systems, and resilience. 

He has written chapters in The Black Family: Past, Present, and Future (1991),Men to Men: Voices of African American Males (1996), Reluctant Integration (2010), and Roadmap to Reconciliation: Moving communities into unity, wholeness and justice. (2016). His teaching has also included coursework on Social, Cultural, and Spiritual Foundations of Mental Health; Family Systems Therapy; Group Theory; Therapy; and Leadership.

About Heather Casimere, M.A.

Heather Casimere is Assistant to the Director at the Center on Reinventing Public Education at the University of Washington Bothell. Heather established her career in higher education at Columbia University, Stanford University, and Seattle University. 

Founder of Brave. Warrior. Free. Art, Heather is a passionate creator of wellness resources within communities of color. She holds a BA in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University and an MA in Theology and Culture from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

This event is sponsored in part by the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.



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Rev. Dr. Jean Kim: Mother to the Homeless

Mother to the Homeless Rev. Dr. Jean Kim
Photo courtesy Jean Kim Foundation

By Donna Hawkey

When a five-foot-tall Korean immigrant changes the world, we should all listen.

Meet 85-year-old trailblazer and “Mother to the Homeless,” Rev. Dr. Jean Kim. She has spent 50 years of her life serving people who become homeless in Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, and beyond. 

Before immigrating to the U.S., she spent years experiencing poverty and homelessness while witnessing the devastation of her home and her culture during the Korean War.

Rev. Dr. Jean Kim has been wearing a purple shirt with the printed words “End Homelessness” – every day - since 1997! 

Rev. Dr. Jean Kim at her 80th birthday party
Photo courtesy Jean Kim Foundation

Homelessness is Multi-Dimensional

Her family makes a harrowing escape to South Korea when she is 11 years of age. Throughout her early life, she feels a sense of homelessness beyond the physical needs of shelter; she calls this “multi-dimensional homelessness.” It encompasses physical, emotional, and social homelessness. This definition stems from her half-century of listening carefully to many homeless people and from her personal experiences, too.

Beginning with a wealthy early childhood, she ran through vast orchards on property lined with four estate homes in North Korea. However, inside those homes, she witnessed the terror of her father’s physical and emotional abuse of her mother. She says, “Emotionally, I was born homeless. Whenever my mother cried, I cried with her. I shared her tears, grief, and anger.”

During the Korean War, Rev. Dr. Kim experiences physical homelessness with the loss of all their family’s wealth. Her young life started on a path of further personal heartbreaks that never fully breaks her spirit; it serves to strengthen her resolve. She credits her faith in God for that.

“Jesus carries me on her back,” she says. Throughout her tragic and grueling life circumstances, she always brings herself back to hope through the eyes, words, and wonder of God.

Devoted to bringing dignity to lives traumatized by any of the multi-level aspects of homelessness, she works tirelessly. 

"Many suffer the dimension of “social homelessness. They’ve become estranged by their families and don’t have any relatives nearby or even a single friend to turn to in times of crisis.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

“Purple is the liturgical color for the Seasons of Lent in the Christian tradition. It can symbolize pain, suffering, mourning, and penitence. It is also the color of royalty, so traditionally, it has been used for the season of Advent in the Christian tradition.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

Transforming all “pain-stricken purple people into hope-filled purple people” is her life goal. 

Rev. Kim's first church was housed in the former First United Methodist Church in downtown Seattle.
Photo courtesy the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Miracle Creator

“Together, we can accomplish miracles.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

She created fifteen miracle missions both locally and nationally, including the seed of the idea for the very successful Mary’s Place, a family shelter. In her book, Jubilee Handbook: An Introduction to the Mission of Ending Homelessness, she provides 106 concepts she gleaned from all her life experiences and ideas for systematic ways to solve serious problems.

After traveling extensively to learn about several hundred homeless programs from congregations across the U.S., she made many lifetime friends and associates while working, studying, and raising a family. With a Doctorate in Ministry (at the age of 71), a Master of Social Work, and certification as a mental health counselor, Rev. Dr. Kim is more than well-qualified.

She has received 25 community awards, including the 2019 Snohomish County Human Rights Award. The award was presented to her on December 8, 2019, to commemorate the 71st U.N. Human Rights Day.

In 1981, before she turned 50, she also received a humanity award from the Seattle Chapter of the United Nations Association. The Korean government awarded her the Medal of Honor, and from the Presbyterian Church U.S., Women of Faith, she received a service award.

For her 80th birthday, after being inspired by her work helping homeless college students find housing, her family and friends developed an educational foundation called “The Jean Kim Foundation,” a 501(c) (3) organization.

Rev. Dr. Kim worked for ten years at Harborview’s mental health clinic and helped many homeless women that fled from domestic violence. They had no money and nowhere to live, and they needed a safe place to go, just as she had experienced in war-torn Korea. Through these eyes and her generous heart, she created her first mission, The Church of Mary Magdalene, in downtown Seattle. This church mission became the nucleus for forming the first Mary’s Place shelter.

“Homelessness for women and children is a life-threatening trauma, just like fires and tornados. Homelessness for women often means robbery, assault, rape, and even murder. Therefore, I named homelessness “the disease unto death.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

When she created the Church of Mary Magdalene, it became a uniquely spiritual place that allows homeless women to feel safe during the week without the threat of male violence. A worship service takes place every Saturday. For the sermon, the preacher and women engage in discussion rather than a traditional sermon format. Rev. Dr. Kim praises women by saying, “You are better than Biblical commentaries.”

Homeless women were given new lingerie free every quarter to allow them to feel some dignity. She says, “Wearing well-fitting, clean, new lingerie helps women to feel their image is being restored, which was created in God’s image.” Once a Seattle Times article called the Church of Mary Magdalene, “A Lingerie Church.”

She brought the healing gift of singing and music to the congregation. Eventually, they hired a music director, and the homeless choir was invited by other churches to sing at their services. Today the choir still sings together every Saturday (until the coronavirus crisis), and their choir has an excellent reputation.

A small number still meets on Saturday, despite the coronavirus threat, for weekly worship in the basement of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, downtown Seattle, under Zoom worship leadership.

Although Rev. Dr. Kim did use old hotels or motels in downtown Seattle for homeless families, the Church of Mary Magdalene never became a family shelter. But when Rev. Pat Simpson took over the mission, she named Rev. Dr. Kim’s weekly day program “Mary’s Place.”

After Rev. Simpson, Marty Hartman was hired, and Mary’s Place became an independent 501(c)(3) inspired by Rev. Kim’s original work and service. Today, Mary’s Place does outstanding leadership work to end family homelessness. But there is much more work to be done.


Public Policy and Attitude Change Needed

Rev. Dr. Kim reminds us that in 1948, the U.S. signed the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” an international document that includes proclaiming housing as a human right; but the U.S. has woefully fallen behind on adhering to this right. https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/files/FactSheet21en.pdf

Everyone needs housing to perform a job well and to live a healthy life, so Housing First is something Rev. Dr. Kim has been working on most of her life. King County is now known as a national leader in the Housing First approach – thanks to trailblazers like Rev. Dr. Kim!

“No public will support the establishment of a homeless shelter. The public seems to want the homeless to sink into the earth or evaporate into the air. They want them to disappear. That is the attitude of the public we have in our midst.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

Political will and economic policy changes are the magic keys to ending homelessness.

“The federal government concentrated public housing in segregated inner-city neighborhoods and subsidized metropolitan sprawl. It failed to create enough affordable housing for low-income families and minorities in rapidly developing suburbs. There are four-to-five year waiting lists for housing, and people and families are cut off from decent housing, educational, and economic opportunities.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

We know that homelessness disproportionately affects people of color, so our society continues to discriminate against racial groups similar to redlining.

Many decades of disastrous budget cuts at the federal and state levels have helped cause this unnecessary plight. And now, with COVID-19 and the economic crisis, we are ready for a “volcano eruption.” --Rev. Dr. Kim. 

She believes every person will feel suffering from the financial strain of this pandemic.

“Many city governments want to dump, sweep away, or throw away homeless people just like we throw away trash, instead of solving the problem of homelessness.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

As we move to a technology-driven economy, there are fewer employment opportunities for people without training or formal education. The hourly wage for most lower-skilled jobs does not allow for sustainable living or even cover rent in a one-bedroom apartment.

“Some of you might say that we have made it in our struggles; why can’t they? People who have many problems are still housed if they have financial or family resources. People who have been messed up too deeply can’t make it on their own. They need help.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

Governments everywhere need to step up to ensure that all human beings can exit out of a life cycle of poverty. Jobs need to be created that meet people in trauma where they are at, not our perceived expectations of them. And support services are needed to get them over the bumps and sometimes giant hurdles that someone in trauma goes through to heal.  

People who become homeless have the right to be treated as equal human beings in society. It’s the right thing to do.

Public Education Needed

Contrary to opinion, due to a lack of public education, drugs or alcohol are not the primary reasons for homelessness, although that also can be a reason for homelessness. (The opioid crisis shows us the disease of addiction knows no income, ethnic, or other social boundaries.) Drugs and alcohol are sought out for stress relief for the traumatic effects of becoming homeless and the effects of living without any basic standard of human living.

“Root causes of homelessness are based on racial disparities and historic institutional racism. For instance, behavioral health services for people of color have been almost non-existent along with affordable housing.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

The lack of affordable rents/housing and low-wages or lack of employment ultimately becomes the main reason people become homeless. And it can result in poor health, depression, addiction, and shame. It’s one of the worst human tragedies in modern times. For these people, it feels like “God has walked away and left them hopeless and spiritless.” --Rev. Dr. Kim.

While chronic homelessness does exist, most people are homeless only once, if they receive the necessary and critical services needed. Studies show criminalizing homelessness costs more. For example, one day in jail that costs $87 is compared to one day in a shelter at $28.

(This is a fundamental concept of Shoreline’s Community Court; to provide targeted support services to help people.)

Her Legacy is Published

In the last few years, Rev. Dr. Kim has been encouraged to write and publish what she has learned throughout her over 50 years of experience. She has published a four-book series available on Amazon. 

These books are the bible of homelessness solutions, including her years of serving the homeless and her compelling autobiography. They’re for anyone who desires to become more informed, or are in a place of public policymaking, or curious about a remarkable women’s life. She is currently writing a summary of these four books translated into Korean.

Please consider reading about her work; a healthy society depends upon listening to humanity leaders. We can all work together on solutions no matter who we are. Rev. Jean Kim indeed teaches us that!

Read her hundreds of solution ideas and many that she implemented with much success. She gives us lots of purple hope and reminds us that God loves us all and that Jesus walked the path of homelessness, too.

Rev. Dr. Kim resided in Lake Forest Park during the years 1989-1998.

All proceeds from her books are donated to six homeless missions in the Seattle, Lynnwood, and Edmonds areas, including the Jean Kim Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Its mission is to break the chain of poverty through education. http://www.jeankimfoundation.org/

This article was written from reading Rev. Dr. Kim’s books, websites, and various communication between us. More to come about Rev. Dr. Kim personally and her work. Thank you Rev. Dr. Kim for your time, education, patience, and editorial assistance. It is an honor to be introduced to you!


Update: "Jean Kim is with Jesus where there is no more pain or sorrow." My mother (Jean Kim) passed away peacefully on July 3, 2021 at 3:35am. - Sam Kim



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