Renton Mayor Publishes Weekly Newsletter

Press release from the City of Renton:

October 9, 2020

It's easy to forget the 2020 Census is underway. If you've responded, thank you! If you have not, why wait? Click the image to start the process. The deadline is Oct. 31. Make sure Renton Counts!

Mayor's Newsletter

In my weekly newsletter I cover all that is happening in Renton, including the most current COVID-19 updates and information from state and federal officials and agencies.

• Use the language button at the top of the page to translate
• Subscribe
• Comments

COVID-19 Resources

The city has compiled resources from several city, county, state and federal entities into a comprehensive COVID-19 page.

• City COVID-19 information

Issue: 65 / Friday, Oct. 9, 2020

Sustainable Renton has gone from distributing 3,000 pounds of food weekly before COVID-19 to over 20,000 pounds today.

Renton allocates over $900,000 in COVID-19 human services funding

The impact of COVID-19 on Renton families has been significant. Many of our residents have lost their jobs. Because of that, they lost their ability to pay their rent and utilities and buy food.

Using CARES funding, we have allocated over $900,000 to assist with rent and utilities, plus support feeding programs. This will make a significant difference in our residents’ lives as they navigate through the pandemic.

Funding includes $393,300 in rental assistance and $110,000 in food assistance in CARES Act funding to nine local agencies. Centro Rendu, Renton Salvation Army, and African Community Housing and Development will receive $100,000 each, Mother Africa ($60,000), and the Multi-Service Center ($83,300). Funding for assistance with food was allocated to REACH Meal Coalition ($10,000), REACH Center of Hope ($60,000), Margie Williams Helping Hands Food Bank ($10,000), and Sustainable Renton ($30,000).

An additional $401,178 in Community Development Block Grants Coronavirus funding has been allocated to three local agencies for help with food, utilities, and capital improvements: Renton Housing Authority ($250,000), St. Vincent de Paul/St. Anthony’s ($50,000) and Renton Salvation Army Food Bank ($101,178).

Renton human services providers have been stretched to the limit to provide help during COVID-19.

Centro Rendu usually serves over 200 families and individuals each week. Since the advent of COVID-19, they have seen that number quadruple. CARES funding will allow them to provide much-needed rental assistance.

For the past 12 years, the Multi-Service Center has provided rent and utilities assistance, plus a shelter program to more than 2,500 residents annually. They, too, have seen their numbers increase. Their funding will go towards rental assistance for about 25 Renton households.

Sustainable Renton’s free grocery store has grown from distributing 3,000 pounds of food a week pre-COVID-19 to currently over 20,000 pounds. They currently serve upwards of 150 vehicles a week, several of which contain more than one family, from the parking lot at St. Matthews Church each Monday.

If you need help with rent or utilities, or would like to help our on-going community effort, our COVID-19 resources page has the information.

HealthPoint Clinic comes to Sunset Neighborhood

We’re excited to welcome a new HealthPoint healthcare clinic to the Sunset area on Monday.

We're also excited that HealthPoint, a leader in providing affordable, quality healthcare for all ages, will run the clinic. My thanks to HealthPoint President & CEO Lisa Yohalem and her staff for helping make this clinic possible.

Sunset residents will have access to medical and behavioral health care, nutrition education, family planning services, treatment and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and more. HealthPoint offers a sliding-scale fee to make care affordable regardless of income. Many staff are bi-lingual and can assist with signing up for insurance. If needed, interpreters are also available.

The new clinic is housed in the new Sunset Neighborhood Center, formerly the Renton Highlands Library, 2902 NE 12th Street Suite #102, Renton, WA, 98056. The center results from our partnership with HealthPoint, Renton Housing Authority, St. Vincent de Paul, Valley Cities, and Neighborhood House. It is also one of several projects currently under construction in the Sunset area.

Soon we'll open Phase 2 of Sunset Neighborhood Park, a 3.2-acre park situated near the new library and housing. Renton Housing Authority is refurbishing three senior housing properties and building Sunset Oaks, a new affordable housing project. Homestead Community Land Trust is building Willowcrest Townhomes, 12 affordable units set for completion next summer.

Partnerships like those mentioned and support from the state legislature have allowed us to continue transforming the Sunset area into a beautiful new livable neighborhood with investment opportunities.

Cherry trees outside City Hall are adorned with purple lights draw attention to October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We have proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Renton.

Domestic violence is a crime that knows no boundaries. It affects all ages, genders, nationalities and incomes. Its effects are immediate (physical injury, psychological trauma, and death) and long term (increased stress levels, depressions, and substance abuse).

In 2019, King County’s Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) provided 4,905 individuals and families with direct services. A breakdown of those who asked for help includes:

• 81% female; 17% male; 1% transgender
• 54% adult; 45% children
• 43% white or Caucasian; 29% Latino; 10% Black, African-American, Other African; 9% Multi-Racial; 7% Asian, Pacific Islander; and 2% American Indian or Alaska Native
• 53% assaulted by a relative or partner; 35% by an acquaintance; 12% by a stranger

This year the Renton Police Department has seen increases in domestic violence calls and protection orders, primarily due to COVID-19.

It's more important than ever to check in with family members, neighbors, and friends during this unprecedented time. Each and every one of us must be part of the solution to end domestic violence.

In Renton, we are fortunate to have a domestic violence victim advocate as part of the police department. If you or someone you know are domestic violence victims, please call the advocate (425) 430-6654. If you are in imminent danger, please call 9-1-1. The advocate is available to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence who live within the Renton city limits.

Renton is also home to KCSARC. Call their 24-hour resource line, 888-99-VOICE (6423) if you need help. Their office number is 425-226-5062.

When you drive by City Hall this month, you’ll see the cherry trees decorated with purple lights as a reminder of the existence of domestic violence. We can stop the cycle if we all work together. I ask you to please get involved and do your part.

Our Renton TV Debuts

I hope you’ll watch our new television show, Our Renton TV, either on Channel 21 (Tuesday/Thursday at 12 p.m., Wednesday/Friday 9 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 3 p.m.) or on our website.

Each episode will give you a look at the people, projects, and events that shape Renton. There will be interviews with community leaders and a spotlight on all that is happening in our city.

The current edition looks at the accomplishments during the 30-year career of retired Public Works Administrator Gregg Zimmerman.

Governor updates Safe Start reopening plan

Gov. Inslee made several updates to Washington’s Safe Start reopening plan this week. The governor emphasized he was not allowing counties to move up a phase. Still, he wanted to align guidance and adjust regulations of several industries based on current COVID-19 conditions.

The industries covered by the governor’s order include libraries, youth/adult sports, movie theaters, restaurants, water recreation facilities, outdoor recreation (running/bicycling/etc.), retail events (craft sales shows, etc.), real estate, and wedding receptions.

For example, in King County, currently in Phase 2, libraries and movie theatres are allowed to open at 25% capacity. Restaurants can now serve alcohol until 11 p.m., and the table size will increase to six people. The changes take effect immediately.

The governor Thursday announced an extension of an existing moratorium on evictions through Dec. 31. The moratorium was to expire on Oct. 15. He also announced that $15 million in federal grant money would be available to help businesses struggling amid COVID-19. The governor indicated more information on both would be available next week.

Items of Interest

Supporting our small businesses

Renton is excited to work with Renton Chamber of Commerce, OneEastside, and Chip-In to raise funds for Renton small businesses through tax-deductible contributions. Think of it like GoFundMe, but Chip-In does not take a cut. Each dollar donated will support local Renton businesses meet payroll, keep their lights on and doors open.

Comment period on draft EIS for proposed county facility in the Highlands closes October 30

The county is accepting comments on their draft environmental impact statement on a proposed Renton site for a Cedar Hills Regional Landfill support facilities center. The window closed on October 30.

REACH Renton's 50-year anniversary celebration is October 13

REACH Renton will celebrate 50 years of serving our community with a virtual celebration on October 13, from 6:30 to 7:40 p.m.

The Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) has led the way in providing shelter and services for families transitioning into permanent housing. Each year they transition around 50 families into permanent housing.

PSE contest will benefit small businesses

Puget Sound Energy is offering four small businesses a $45,000 energy-efficient and cosmetic upgrades makeover. Businesses have under October 18 to enter PSE's Small Business Energy Makeover contest. Contest entrants must be small businesses operating within PSE’s service area.

COVID-19 Quicklinks

• COVID-19 - resources and information from city, county, state, federal and private entities.
• Statewide requirement to wear face coverings
• Public Health - Seattle King County COVID-19 Dashboard
• Renton COVID-19 Testing Site
• Get tested if you have any of these symptoms
• Washington State Coronavirus Information

This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.