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Hi John,

Washington's statewide ban on residential evictions is set to expire in just three days, on April 17. But many renters are still scrambling for financial stability in the wake of layoffs or reduced hours due to COVID-19. Join us in calling on the Governor [[link removed]] to extend and strengthen our state's eviction moratorium!

As you may remember, Governor Inslee set a 30-day statewide ban on all residential evictions due to non-payment of rent. This ban was an enormous help, and was instrumental in keeping thousands of Washingtonians safely in their homes during a global pandemic. But the ban is set to expire very soon, even though many workplaces haven't reopened and the pandemic is still ongoing.

We're joining housing advocates from across the state to urge the Governor to not only extend this moratorium well beyond April 17, but to strengthen and add other renter protections as well, such as a banning all rental fees, adding manufactured properties to the moratorium, and protecting renters whose lease is ending soon. Send your email to Governor Inslee using the link below.
WA needs stronger renter protections during a pandemic. [[link removed]]

Financial Assistance During COVID-19

We know that a lot of people are struggling financially right now. This pandemic has affected us all, but it's harmed low-income communities, immigrant communities, and communities of color hardest and fastest. To that end, we've compiled several important financial resources that we hope will be of aid to you or your loved ones, if necessary.

1. Information on federal stimulus checks and unemployment benefits. There's a lot of confusion and questions swirling around the about the federal stimulus checks (the first round of which are due to be delivered this week by direct deposit) and unemployment benefits. We've created two fact sheets which lay out all the information you need to know about both programs: read our fact sheet on stimulus checks here [[link removed]] and our fact sheet on unemployment benefits here. [[link removed]]

2. IRS simple-file tool. If you don't typically have to file your taxes, you can still receive a stimulus check-- however, you must ensure that the IRS has your income and account information on file. The easiest way to do this is via the IRS' newly launched web tool that for non-filers [[link removed]] . We strongly encourage recipients of state assistance programs, such as TANF or ABD (and others!) to use this tool and ensure they get their check.

3. Financial assistance for undocumented individuals . Undocumented immigrants aren't eligible for federal stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, or most state assistance benefits. However, a fund has been created to [[link removed]] assist undocument immigrants who have lost work or wages due to the pandemic. The fund will support applicants from throughout the state.

4. Rent assistance for King County residents. If you're a King County resident who wasn't able to pay your April rent, there is help. United Way of King County has established a rent fund to assist renters. Fill out the application here to get started. [[link removed]] (Spanish, Amharic, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Somali translation available as well.)

5. We're hosting a webinar on temporary changes to state benefits policies. In recognition of the pandemic and current guidelines around social distancing, the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) has made temporary changes to several of its program policies. We'll break down all the policy changes and what they mean during our webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 4 PM. We'd love for you to join! Sign up here [[link removed]] .

Connect With Us:Facebook [#] Contact Info:Statewide Poverty Action Network
1501 N 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
United States
Twitter [#]




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