This month's volunteer dinner-making event will be on 10/30. Details and signup are here!

Plymouth Housing is one of the largest operators of permanent supportive housing in Seattle. Plymouth helps people experiencing homelessness get the shelter and services they need.

What: Cook dinner for residents of Plymouth Housing's Plymouth on Stewart building! We'll arrive at 5pm, hear a little bit about Plymouth Housing, cook until 6:30, then enjoy the meal with the residents until around 8.
Where: Plymouth on Stewart, 116 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101
When: October 30th, 5pm-8pm
Who: You, Tech 4 Housing members, or anyone else who wants to join!

Sign up by entering your email below! We have ~5 spots. If we have more than 5 people, priority will be given to people who attended the last Tech 4 Housing monthly meeting, since I promised them I'd let them know early :D

Feel free to email caljones1618@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Join Tech 4 Housing and Bellwether Housing board member Alex Hudson on Wednesday, October 23 for our fall happy hour. Meet other people who care about housing, learn more about how affordable housing is funded and built, and hear how you can be part of the solution. If you've been concerned about the housing crisis or following along online, this is a great first step towards getting more engaged. And if you're already a dedicated advocate, this is a great chance to bring along a few friends or colleagues.

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/493310351257379/

We'll be joined by Bellwether Housing, Seattle's largest nonprofit affordable housing developer. Tech 4 Housing is collaborating with Bellwether on an innovative new funding model for affordable housing—the very first time ever in the US that crowdfunding is being used for affordable housing. We'll learn more about Bellwether's work, what makes this crowdfunding campaign particularly unique, and how tech workers can get involved.

Gold Bar is 21+. Light food will be served.

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/housing-voter-forum-october-2019-registration-72976258955

How does a voter who truly wants effective, compassionate solutions to homelessness figure out who to vote for, based on facts and data? We have a panel of experts on solutions such as affordable housing and Housing First; prevention and early intervention programs; mental health and drug addiction treatment; and intersections with the criminal justice system.

Speakers:
• Colleen Echohawk-Hayashi , Chief Seattle Club
• Lauren McGowan, United Way of King County
• Jesse Rawlins, Public Defender Association
• Dr. Richard Waters, Neighborcare Health
• Moderated by Hanna Brooks Olsen

They will talk about:
• What programs are working and address the root causes of the problem; and what things don’t work or only put a “band-aid” on the problem;
• What issues and approaches have been getting the most attention during this campaign season;
• What a supportive City Council can do to further implement the solutions that work and how the community can push to make it happen.

Hosted By: Resolution to End Homelessness; Tech 4 Housing; Seattle University’s Project on Family Homelessness

Doors open 5:30pm. Forum begins at 6:15. Event concludes 7:30 p.m.

Food is provided.

Our last event sold out; register soon to secure your spot.

We’ll be volunteering with the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness Voter Registration drive. More details and sign up at http://homelessinfo.org/what-you-can-do/volunteer/?mgs1=041fr9dRcL

Help the Coalition register voters this Fall! We work to make sure that people know You Don't need a House to Vote and will be hosting a voter registration drive in October and November. Volunteers will be trained on the basics of helping people who are experiencing homelessness register to vote, key aspects of filling out the form without a traditional residential address, positive updates from recent law changes to increase voting access, the Voting Rights Restoration Act (for people with felony convictions), and more. Volunteers will be asked to commit to at least one or two 2-3 hour volunteer shifts during our fall drive in October through election day.

The Tech 4 Housing monthly meeting is a working meeting where experienced organizers and first time attendees get together to discuss and plan our upcoming advocacy, volunteering, events and other activities. This meeting is a good chance for anyone new to the group to come out, meet others who care about housing, and see what we're all about.

(More details and tickets at https://www.facebook.com/events/420715295208465/)

The Strong America Tour is coming to Seattle with the support of hosting sponsor Capitol Hill Housing as well as the Sightline Institute, Tech 4 Housing, and Share The Cities.

In the Strong America presentation, Strong Towns President and Founder Charles L. Marohn, Jr. highlights some of the most powerful stories in his book Strong Towns: A Bottom Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity, and uses those insights to highlight a path to community prosperity that’s as unique as your place.

Using an innovative, hands-on approach, The Strong America presentation begins by showcasing why so many towns in North America are struggling financially despite decades of robust growth, and then invites the audience to “choose their own adventure” from a range of presentation tracks and go deeper into just one area where their unique community can make a change today. Designed to be dynamic and bespoke to each town, the Strong America presentation is part community conversation, part lecture from an expert, and the catalyst you need for your place to become financially stronger.

As part of the Strong America Tour, guests at this event will have an opportunity to pre-order Strong Towns: A Bottom Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity and receive a signed book plate.

Public hearing on reform of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). These changes would help curb the years of litigation that can slow housing and land use reform. More details and background here https://www.facebook.com/events/502096007227816/.

The Tech 4 Housing monthly meeting is a working meeting where experienced organizers and first time attendees get together to discuss and plan our upcoming advocacy, volunteering, events and other activities. This meeting is a good chance for anyone new to the group to come out, meet others who care about housing, and see what we're all about.

RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/513878666040230/

The Tech 4 Housing monthly meeting is a working meeting where experienced organizers and first time attendees get together to discuss and plan our upcoming advocacy, volunteering, events and other activities. This meeting is a good chance for anyone new to the group to come out, meet others who care about housing, and see what we're all about.

Location will be coming shortly.

From 350 Seattle. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/2349717165309087/

What will it take to win a Green New Deal for Seattle? We know that our city overwhelmingly supports climate action (76% of Seattle voted YES on 1631) — and yet business-as-usual politics have kept Seattle’s climate pollution on the rise.

That’s why, in the coming months, we’ll be gathering tens of thousands of signatures on our petition to Mayor Durkan — to show that Seattle is ready to rise to the climate challenge and that it's time for our City leaders to join us. But we can’t do this without your help — the only way we can win is if hundreds of people like you get involved.

From 350 Seattle. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/431214550767345/

What will it take to win a Green New Deal for Seattle? We know that our city overwhelmingly supports climate action (76% of Seattle voted YES on 1631) — and yet business-as-usual politics have kept Seattle’s climate pollution on the rise.

That’s why, in the coming months, we’ll be gathering tens of thousands of signatures on our petition to Mayor Durkan — to show that Seattle is ready to rise to the climate challenge and that it's time for our City leaders to join us. But we can’t do this without your help — the only way we can win is if hundreds of people like you get involved.

How to choose a City Council candidate who supports real solutions to homelessness.

RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2418424968482414/

The Seattle City Council race is very crowded, with lots of different ideas of what our city needs, especially when it comes to housing and homelessness. How does a voter who truly wants effective, compassionate solutions to homelessness figure out who to vote for, based on facts and data? We have a panel of experts on solutions such as affordable housing and Housing First; prevention and early intervention programs; mental health and drug addiction treatment; and intersections with the criminal justice system. They will talk about:

• What programs are working and address the root causes of the problem; and what things don’t work or only put a “band-aid” on the problem;

• What issues and approaches have been getting the most attention during this campaign season;

• What a supportive City Council can do to further implement the solutions that work and how the community can push to make it happen.

Hosted By: Resolution to End Homelessness; Tech 4 Housing; Seattle University’s Project on Family Homelessness

Speakers:

• Lisa Daugaard, Public Defenders Association

• Lauren McGowan, United Way of King County

• Dr. Richard Waters, Neighborcare Health

• Colleen Echohawk-Hayashi , Chief Seattle Club

Moderated By: Michael Hobbes, HuffPost

Doors open 11:30 a.m. Forum begins at noon. Q & A 12:45 p.m. Event concludes 1pm, further informal discussion encouraged

Lunch is provided

We expect this event to sell out quickly; register soon to secure your spot.

Seattle University, Resolution to End Homelessness and Tech 4 Housing do not support or oppose any political candidates. The views expressed are those of the speakers only. Seattle University’s Project on Family Homelessness, in partnership with Resolution to End Homelessness and Tech 4 Housing, is sponsoring this event.

More details and RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/834328616933721/

Because of the Independence Day Holiday, the July monthly meeting will be on the *2nd* Wednesday of the month instead. We'll be upstairs in the Capitol Hill Meeting room (right next to the elevator).

This meeting will focus on the role that Tech 4 Housing, as a non-profit, can play in the upcoming City Council elections, as well as follow up on the Bellwether Impact Investing fund.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small houses that can be added to an existing single-family home, e.g. a basement unit.  Today, it’s difficult to create ADUs because of onerous requirements like requiring a parking spot for each ADU (which can cost up to $30,000) and size restrictions.

The city is considering legislation that will make it easier to build ADUs by removing the parking requirement, making it easier to build ADUs on less land, and removing requirement that the main house be owner-occupied.  

Seattle will have its (hopefully final) public hearing about ADU reform on June 11th at 5:30pm at City Hall. Hope to see you there!

The Tech 4 Housing monthly meeting is a working meeting where experienced organizers and first time attendees get together to discuss and plan our upcoming advocacy, volunteering, events and other activities. This meeting is a good chance for anyone new to the group to come out, meet others who care about housing, and see what we're all about.

More info and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/410406556472243/

Join us for a District 4 City Council candidate forum focusing on making Seattle a more affordable and sustainable community. We will be hearing from candidates for City Council in District 4 as they answer questions about housing, mass transit, ensuring everyone is able to use our streets safely and achieving Vision Zero, reducing carbon emissions, and centering racial equity in all of this work.

We’ll be in the auditorium of the Cascade Bicycling Center, in Magnuson Park. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and CART services will be provided. The event is accessed by the number 75 bus and the Burke Gilman trail.

Doors open at 5:30, forum starts promptly at 6:00pm. Mark your calendar!

District 4 encompasses Eastlake, (some of) Fremont, (some of) Maple Leaf, Ravenna Bryant, Roosevelt, University District, Wallingford, (some of) Wedgwood.

More details and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1600651136731545/

Join us for a City Council candidate forum focusing on making Seattle a more affordable and sustainable community. We will be hearing from candidates for City Council in District 7 as they answer questions about housing, mass transit, ensuring everyone is able to use our streets safely and achieving Vision Zero, reducing carbon emissions, and centering racial equity in all of this work.

District 7 includes Pioneer Square, Downtown, part of First Hill, Belltown, Denny Triangle, South Lake Union, Uptown (Lower Queen Anne), Queen Anne, Interbay, and Magnolia.

This forum is being sponsored by Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, Seattle Subway, Transit Riders Union, Sierra Club, Housing Development Consortium, Cascade Bicycle Club, Disability Rights Washington, and other like-minded organizations.

The forum will be held at SEIU 775 which is located at 215 Columbia St, Seattle, WA 98104. This event is wheelchair accessible and CART services will be provided.

More details and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2310625515695414/

Join us for a City Council candidate forum focusing on making Seattle a more affordable and sustainable community. We will be hearing from candidates for City Council in District 2 as they answer questions about housing, mass transit, ensuring everyone is able to use our streets safely and achieving Vision Zero, reducing carbon emissions, and centering racial equity in all of this work.

District 2 includes Chinatown/International District, Little Saigon, SoDo, Beacon Hill, Georgetown, Mount Baker, Columbia City, NewHolly, Othello, Seward Park, and Rainier Beach.

The Sierra Club, our partners at the MASS Coalition, Housing Development Consortium and other like-minded organizations are coming together to host this forum.

The forum will be held at New Holly Gathering Hall, which is on the #36 bus line and a ten minute walk from the Othello light rail station. This event is wheelchair accessible and CART services will be provided.

More details and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1034028756986066/

From MOAR Seattle, details and RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adu-messaging-talking-points-art-making-information-528-tickets-60581231093:

Let's discuss how we will turn out for a June hearing about backyard cottages, enjoy light appetizers and refreshments, meet other residents who want more housing choices, make signs for an upcoming hearing, & MOAR! 

We will be streaming this meeting, as well as providing materials to any groups that want to speak up for MOAR housing. Let us know if you require any accommodations, childcare, or want to meet with us or come speak to your organization.

Join transportation, housing, and climate advocates for a District 3 city council candidate forum! Candidates will have the opportunity to answer questions curated by local advocates. This forum will be moderated by Seattle U professor Dr. Larry Hubbell and Seattle Times reporter Heidi Groover. District 3 encompasses Capitol Hill, Central Area, First Hill, Little Saigon, and parts of South Lake Union, Mount Baker, Montlake and Yesler Terrace.

More details and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/669572780152081/

Seattle is proposing to build up to 240 units of affordable housing at a decommissioned military base called Fort Lawton in Magnolia.  However, the proposed development has been tied up in lawsuits from homeowner groups since 2008.

On Tuesday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Seattle City Hall, the city will collect its (hopefully final) round of public feedback on the Fort Lawton redevelopment.  It’s always great to show up in favor of affordable housing!

Join Transit Riders Union, MASS Coalition, the Housing Development Consortium and Tech 4 Housing for a City Council candidate forum focusing on making Seattle a more affordable and sustainable community. We will be hearing from candidates for City Council in District 6 as they answer questions about housing, mass transit, ensuring everyone is able to use our streets safely and achieving Vision Zero, reducing carbon emissions, and centering racial equity in all of this work.

This forum will be moderated by Heidi Groover (reporter for the Seattle Times and formerly for The Stranger).

District 6 includes Crown Hill, Greenwood, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Greenlake, Tangletown, and Fremont.

The forum will be held at the Phinney Neighborhood Association (lower building), which can be reached via transit on Metro route 5. Bike parking is available on the west side of the building. This event is wheelchair accessible and CART services will be provided.

Doors open at 5:15, forum starts promptly at 5:30pm. We hope to see you there!

More details and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/683299778791719/

In the business of city building, land is generally hard to come by.  However, the Washington National Guard is moving from a 25-acre parcel of land at Interbay and giving it to Washington State.    The state is looking for feedback on what to do with the land – it’ll likely be used for either affordable housing, light industrial jobs, or both!

The Interbay Public Development Advisory Committee is holding a casual open house on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the Ballard VFW Hall (2812 NW Market St.) at 6:00 PM to discuss with the public what we should do.  The more people telling them that we want affordable housing, the better!

Join a coalition of service providers on the Eastside and Tech 4 Housing, and participate in a “head and heart” experience and learn about why the issue of Affordable Housing is such a difficult one. You’ll hear stories from experts on both sides of this crisis—those working to create more and those who are in need of it.

More details and RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/567175647107196/

Come join a discussion with Bellwether Housing, Tech 4 Housing and other guests working to combine public and private resources to address the affordable housing crisis. We'll talk about what's being done and where more work is needed, and you'll learn how the private sector can get more engaged and how ordinary people can help.

More information and RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/277460266528578/.

This monthly working meeting is a good chance for anyone new to Tech 4 Housing to come out, meet others who care about housing, and see what we're all about.

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/706518136450127/

Mercy Housing Northwest (MHNW) & Tech 4 Housing (T4H) team up again for another fun & informative affordable housing event on April 10 from 5:00-6:30P. This time, we're offering an exclusive tour of a MHNW family property, led by a Resident Services team member. During the tour, you will gain a more in-depth understanding of what our affordable housing communities offer.

We invite you to stay for happy hour following the tour—network with other like-minded folks and chat with MHNW staff + T4H organizers to learn more ways you can get engaged! Beverages and light bites will be served.

More info and RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/407821963339857/.

Note: We recommend taking public transit, as Mercy Othello Plaza is a transit-oriented development conveniently located across the street from the Othello Light Rail Station (just 23 minutes from Downtown Westlake Station) and bus stops.

From The Urbanist, more info at https://www.facebook.com/events/287300875528580/:

This month we are featuring Seattle council member Sally Bagshaw. She was first elected to the City Council in 2009 after serving eight years as Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office under Norm Maleng. Sally has also served as business and finance lawyer for both Washington State University and University of Washington. Sally raised two sons, is a certified pilot, and is a proud two-time grandmother. She and her husband, Brad, live in downtown Seattle. She will discussing her time on the council, the issues our city is facing, and taking you questions.

This monthly social event is free, all ages, and open to everyone. Come by if you want to meet other people who care about our city, network, or hear from an inspirational speaker at a local establishment. You can find us in the lower room, and our guest speaker starts at 6:30 PM.

We will be meeting at the Panama Hotel Coffee and Tea House in the Chinatown/International District. They have coffee, tea, beer and wine, and food available. They are also a cool independent cafe in a wonderful historic building in one of Seattle's great urban neighborhoods. We hope you can join us!

From Crosscut, more information at https://www.facebook.com/events/324613255063112/:

Is it time to break up Amazon? Should we regulate social media monoliths?

Tech industry giants like Facebook and Amazon have incredible power and impact on our lives. As their reach and influence has become more apparent, lawmakers have begun to heed the calls for greater scrutiny, regulation and maybe even breaking them up. Is it time? It is legal?

Join Crosscut and an all-star panel of legal experts, policy advocates and politicians, as we debate these issues together. Complimentary cocktails (and food) provided, to ease the tension.

Crosscut's Political Reporter Melissa Santos will moderate a panel of guests:

Sally Hubbard, Expert on Antitrust & Tech Platforms; Host of Women Killing It! podcast

Reuven Carlyle, WA Senator

Noah Purcell, WA Solicitor General

Jack Kirkwood, Professor of Law at Seattle University

Your ticket includes access to the pre-reception (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM) where you will enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers. The program will follow at 7:00 PM and run for approximately (1) hour.

From AIA Seattle Committee on Homelessness, more information at https://www.facebook.com/events/462432867628743/:

This is the second in a series of events where we invite homeless service providers to talk about their experiences working both with and for those in our community that are living without permanent shelter.

Rex Hohlbein
Founder + Creative Director at Facing Homelessness
Principal at BLOCK Architects
Co-founder of the BLOCK Project

A Seattle native, Rex ran a successful residential architectural firm for 30 years. In 2010, after befriending several men experiencing homelessness along the Fremont canal, Rex started a Facebook page to raise awareness for those living unsheltered through the sharing of photos and personal stories. Today, that Facebook page has over 51,000 followers, becoming a thriving and inspirational non-profit, Facing Homelessness. Rex now combines both architecture and community outreach in starting a social justice architecture firm, BLOCK Architects, with his daughter Jenn LaFreniere.