It’s almost Election Day! I hope you will vote. It’s an important time to make our voice heard! One important reason to vote is to renew the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy. This levy, for the first time, will include services for our growing population of seniors. Over the last 5 years the demand for services has increased in King County by 12,000 individuals per Aging and Disability statistics. The numbers of seniors needing services continues to grow rapidly. The Sno-Valley Senior Center is seeing increased numbers as well. The numbers for homeless or near homeless veterans & seniors is also growing rapidly even here in the Valley.
Funding for seniors from government and philanthropic sources has declined. For our partner agency, Sound Generations, there has been a reduction of almost $1,000,000.00 over the last 2 years due to the United Way redirection of their funding. Sno-Valley Senior Center directly lost $52,000 for 2017. We will most likely end this year with a deficit as a result.
This very important Levy, on the November Ballot, will renew and strengthen the current Levy that expires the end of 2017. Please consider voting to support the Levy and urge others to support it also. This Levy provides important support for seniors, veterans, and human service needs in King County. The Levy will add programs to help seniors remain active, healthy and avoid social isolation. It will expand support for Meals on Wheels, transportation, housing and more for the most vulnerable individuals here. The Sno-Valley Senior Center would directly benefit if it passes!
Previously, the levy helped fund the creation of 2,056 units of affordable housing and served over 35,000 people annually. This saved $7 million by stabilizing an average of 780 clients each year. 3,000 veterans and others in need were connected to housing, health care and employment resources by levy-funded outreach programs. But all this will end Dec. 2017 unless the levy passes.
If this Levy passes the King County Homeowner will pay 10 cents per $1,000.00 assessed value up from the 5 cents collected currently. This translates to about $45 per year per average homeowner or just $3.75 a month to make a difference in our community. Included in the proposal will be an exemption for low income seniors and disabled veterans and seniors. Helping each other makes the whole community stronger. I urge you to support the Levy. It’s a powerful way to support OUR Senior Center and OUR community.
Another way to help the Senior Center continue its wonderful programs is to attend our Oktoberfest Auction and Dinner on Oct. 14 at Carnation Farm. We’ll enjoy a German inspired dinner, music and dancing with the Bavarian Dance Band plus lots of great items to bid on in the silent and live auction. Come and invite your friends and neighbors to this great party! Tickets are available online or at the reception desk.
As always if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call me at (425) 333-4152 x1 or email . See you around the Center! Lisa
Thank you!
Lisa Yeager, Director