Council News Release

Council President Richard Conlin

Seattle City Council Launches New Resource Site
Council website provides access to help with housing, job training, bill pay and small business assistance, health and child care, and debt relief for people affected by the recession

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council today launched a new website to help people cope with the current economic crisis (http://seattle.gov/council/econ_center.htm ). Recession Resources for Seattle Residents offers links to a variety of informational sites and resources for those seeking job training, debt assistance, help with housing issues, and health care.

This new service is designed to help people hold their ground in what looks to be a continued stretch of difficult financial times. “Our goal is to make it easier for Seattle residents to find the help they need, and find it quickly,” Council President Richard Conlin said. “Hopefully, these resources will make what is a difficult time for many people just a little less stressful.”

The Council committed to getting this informational resource online as one of the elements of its Economic Recovery Plan embodied in resolution 31135. The complete list of topics that users will find assistance with includes foreclosures, home purchasing, safeguarding savings and retirement funds, debt service, job search and training, child care and food assistance, health care, and utility bill payer assistance. The Council site essentially makes existing resources more accessible in one location.

“We know that people are hurting,” said Conlin, “and we’re determined to provide the greatest possible service to our constituents, especially during this difficult time.”

Archives of previous meetings, news releases and copies of legislation are available on the Council’s website at www.seattle.gov/council . Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and webcast live at www.seattlechannel.org/viewer_live.asp . Questions about Council news releases can be directed to Debra Carnes, Council Communications, at 206-684-8159, or by e-mail at debra.carnes@seattle.gov.

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City Council