As Bellevue continues to grow, there are individuals and families that get left behind as the cost of living rises. Today, more than 3,600 kids are living in poverty here in Bellevue and 300 are experiencing homelessness.
Poverty in Bellevue shows up in different ways:
- As of December 2018, 26 out of 28 Bellevue schools have students experiencing homelessness. When a student does not have housing stability or adequate nutrition, it can take a toll on them academically. Less than half of Bellevue kids who are enrolled in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program are meeting achievement standards.
- The continual rise in housing costs is a huge contributor to the rise in homelessness here in Bellevue. Bellevue children experience many forms of homelessness – living in a hotel or motel, staying in a shelter, doubled-up with another family or living outside in cars or tents. It is reported that even “affordable housing” is a far reach from being truly affordable.
- In 2018, 60% of families that received emergency rent assistance from Bellevue LifeSpring had income from employment. The cost of living for a family of four living in Seattle has risen by 86% since 2001 – and it’s even more expensive on the Eastside. Just to pay for the most very basic needs, a family of four living in Bellevue needs to earn over $80,000.
Because of your support, Bellevue LifeSpring is able to address these issues.
Here are some of the ways we are taking action:
Food
Breaktime-Mealtime™ provides grocery store food vouchers to children during school breaks, when free meals are not available at school.
Clothing
Clothes-4-Kids™ provides $150 clothing vouchers for new back-to-school clothes and shoes to Bellevue students.
Education
Educational Grants provides need-based scholarships for college students.
Grads-On-Track™ provides need-based summer school scholarships for high school students.
Emergency & Holiday Assistance
Rent Assistance helps families living in Bellevue avoid eviction so they can stay in their apartments.
Holiday Adopt-A-Family™ matches families in need with sponsors who provide gift and food assistance during the holiday season.
