Mutual Aid

 

Every act of generosity fills the gap and strengthens our network of care across our communities.

— Northwest Harvest

Addressing Food Insecurity Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty 

Millions of families are at risk losing access to vital programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Head Start. Over 40 million people in the United States, including nearly 1 million Washingtonians, rely on SNAP—40% of whom are children.

Each week, Washington typically receives $37 million in federal funds to support SNAP participants. Governor Furguson has directed roughly $2.2 million to be provided to food banks per week starting November 3rd until federal SNAP funding is restored.

Washington State stands to lose $200 million in food assistance and $300 million in Medicare support. Attorney General Nick Brown has joined a multi-state lawsuit urging the USDA to use contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits.

As of October 31, two federal judges have ruled that the federal administration must continue funding SNAP using contingency funds during the government shutdown. This is good news, however, there may still be a lapse in funding for part of November and the rulings maybe appealed.

Ways your PTA leaders & community members can help:

Each of us deserves the dignity of having our basic needs met, and we are grateful for the generosity that PTA leaders and community members extend everyday to friends and neighbors. Please reach out to treasurer@scptsa.org if we can assist you in your efforts!

Guide to Mutual Aid Groups in Seattle

South Seattle Emerald
Mutual aid is a practice of direct community and resource sharing to help meet each other's needs — typically without ties to nonprofits or other organizations. Instead of charity, mutual aid operates in solidarity, recognizing that our health and well-being are bound up in collective care.

Find local mutual aid groups across Seattle, how to contact them, and what they most need help with right now.

View the guide

Mutual Aid Hub (U.S.)

Mutual aid is keeping communities afloat. Find Mutual Aid Networks and other community self-support projects near you. Reach out to groups directly to get involved, offer resources, or submit needs requests.

View the map

Art by Olly Costello

In Washington state, tens of thousands of students are experiencing homelessness. They’re sleeping in shelters, cars, motels, or crowded into other people’s homes, doing whatever they can to stay safe and keep going. Many of these families depend on SNAP to get through the week.

If those benefits are delayed or cut, this becomes a survival crisis.

  • No food means no focus in school.

  • No food means more stress on kids already dealing with instability.

    No food means another barrier for families who are already pushed to the margins.

This isn’t just about one program or policy.
It’s about how we care for people—especially children—when systems fail. If you can:

  • Support your local food banks or mutual aid groups.

  • If you work in schools, check in on the students who might be quietly struggling.

  • And if you’re in a position of influence, stay connected to the real-life consequences of these decisions.

— Jeanea Proctor-Mills, McKinney-Vento Liaison

Seattle Public Schools
Family Support Program

SPS Family Support Program is committed to reducing barriers to academic success by linking students and their families with needed community resources. Our mission is to inspire and motivate Seattle Public School children to succeed academically socially and emotionally.

The Family Support Program leverages family engagement and support to increase student achievement, sense of belonging and improve graduation rates by partnering with school staff and community organizations for the success of students on issues related to reading achievement and attendance.

SPS Family Support Contacts by school

WestSide Baby

WestSide Baby meets the basic needs of children to promote safety, security & healthy development. We provide essential items to keep children safe, warm and dry by collecting and distributing diapers, clothing, and equipment throughout Western King County. WestSide Baby’s model is unique. We receive donations from the community, check and sort those donations, and distribute them directly to 100+ partner agencies, who are experts in their families, and the children they serve. These professionals get the items the children need, and WestSide Baby can focus on collecting the basic essentials. Seattle Public Schools is a partner agency of WestSide Baby. If you or someone you know has an unmet basic need, please reach out to your Seattle Public Schools principal, family support worker or school counselor.

View all partner agencies

The Alliance for Education
Right Now Needs Fund

Founded in 2018, the Right Now Needs Fund is an Alliance for Education program that works at the individual school level to support the immediate basic needs of students and families in Seattle Public Schools. The Right Now Needs Fund supports immediate, basic needs like clothing, meals, shelter, utilities and more. If you or someone you know has an unmet basic need, please reach out to your Seattle Public Schools principal, family support worker or school counselor.