As temperatures start to cool off and the days get shorter, energy costs start increasing for most of us. There are several simple things you can do to both use energy more efficiently and conserve energy. Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same function. For example, a simple way to become more [...]
“COVID19 has really taken a toll on me emotionally,” shares Ericka. Ericka was homeless for a year before she moved into her current apartment three years ago. In recovery for over twenty years, and dealing with multiple health issues, Ericka has been unable to work and is dependent on Social Security Disability. “I’ve wanted to [...]
“Don’t stop, keep going, those words meant a lot,” says Sharon. Over a decade ago, Sharon’s family moved back to the Seattle area from Minnesota to be close to Sharon’s mom who was having medical issues. Sharon and her partner had been together for 23 years and had three children. In Minnesota, they owned a [...]
“MSC helped us a lot and is still helping us. They got us a home. Our MSC case manager is always the first person I call,” shared Takisha. In August 2018, Takisha’s family lost their apartment home to a fire. The fire started in another unit, but caused significant damage to the building. Takisha and [...]
“MSC has been there when I needed it,” shares Africa. Africa is mom to a 15 year old, and a 24 year old who is graduating from college this year. While she doesn’t need assistance very often, she sometimes seeks occasional help with her energy bill. “There are periods of time when I need help,” [...]
Three years ago, Angiee Lafferty joined the Multi-Service Center (MSC) staff as an energy assistance counselor. When asked why she wanted to work at MSC, she replied, “I do it because I’ve been on the other side of the table, and it makes me feel good to help. It’s good a karma career.” Angiee and [...]
“MSC’s housing helped me find stability and become responsible again,” shares Emily, a resident at one of MSC’s income-based apartment complexes. In 2009, Emily lost her Section 8 Housing Voucher. She and her 11-year-old son had nowhere to go, so Emily sent her son to live with her aunt in Vancouver so he could have [...]
“Sometimes it’s a choice between does my kid get shoes or do I pay the electric bill.” Sandy has been unable to work due to medical issues and is currently living in subsidized housing with her 11-year-old son. Her income is limited to government assistance of about $1,000 per month and an additional $130 for [...]
"My monthly income barely pays for my rent. Without MSC's energy assistance program I don't know if I'd make it in the winter." Khadija is in her early sixties and worked up until 2006 when she developed medical issues that made it difficult for her to use her hands. She is now receiving Social Security [...]
"Everything was going fine until the checks stopped coming, and then a friend told me about MSC's Energy Assistance Program," shares Helen. Helen, a 72-year-old retiree living on Vashon Island with her dogs and birds, called MSC for the first time last year. Living off her social security and supplementing her income with a small [...]
