Hopelink

Yup, you heard City of Redmond, WA Mayor Angela Birney right. Due to rising costs, we've seen a 15% increase in our Food Assistance program enrollments since July 2024. That's an additional 1,200 we're serving each month compared to this time last year. We're so thankful to Mayor Birney for raising awareness about food insecurity in our community and dropping by our Redmond Center for a chat with our Director of Food Programs Amanda Lopez-Castañon. If you want to help, please consider making a monetary donation or starting a food drive at your workplace: https://lnkd.in/gyySiEqe

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate the women who have led the charge against poverty—breaking down barriers in food security, labor rights, housing justice, environmental equity, and education access. Their work reminds us of the power of community, advocacy, and action. Their leadership has paved the way, and their dedication invites us to continue this work. We recognize the countless women in our region—partners, clients, volunteers, staff, and donors—who pour into Hopelink every day, ensuring we build an equitable community free of poverty. Together, we #AccelerateAction toward a future free from poverty. Join us in the work! Get involved by volunteering, donating, or joining Hopelink Connections to help create opportunities where everyone thrives. https://bit.ly/3Dr7Qzw #IWD2025 #Internationalwomensday #Womeninleadership Melinda French Gates, World Economic Forum Photo by Monika Flueckiger Ramona Bennett, Photo by Elliot Stoller Majora Carter, Photo by Majora Carter Dolores Huerta, LBJ Library Photo by Jay Godwin Aki Kurose, Densho Digital Repository Leah Rothstein, Photo courtesy of Leah Rothstein

Financial capability is more than just budgeting – it’s about understanding your money, setting financial goals, and making informed choices for a secure future. Hopelink Financial Capabilities Program Manager Donna O’Connor breaks it down and shares how our programs help people take control of their finances and gain confidence in their financial future. Read more: https://bit.ly/3UpRPiW

Black history is American history. This month, we honor the profound impact of Black leaders, advocates, and communities—especially in Washington State. At Hopelink, we know that racial equity and poverty alleviation are deeply connected. Systemic barriers have long created economic disparities that disproportionately impact Black communities. That’s why we are committed to: - Advocating for policies that improve economic mobility for all Washingtonians. - Strengthening support systems that uplift Black voices. - Partnering with Black-led organizations to drive lasting change. From William Owen Bush, Washington’s first Black legislator in 1889, to the Black workers who powered our economy, to today’s advocates fighting for economic justice—Black history is a testament to resilience and leadership.This month, let’s celebrate, learn, and continue working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive! Photos courtesy of: Quincy Jones, Los Angeles Times Photo Collection Amanda Gorman, DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II Rosa Parks, Library of Congress John Lewis, Library of Congress Marsha P. Johnson, Stonewall National Monument

Last week, we were happy to welcome Representative Kim Schrier to our Carnation Center, where the Congresswoman and her team were able to spend time volunteering in our Food Market and connecting with our Carnation community. We were grateful for the opportunity to highlight the importance of key programs, like food & energy assistance, that are critical to the health and safety of our community. Thank you, Congresswoman Schrier, for working to understand the experiences of people in poverty.

Hopelink CEO Meghan Altimore and VP of Development, Marketing, & Communications Melissa Pederson have some exciting news about our upcoming fundraising and community events! ⭐ First up, our annual Farm Fresh Feast is moving to a springtime event! Mark your calendars to join us on Thursday, May 29 at The Columbia Collective for a delicious farm-to-table meal and fabulous auction, all in support of Hopelink's programs. ⭐ We've had so much fun kicking off City of Redmond, WA Derby Days with Hopelink Neighborhood Fair the past two years, and we can't wait to do it all again on Friday, July 11! ⭐ Lastly, our biggest event now in its 30th year - Reaching Out Luncheon - is moving to an evening reception on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Meydenbauer Center Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's keynote speaker! We're so grateful for the support of our community and the feedback that's helped us tailor these events so we can deepen our work together, all for a community free of poverty. We hope to see you soon! https://lnkd.in/d6ZM6uD3

At Hopelink, we are continuously inspired by the unwavering dedication and support of our volunteers. Hopelink's volunteer team's time, talents, and generosity make a profound impact on our clients, community members, partners, and our staff. From supporting our Food Assistance programs to assisting students, each and every volunteer plays an essential role in building a community rooted in equity and opportunity. This past Friday, our Food Assistance team held a unity potluck to recognize the invaluable efforts of our Food Assistance volunteers. It was a beautiful moment to reflect on the countless ways volunteers show up for our communities. Their work empowers us to continue striving toward our vision of an equitable community free of poverty. Volunteers, we are grateful for all you do! Interested in partnering with us and supporting your local community? Join our amazing team of volunteers today! Visit https://bit.ly/4gbPqA0

At Hopelink, we know Advocacy is key to our mission of a community free of poverty. We’re excited to share our 2025 State Legislative Agenda highlighting our priorities for the upcoming state legislative session. This year, Washington state faces a massive budget shortfall, putting critical state-funded services at risk. We will focus on protecting funding for the programs and services that support the basic needs of individuals and families in Washington.  Check out our 2025 legislative agenda here:   https://bit.ly/4gnRbuh #waleg #stategovernment #publicpolicy 

At Hopelink, we believe that equity begins with access — to opportunity, dignity, and freedom from poverty. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that true freedom includes freedom from poverty continues to inspire us at Hopelink. As we work to address systemic barriers to economic equity, we carry forward his vision of a society where everyone has access to opportunity, stability, and security. Today, we recommit to building a community rooted in equity and belonging and we hope you join us in the continued work towards an equitable community free of poverty. #EconomicJustice #EquityForAll #CommunityCentered #SocialImpact

"We're good now, Mom." Tequila and her daughter Solana are loving their new apartment they moved into this fall after several years living at Hopelink's Duvall Place. We're in awe of Tequila's resiliency and are so grateful for her sharing her story with The Seattle Times as a part of the annual Fund for Those in Need campaign. https://lnkd.in/gFmGz632