Initially paid for with federal funding, budget reductions and the elimination of funding sources have created a $100,000 shortfall in the program’s 2010 budget.

“City staff and program allies have been working diligently to develop a long-term sustainability plan for the Safe Havens,” said Katherin Johnson, Kent’s Housing and Human Services Manager, in the April 22 press release.

“However, if emergency funding is not found immediately, we’ll be forced to close doors as early as April 30.  Friends and allies of the program are soliciting emergency funding from various foundations and agencies as well as asking for personal donations. Checks have begun to roll in, however, much more is needed and quickly.”

Since the opening of Safe Havens, state and county funding assistance has been an annual request by the City. According to Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, the softening economy made the need to transition the service very apparent.

“Our annual legislative agenda has included the transitioning of Safe Havens over to a state agency or non-profit organization,” Cooke said in the press release.

“We can’t deny the value of the program, but it is truly regional in its scope.  Safe Havens has provided services county-wide and beyond to Snohomish, Pierce and Thurston counties.  It should not, and cannot be funded only by the City,” she added.

To help keep the program in place, the City of Kent has established a a fund for accepting donations. Checks can be made payable to City of Kent/Safe Havens and mailed to Safe Havens Visitation Center, 220 4^th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032.  Donations via credit card can also be made online at http://www.formdesk.com/kccadv/SafeHavens.  Donations are tax deductible.

November 4, 2009 – Kent service clubs are taking the lead to match volunteers with those who need help preparing for potential flooding. Residents can now call or email for help with filling and placing sandbags at their homes.

Kent Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Kent, Kent Meridian Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Club of Kent, Kent Lions, Soroptimist International of Kent and Quota International of Kent Valley have all come together to serve as volunteer coordinators.

According to Kent’s Housing and Human Services Manager Katherin Johnson, there has been a outpouring of support from local residents and church groups wanting to know how they can help.

“The free sandbags have been a huge benefit for residents, but some people need help getting them” said Johnson. “Some just aren’t physically able to shovel sand or move sandbags. The local service clubs matching these people up with volunteers will be an outstanding help for everyone.”

Residents needing help with sandbags, or people willing to volunteer, can leave a message on the service club hotline at 206-755-4814 or by email at kentserviceclubs@yahoo.com.  Interested parties can also follow the service clubs on Twitter at twitter.com/SandbagsKentWA.

The Kent Valley is facing a higher risk of flooding this winter due to water seeping more rapidly through an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam after record high water last winter. Until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can make repairs, it must limit the amount of flood water it stores behind the dam.

• Baby food
• Baby formula
• Diapers (sizes 1-2 and training sizes)
• Baby bottles
• Baby wipes

Cash or checks are also graciously accepted at the branch and should be made out to the Kent Food Bank.

The Kent branch of HomeStreet Bank is located in downtown Kent at 505 W. Harrison St., Kent, WA 98032, just down the street from the Kent Food Bank.

For more information on the baby food drive, call the Kent Food Bank at 253-520-3550 or HomeStreet Bank at 253-373-9979.

[Thanks to HomeStreet Bank for providing this information to iLoveKent.net]