LYDIA PLACE | OFFICIAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2020
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The Fashion Show Must Go On! |
Handbags for Housing is going virtual
Thursday, September 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lydia Place, along with event partners Lynda Hinton of Windermere, Barkley Village, and Labels Women’s Consignment are bringing Bellingham’s largest fashion extravaganza and handbag exchange, Handbags for Housing, to living rooms all across Whatcom County and beyond.
For more Handbags for Housing information and details, please scroll down to the Events section.
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Wise Buys & Y's Buys Full Circle |
Lydia Place is excited to announce it's Wise Buys Program will be passed forward to its original owners the YWCA!
The 1224 N. State Street location will be renamed back to its former name, "Y's Buys," and will include the YWCA's "Back to Work" boutique. A grand re-opening of Y's Buys is scheduled for 2021.
Lydia Place will be celebrating 31 years with Wise Buys at this year's Housing Heroes Award celebration in December. Stay tuned for more details.
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Support LP while you shop! |
AmazonSmile in the Shopping App
You can now support your favorite charity through the Amazon app on your iPhone and Android Phones. By turning on the AmazonSmile feature, Amazon will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases to Lydia Place every time you shop- no additional cost to you. As of May 2020 AmazonSmile shoppers have generated $970.96 to Lydia Place families!
Scroll down to the Ongoing Need section to view our current Amazon wishlists.
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We are looking for the next amazing humans to join our dynamic team and be a part of our vision of a compassionate community where everyone has a home and the opportunity to thrive.
In order to continue this process and for everyone, we've established new hiring procedures to ensure prospective applicants and our staff can stay safe and healthy during the application process.
To view current career opportunities with us, please visit our career and engagement opportunities page by clicking the button below.
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Handbags for Housing
Thursday, September 17th
New time!
We've listened to your feedback and want to ensure as many people have the opportunity to attend, therefore, we've decided to move the event start time of 5pm back an hour to 6pm to better accommodate work week schedules. The VIP party will also be pushed back one hour from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Thank you!
While COVID-19 may keep us physically apart, our love of fashion and philanthropy will unite us on September 17th with a live streaming fashion show featuring local businesses, online handbag auction, gift boxes to purchase, and raffle prizes to win!
For those that want to enjoy a VIP experience, for $150 a themed and curated gift box (value $300+) will be delivered to your door. VIPs also receive early access to the auction and entry into a VIP exclusive watch party.
All event proceeds benefit Lydia Place programs and services- which are needed now more than ever. Event registration is now open, so get yourself registered and ready for an evening of fun, fashion, and philanthropy... because you are too SWEET!
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This event would not be possible without the support and generosity of our 2020 Handbags for Housing sponsors!
We invite you to join us in giving some love to the following businesses and individuals who are committed to supporting the work of Lydia Place during these challenging times. Normally we would have the opportunity to show our gratitude in-person at our events, but regardless of what we could or couldn't reciprocate this year, they gave anyway.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all you do for Lydia Place and our community.
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General admission is FREE this year, but you must register to attend! |
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Connect Family Chiropractic Back to School Supply Drive
Now through September 4th
Help us kick off Connect Family Chiropractic's Back-to-School drive benefiting Lydia Place families! Now through Friday, September 4th this family owned and community-focused business is allowing space for our friends and neighbors to donate some of the most essential supplies for the children we serve as well as provide educational and personal growth items to send Lydia Place families back to school with supplies they need with the support of their local community behind them.
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. You can drop off your school supplies during their office hours at
902 N. State Street Ste. 101
Bellingham, WA 98225
Want to participate by shopping online to limit person-to-person contact? We have Amazon Wish Lists that make it easy. Check out our wish lists below.
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Coming this Fall
Keeping our physical distance won't keep us from enjoying some brew with our friends from Kulshan Brewing Co. this October. Coming soon to a Kulshan location near you... a Lydia Place brew - on tap and canned- with a portion of your purchase helping to support Lydia Place programs and services. Stay tuned for more details!
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Community Cares celebrates individuals and businesses who coordinated a drive and/or donated 100% of proceeds in order to fulfill an immediate Lydia Place need. |
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Photos courtesy of Labels Women's Consignment Shop |
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Community Cares: Handbags for Housing Runway Participants
This year's Handbag for Housing fashion runway show features five local boutiques and shops who are going above and beyond this year by bringing their passion for fashion and creative candy inspired looks to help raise essential funds for our programs and services. We'd like to give a big thank you and welcome back to Labels Women's Consignment, Wise Buys Thrift Store, Third Planet, Fringe, 12th Street Shoes, and Posh Upscale Resale!
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Community Cares: Goat Boat Farms
We sure are appreciating these gorgeous pops of color thanks to Goat Boat Farms (GBF)! GBF donated several fresh cut beautiful bouquets to liven up our offices and our clients homes in our Campus Housing Program.
Goat Boat Farms is a rural retreat and working farm located in Wickersham, WA. In addition to being a flower farm, GBF offers baby goat yoga classes and is a part of Sustainable Connections Food to Bank On Program, which has donated over $100,000 worth of produce to hunger and relief agencies. Check out their website, https://goatboatfarm.com/, you can thank us later!
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Community Cares: Lydia Place Housing Heroes
Since its launch this summer, we've had 50+ individuals join our Housing Hero monthly giving program! For as little as $5 per month, your contribution helps Lydia Place continue to maintain housing stability, mental health services, and parenting support to hundreds of families who are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Jeanne Baker, Matthew Barrow, Lindsey Bear, David Beaumier, Drew Betz, Brianna Brumbaugh, Michael & Mary Brunt, Tony Casale, Genevieve Castle, Lisa Chovil, Karen & Richard Clark, Jennifer Cool, Susan Costanzo, Sue Ann Croft, Deb Currier, Cayla Dickens, Michelle Dohm, Pamela E. Englett, Graham Essex, Steve Forbes, Rachel Garcia, Kaitlyn Gerard, Lynn Giuliani, Audrey E. Gravley, Mindy Gravley, Alycia Hawkins, Roxanna Hayes, Amy Johnson, Hank Kastner, Ann Lackland, Tom Laughlin, Sonja Lee, Erin Lynch, Megan McGinty, Dustin McKissen, Kathleen McQuaide, Heather Michel, Patti Morgan, Marilyn Moullen, Shenandoah Myrick, Tammie O'Dell, Dawn Oehlerich, Traci Orr, Laura Ann Owens, Susan & Jeff Palmer, Deborah Parker, Joelle Parrs-Weinberg, Kristen Parsons, Melanie Pysden, Misty Kaye Rainwater, Amanda Robins, Jillene Snell, Delores Starcher, Pete Stelling, Sterling Rentals 1 LLC, Ryan Thramer, Jeffery Y. Tom, Peter Turner, Shawna Unger, Trent Vigor, Elizabeth Waluka |
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Featured Partnership: PSE a Powerful Partnership
Since April, PSE has been providing financial relief for its customers and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Crisis-Affected Customer Assistance Program (CACAP) they’ve been able to assist more than 10,000 customers with the distribution of $6 million in energy bill credits.
CACAP provides bill payment assistance to customers who after March 1, 2020 have lost their job, had theirs hours decreased, or are unable to work due to COVID-19, making them eligible to receive up to $1,000 in credit on their energy bill.
New applications for the program will be accepted until funds are exhausted or until Sept. 30, 2020, whichever comes first. If you’re in need of assistance, learn more at pse.com/covidhelp
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Urgent! Canine Behavioral Training |
Family and doggo at risk of losing housing
We are seeking direct support and/or recommendations for canine behavioral training for a family at risk of losing housing and/or their beloved pet.
If you are a trainer, or know of a trainer with experience in cases such as this, please contact Lydia Place Community Engagement Coordinator, Rita Thames at [email protected]
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Ongoing Needs Now Listed on Amazon
At Lydia Place we value our community and that means we shop local whenever possible. Due to our inability to accept donations in-person, we've had to find alternative ways to continue to provide essential items to our families in need. One of the ways we're doing that is through Amazon Wishlists in order to limit person-to-person contact as much as possible.
These lists can also be used as a reference if you wish to shop locally. We just ask that if you aren't purchasing items from Amazon that they be mailed directly to Lydia Place. If you'd like to discuss on-going donation needs or delivery please contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Rita Thames at [email protected]
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WHERE TO DONATE USED ITEMS |
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Welcome Back Lydia Place Donation Partners!
The following businesses are currently accepting donations, however, we strongly encourage you to contact each business for their current COVID-19 donation policies and procedures as they vary from business to business.
Friendly Reminder: You must mention Lydia Place during your donation process at the following locations for us to receive credit for our families. Thank you!
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Donate Furniture, Building Supplies, Appliances, and Household Items |
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Habitat for Humanity
1825 Cornwall Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-2036
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Donate Children's and Maternity Items |
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Flip Kids and Maternity Consignment
1512 Ellis Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 671-0954
Little Bugs
2400 Yew Street
Bellingham, WA 98229
360.756.0527
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Donate Vehicles (Working or not!) |
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Donate for Charity
(866) 392-4483
Get a minimum $500 deduction (or higher, depending on what your car sells for) and Lydia Place receives the net proceeds.
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CELEBRATING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
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Hispanic + Latinx + Spanish Heritage Month |
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WHEN IS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATED? Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The celebration starts mid-month because Sept. 15 marks the independence anniversary of five countries: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. It is followed by Mexico's Independence Day on Sept. 16 and Chile's on Sept. 18. Another important date that falls within this 30-day period is Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day, which is celebrated on Oct. 12.
WHAT DOES HISPANIC MEAN? While many people use Latino(a) and Hispanic interchangeably these two words mean different things. A Hispanic person is someone who comes from, or is a descendant of a Spanish-speaking country. Latino(a) is used when referring to someone who comes from Latin America, or is a descendant from any Latin American country.
A person can be both Hispanic and Latino(a), but not all Latinos are Hispanic. Brazilians, for example, are Latinos, but their native language is not Spanish. Conversely, not all Hispanics are Latino(a). Spaniards are considered Hispanic, but not Latinos, since they are part of the European Union.
WHAT DOES LATINX MEAN? In short, Latinx (adj) is defined as: Relating to people of Latin American origin or descent (used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latino or Latina). The article "Why 'Latinx' Is Succeeding While Other Gender-Neutral Terms Fail to Catch On" by The Times provides a more in-depth look at this fairly new alternative to Latino or Latina and the pro's and con's of it's impact within Latin American culture.
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Get ready to be inspired! From celebrities to CEOs, from scientists to young activists and scholars, meet the #NBCLatino20 who are using their voice, talent and passion to empower our communities and show that America’s strength lies in our diversity.
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Lydia Place's Equity Book Club
In January, we launched an agency-wide equity book club as a way for us to continue to engage in this meaningful work as a team. This practice has been so rewarding and insightful that we wanted to begin sharing what we're reading with our supporters. We hope it inspires others to continue learning and reflecting on our professional and personal role in making sure Whatcom County is a place where EVERYONE has a home AND an equal opportunity to thrive.
Last month's book The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou is the fourth installment of Angelou's series of seven autobiographies. Much like Angelou's previous works, The Heart of a Woman is a raw and vulnerable look inside of what it was like for her as an African American woman, mother to a teenage son, and published author in America. A journey through survival, self-discovery, and wisdom, Angelou is out to show the world just how powerful the heart of a woman is.
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Native American Voting Rights Act (NAVRA)
NAVRA will ensure tribal polling places have proper voting equipment, require tribal consultation on polling site locations, and provide tribes with the resources they need to carry out full and fair elections.
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WLIHA wants to hear from you
Has Covid-19 affected your housing or the housing of someone you know? Take a few minutes to share your story with the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. No matter your income, if your housing has been affected by Covid-19, it is important for our elected officials to hear your story. The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance is a powerful statewide coalition of diverse organizations and individuals working together to build and protect safe, healthy, affordable homes for everyone in Washington.
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Safe and Stable Housing Should Be a Fundamental Right
Editor's Note: There are over 100 organizations in Whatcom County working to provide supportive services to those experiencing chronic poverty and its associated effects: addiction, homelessness, incarceration, mental illness, and unemployment....
Read more
whatcomwatch.org
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City Council to consider workgroup to study municipal...
Mayor proposes workgroup to help ensure equitable, affordable internet access Aug 19, 2020 - by Janice Keller, Communications Director Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood has recommended appointing an ad hoc advisory group to inform the City's study...
Read more
cob.org
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The civil rights movement in color
August 28th marked the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington - a quarter-million people came together to draw attention to the challenges and inequalities faced by Black Americans. The two dozen or so color photographs from that day...
Read more
unsplash.com
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Black women finally getting their due for their work to...
The U.S. is celebrating the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in 2020. On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, making the amendment law and ensuring that women have the right to vote.
Read more
abcnews.go.com
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Attention Lydia Place Housing Heroes Monthly Contributors
You may update or change your credit card details via our Financial Manager, Judy Wayt at 360.671.7663 ext 2003 or by filling out a new online donation form with your new credit card information here.
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Thank you the following collectives who gave a one-time gift this month!
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Flora Adams, Judy M. Bell, Bellingham United Reformed Church, Christine Coder, Frontstream, Girl Scouts of Western WA #44348, Haggen Foundation, Julie A. Hubner, Maria Iorlano, Kroger, Network for Good, Emily O'Connor, Puget Sound Energy |
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How the CARES Act Impacts Charitable Giving for 2020
New Deduction Available: Non-itemizer taxpayers can write off up to $300 ($600 for a married couple) in charitable cash contributions for 2020. This is available only to people who take the standard deduction, not for people who can itemize their deductions on Schedule A. It is an “above the line” deduction from income that will reduce a donor’s adjusted gross income (AGI), and thereby reduce taxable income.
This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.
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Lydia Place is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by the law. |
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