Covid-19 Resources for Residents
We've heard from many residents about how coronavirus is impacting their daily lives. Many residents have lost work and are dealing with economic and personal impacts. We hear you. We know this is a stressful, uncertain time, especially with finances. We're in this together and we're here to help.
In the past year, we've connected over 550 families to rental assistance and delivered over 10,000 meals to residents.
We have been committed to keeping all residents housed since the beginning of the pandemic. If you are a Bellwether resident needing support during the pandemic with rent assistance, accessing food, finding work, or anything else, contact your Resident Services Coordinator.
For the latest COVID-19 policies and practices for your building, please see postings in your buildings or call your property manager.
Frequently asked questions
Rent
Do I still need to pay rent?
What's Bellwether's rental policy right now?
Due to the corona virus pandemic, we have made the following temporary changes to our rent policy. These changes will be in effect throughout the eviction moratorium in Seattle.
-
Rental payments remain due in full and payable as of the first of each month. - We will accept partial payments for rent.
- We will not charge late fees for non-payment of rent.
- We will not initiate eviction proceedings or issue legal notices for any resident due to non-payment of rent.
- For residents not able to pay their rent (partial or full), Property Management and Resident Services are here to connect residents to available resources. Please reach out to tell us about your situation. We want to help you.
- On a monthly basis, we will send a summary to each resident who has outstanding rent itemizing the amounts that remain owing and payable.
- Once we resume normal operations, residents will be allowed to pay back outstanding rent over a nine-month period with a documented payment plan. Please work with your site manager to develop a payment plan, if you need one.
- Unfortunately, we cannot reduce rent due to our financial obligations to our lenders and partners.
- We may update this policy as the situation evolves.
I'm worried I won't be able to pay my rent because of the coronavirus.
We know this is a stressful and scary time for many residents. We're here to help you and support you during this difficult situation.
Can I set up a payment plan for my rent?
Yes. Once we resume normal operations, residents will be allowed to pay back outstanding rent over a nine-month period with a documented payment plan. Please work with your site manager to develop a payment plan, if you need one. On a monthly basis, we will send a summary to each resident who has outstanding rent itemizing the amounts that remain owing and payable.
If I can't pay rent because of coronavirus, will I lose my housing?
No. Our priority is keeping all residents housed. The last thing residents need is to be worried about losing their homes. We are here for you and we will work with you to keep you in your apartment.
Can I get a rent reduction?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer rent reductions right now due to our financial obligations to our lenders and partners. We want to help you as much as possible - please reach out to your Resident Services Coordinator and or Site Manager. The more they know about your situation, the more they can work with you to find resources and support tailored to your unique needs.
Health and Safety
What is Bellwether doing to keep resodents safe?
Our priority continues to be to keep our residents and staff safe and healthy. Below are the precautions Bellwether is taking to slow the spread of the virus.
-
All site staff conduct a health screening questionnaire before entering units / permitting residents to enter offices. If a resident is sick, maintenance repairs or appointments will be rescheduled. -
In accordance with local and state guidelines, all staff will be masked. We ask that residents also be masked when in spaces with our staff (unit or site offices). -
Using phone and email as primary ways to communicate with residents, limiting walk in appointments when able. -
Frequent cleanings of all high-touch surfaces.
How long will this last?
We don't know how long the coronavirus pandemic will last. We're in this together, no matter how long it lasts.
What should I do if I'm sick?
How can I prevent myself and others from getting sick?
When am I requred to wear a face mask or cloth face covering?
Advocacy
How is Bellwether advocating for residents right now?
Bellwether Housing has:
-
connected 550 households with rental assistance from The City of Seattle -
delivered over 10,000 meals to high-risk residents, with food prepared by local restaurants -
advocated to City, State and the Federal government for more resources to be available to residents
How can I help advocate for resources?
We also encourage you to contact your State, County and City elected officials to share your stories and needs.
Resources
Are the Bellwether administrative offices open?
No. Our administrative offices in South Lake Union and Capitol Hill are closed until further notice. All staff who can work remotely are doing so.
What resources are available to residents?
A list of the most frequently needed resources is available on this page. It includes rental assitance, unemployement, food assistance, childcare resources, and more.