All resources, closures and updates are current through March 25. Please stay updated at BellevueWA.gov. City actions, along with key messages from public health officials are listed here. COVID-19 Updates page offers a running tally of the city’s response to date.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Bellevue is doing what it can to help residents protect themselves and businesses survive. The city is monitoring the situation, issuing recommendations and taking actions based on direction from Public Health – Seattle & King County and the governor.

Community Resources

Bellevuewa.gov/covid-19-community-resources

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced temporary closure of schools and many businesses, triggering demand for community resources to help people make it through this time. If you don’t find something helpful on this page, please check out United Way’s COVID-19 page. If your employment has been affected, please consult our COVID-19 Business Resources below.

Bellevue Utilities

UTILITY BILL-PAY HELP DURING COVID-19
The developing COVID-19 situation is causing financial stress for many residents and businesses. Utilities is ready to help in a few ways.

No water shutoffs
As of March 11, and for the duration of the crisis, Utilities has suspended all water shut-offs for non-payment to make sure everyone who needs water has access. We will work with customers to set up payment plans or access available emergency financial assistance. During this time, we will not assess additional fees or charges for past-due payments.

Emergency Assistance Program
. Some customers may qualify for help under our Emergency Assistance Program. This program can cover up to four months of basic water, sewer and drainage service charges for residents who meet the program’s low-income qualifications for the past 30 days and do not currently receive other financial help from Bellevue Utilities.

Customers financially impacted by the outbreak can contact Bellevue Utilities to request payment plans for their water, sewer and drainage bills by calling 425-452-6973 or emailing utilities@bellevuewa.gov. Information about the Emergency Assistance Program is available at www.bellevuewa.gov/utilityrelief or by calling 425-452-5285.

Your drinking water remains safe

During this COVID-19 crisis, Utilities wants to assure all of our residents that your tap water remains safe to drink and use.

In a statement on their website, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water, and that “conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

You can see more about how we keep your drinking water safe, along with other information about drinking water safety during COVID-19, at www.bellevuewa.gov/water-quality. If you have any concerns about your water, please call our water quality office anytime at 425-452-6192. Keep washing hands, drinking water and staying healthy.

Please trash all disinfectant wipes – DO NOT FLUSH!

We’re all making extra efforts to disinfect our homes and workplaces. There’s another way we can protect public health. As you clean, PLEASE put all wipes in the trash – don’t flush them. This unattractive photo shows a pile of disposable wipes Utilities crews pulled out of a sewer pump station last week.

Flushed wipes do not break down in the system like toilet paper – even products that are labeled “flushable.” When they clump together in pipes, they can eventually lead to hazardous and expensive sewer backups in your home or your neighborhood.

Sanitization is incredibly important right now. But so is proper disposal of waste. Please help us protect our community health and our sewer system by trashing wipes instead of flushing.

Financial Assistance

Agencies providing emergency financial assistance and other resources
Catholic Community Services: 425-213-1963 or 206-323-6336
Hopelink: 425-943-7559 or 7555
LifeWire:  425-749-8369 or 425-746-1940
Salvation Army:  425-452-7300
Solid Ground: (2-1-1)
Food
Agencies providing emergency food assistance
Eastside Baby Corner: 425-865-0234
Emergency Feeding Program: 206-277-0300
Hopelink: 425-869-7555
Renewal Food Bank: 1-866-793-6512 or 425-736-8132
Salvation Army: 425-452-7300
Sound Generations Meals on Wheels: 206-448-5757
Free Grab & Go Meals for Kids and Teens. Kids must be present to receive meals.
Sammamish High School
100 140th Ave SE Bellevue, WA
Time:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lake Hills Elementary
14310 SE 12th St Bellevue, WA
Time:  11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Stevenson Elementary 
14220 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98007
Time:  11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Legal Assistance

Catholic Community Services: 206-324-6890
Eastside Legal Assistance: 425-747-7274
King County Bar Association: 206-267-7090
Tenant Services Hotline: 206-723-0500 or 206-694-6767

Renter Assistance

On March 19, Gov. Inslee issued a 30-day, statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants. Residential landlords are prohibited from serving a notice of unlawful detainer for default payment of rent. Law enforcement may not enforce eviction orders based solely on non-payment of rent.

Also on March 19, the federal government directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The city provides funding to the following agencies that provide emergency rental assistance/eviction prevention:
Catholic Community Services: 206-328-5724
Hopelink: 425-869-6000
LifeWire (domestic violence victims): 425-746-1940
Salvation Army: 206-442-8365
Solid Ground: 206-694-6767

Child Care

Bellevue School District
Stevenson Elementary School, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., 100 students, age 3 through fifth grade
Lake Hills Elementary School, 7:30 a.m. -6 p.m., 140 students, age 3 through fifth grade
Child care is only for students who have registered and been accepted.
Breakfast and lunch will also be available at both schools, Monday to Friday.
Breakfast: 7:30 -8:30 a.m.
Hot lunch, 11 a.m.-noon. Both will also be full meal sites, with grab-and-go bags available for students 18 and under to pick up lunch and breakfast for the next day.

The Bellevue School District’s Family Connection Centers are still open.

Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue
For information, call 425-454-6162 or go to Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue. There is a link on the page for registration for out-of-school care.

Puget Sound Energy

PSE is taking steps to ensure continued service to customers, with links to bill payment assistance and other tools on its page.
PSE will not disconnect customers during this time.
PSE received permission from the state Utilities and Transportation Commission to waive late fees.
PSE will work with customers on options such as payment plans and choosing a new bill due date.
PSE launched a new energy assistance portal to improve access to funds available to low-income customers.
The PSE Foundation, a nonprofit entity that helps the communities PSE serves, is donating $250,000 to support relief efforts in the community through the Seattle Foundation as well as donating to food banks.

Comcast

Comcast is offering 60 days of service free during the crisis. The school district will work to get free hotspots to families that need them.  Call 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

 

Shelter

For Men: Congregations for the Homeless, 515 116th Ave. NE (Lincoln Center). Bus Route 271 to 116th Avenue and NE 2nd Place or B Line to NE 8th and 116th Ave. Call 425-289-4044 any time. Services are available 24/7 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
For Women: The Sophia Way, St. Luke’s Church, 3032 Bellevue Way NE. Bus Route 249 to Bellevue Way NE and NE 30th Pl. Call 425-463-6254 any time. Services are available 24/7 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
For Families: Catholic Community Services, St. Peter’s Church, 17222 NE 8th. Bus Route 226 to NE 8th St & 172nd Ave NE. Call 206-245-1026 (intake) 8:30 p.m.–7 a.m.
Day Center for Families: Catholic Community Services, Salt House Church, 11920 NE 80th St, Kirkland.
Bus Route 235 to NE 85th St & 120th Ave NE. Call 425-679-0350 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
For Young Adults (18-24 years old): Friends of Youth, 16225 NE 87th St., Suite A-1, Redmond. Bus Routes B Line or 232 to NE 85th St & 161st Ave NE. Call 206-236-5437.

Volunteering

Make A Difference: Volunteer Opportunities in Bellevue
bellevuewa.gov/sites/default/files/media/pdf_document/Volunteer-Resource-Guide.pdf

 

Donations

Monetary donations to the City of Bellevue toward the city’s response to the COVID-19 emergency can be made using the following methods:
By check, made payable to the City of Bellevue, including in the memo the phrase “COVID-19 donation” and mailed to:
City of Bellevue
c/o Service First
450 110th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

City Facilities and Services

Bellevue City Hall: No access to City Hall facilities. Services available via phone and online. Visit Contact Us page to access services or dial 425-452-6800.
Development Services and permit center: No in-person services. Services available via phone and online only until further notice. For assistance with application submittal and payment please call permit processing: 425-452-4898; or email: permits@bellevuewa.gov
Mini City Hall: No in-person services. Please call 425-452-2800 or email minich@bellevuewa.gov during operational hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
Mini City Hall multi-lingual services schedule:

Police and Fire Facilities
Bellevue Police lobby in City Hall: Closed through March 31 (can report crime online, phone 911 for emergency, or call the department office number for information.)
Crossroads Police Substation: Closed until further notice
Factoria Police Substation: Closed until further notice
Fire Station public access and programs: Closed until further notice. Stations remain open for emergency access and emergency response operations.

Parks Facilities and Community Centers
All playgrounds, sport courts and ballfields: Closed until further notice
Aquatics Center: Closed through April 30
Bellevue Botanical Garden Aaron Education Center: Closed through April 30 (garden is still open)
Bellevue Youth Theatre: Closed through April 30
Crossroads Community Center: Closed through April 30
Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course: Closed through April 30
Highland Community Center: Closed through April 30
Kelsey Creek Farm: Closed through April 30
Lake Hills Greenbelt Ranger Station: Closed through April 30
Lewis Creek Visitor Center: Closed through April 30
Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center: Closed through April 30
North Bellevue Community Center: Closed through April 30
Northwest Arts Center: Closed through April 30
Robinswood Tennis Center: Closed through April 30
South Bellevue Community Center: Closed through April 30

Postponed or Canceled City Events

When postponed events are rescheduled, the new dates will be posted. Parks & Community Services and other departments have canceled all events, including the following:
All external meetings not subject to the Open Public Meetings Act are canceled; further updates will be posted.
City Council Meeting, March 23 (next regularly scheduled meeting April 6)
Welcome to City Hall, April 3, City Hall
Arbor Day-Earth Day, April 18, Lewis Creek Visitor Center
Kelsey Creek Sheep Shearing, April 25, Kelsey Creek Farm
Welcome to City Hall, May 8, City Hall

Business and nonprofit Resources

Bellevuewa.gov/covid-19-business-resources

As we enter a new phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Greater Puget Sound region, we want to further address the impacts to businesses, and particularly small businesses and nonprofits, in Bellevue and on the Eastside. The actions being taken by public health authorities are necessary and important.
That said, our small businesses and nonprofits are feeling the pain now, and we want to do everything we can to help. We are coordinating with our regional business and nonprofit support partners to help employers stay informed and prepared in this rapidly-evolving situation, and to offer assistance as needed. Please reach out to us (www.surveymonkey.com/r/bellevuecovid19) if you have any questions about resources, or if we can in any way be of assistance.
We strongly encourage Bellevue residents to continue to patronize local cafes and restaurants using takeout and delivery options.
Most importantly, it is critical to document business and nonprofit impacts as the situation is unfolding, both for insurance purposes and for potential future relief efforts by state and federal agencies.

On March 23, Governor Inslee ordered all non-essential businesses to close temporarily, statewide, through his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.
Restaurants may continue to offer take-out, delivery, and drive-thru service.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and essential businesses may remain open.
All other non-essential businesses must close. These businesses may continue to utilize remote work and telecommuting.

Find more information on the state’s website (link: coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed).
In order to assist local restaurants and cafés in continuing to serve customers, Bellevue’s Transportation Department has established temporary, free Curbside Pickup Zones at several locations downtown, which will remain in place for the duration of this crisis. To request a Curbside Food Pickup Zone, contact our Transportation team: bellevuewa.gov/city-news/short-term-restaurant-parking.

 

Bellevue offers deferred tax payments to small businesses
A declaration was issued by Mayor Lynne Robinson relieving the obligation of small businesses with gross receipts under $5M of paying 1Q and 2Q taxes until October 31, 2020. Larger businesses may also have an option upon request to defer tax payments for up to 90 days. A city flyer further outlines the details
The resources provided below are updated frequently. Follow the hyperlinks for additional information, as in most cases eligible businesses and nonprofits must proactively reach out for assistance.
Utilities
Bellevue’s Utilities Department is not disconnecting water service for non-payment at this time. Additionally, it is temporarily waiving late fees for non-payment.
T-Mobile is not disconnecting small business customers due to inability to pay at this time. Additionally, it is temporarily waiving any late fees that small business customers incur due to the COVID-19 situation. Eligible customers can find more information from T-Mobile.
Puget Sound Energy is not disconnecting utility service for non-payment at this time. Additionally, it is temporarily waiving late fees for non-payment. It will work with customers on options like payment plans and bill extensions.
Comcast Xfinity is not disconnecting internet service or assessing late fees at this time. Eligible customers can get more information and contact Comcast.
CenturyLink is not disconnecting internet service or assessing late fees at this time. Eligible customers can get more information and contact CenturyLink .

Taxes

The City of Bellevue will defer Q1 and Q2 local business and occupation (B&O) tax payments for certain small businesses until October. This applies to businesses with gross receipts of less than $5 million annually.
State Department of Revenue is offering filing extensions and penalty waivers for state-level B&O taxes. Eligible businesses can get more information and apply.
The federal Internal Revenue Service has announced an extension of the April 15 tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, regardless of the amount owed. The IRS can provide additional information.

Grant-Based Assistance

Amazon has established a Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund, which will provide assistance for businesses with fewer than 50 employees or $7 million in annual revenue, as well as a physical presence near Amazon’s buildings in South Lake Union or downtown Bellevue. Funds are expected to be disbursed in early April.

Seattle Foundation has established a COVID-19 Response Fund, which will initially assist nonprofit organizations which work with communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and its consequences. Please note that this fund will not initially assist nonprofits which have lost revenue, though this may be considered in the future.

Facebook has established a Small Business Grants Program to assist businesses in addressing the impacts of COVID-19. These grants will include both cash grants and ad credits.

Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund: Up to $5 million will be made available as small grants to small businesses across the state to help prevent closure due to COVID-19. The state Department of Commerce will coordinate an application process. Stay tuned for more details.
Short- and Long-Term Loan Options

U.S. Small Business Administration is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans (sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources) to businesses that suffer substantial economic impact as a result of COVID-19. Generally, these low-interest loans provide working capital to assist small businesses in meeting financial obligations and operating expenses.

Business Impact NW provides low-interest loans to community-based nonprofits and small businesses, with more flexible criteria than traditional financial institutions. Additionally, it has compiled an outstanding set of COVID-19 resources (link: https://businessimpactnw.org/resources/).

Craft3 provides low-interest loans to community-based nonprofits and small businesses, with more flexible criteria than traditional financial institutions. Additionally, it is allowing existing Craft3 clients to revise their loan agreements.

ARTISTS AND CULTURAL NONPROFITS

These resources are provided as a resource and are not necessarily endorsed by the City of Bellevue. Always do your own due diligence before entering into any agreement or contract, if applicable.
Resources for Organizations and Artists
4Culture has established some new tools and guidelines for its grantees. If your arts or cultural organization receives sustained support from 4Culture, you may be able to invoice early.
Artist Trust has created a resource list for artists, cultural, and community organizations, which includes financial assistance resources.

Join Artist Trust’s COVID-19 Response for Washington State Artists
Facebook group for Washington State artists, arts workers, cultural producers, arts agencies organizations & foundations and arts supporters.

The National Endowment for the Arts has established a detailed resource list. including for specific crafts and trades, like theater and museum employees.

Resources for Artists
ArtsFund has a relief fund started to enable arts organizations to retain the core functions and staff they need to reopen when possible.
Artist Trust also has a relief fund which provides rapid response grants supporting critical needs of artists.

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Relief Fund is providing support and temporary financial assistance (agmarelief.org/) to members in need.

King County has compiled information on unemployment and financial help for creatives.
Equal Sound has established a coronavirus Relief Fund available to musicians who have lost income due to a canceled show.
The Foundation for Contemporary Arts offers an Emergency Fund for visual and performing artists who meet certain eligibility guidelines. The average grant award totals about $1,600.
A national group of community members has established a long list of resources (covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/) geared toward freelancers and artists. This includes actors, designers, musicians, composers, craft artists, teaching artists, writers, and others.

The Recording Academy offers MusiCares, a short-term financial assistance program for personal needs which have arisen due to unforeseen circumstances.

The New York Foundation for the Arts operates the Rauschenberg Emergency Grant program which provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 to artists who experience an unexpected medical emergency.

Sweet Relief has established a donor-directed assistance fund to offer short-term financial support for musicians and music industry workers affected by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

EMPLOYMENT, WORKFORCE AND MITIGATION

Employment Opportunities
WorkSource has compiled a long list of businesses in essential industries which are currently hiring, including displaced workers. Jobs include opportunities in grocery, retail, fulfillment, healthcare, and janitorial, among others.
Additionally, the Employment Security Department is currently (and quickly) hiring remote workers (esd.wa.gov/esdjobs) .

Unemployment, Sick Leave and Family/Medical Leave
The Employment Security Department has established temporary rules that expand unemployment benefits to cover more people, including workers affected by COVID-19.
The state is waiving the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance. The order is retroactive for claims filed up to March 8.

Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s health insurance exchange, has opened a special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are or become uninsured.

Resiliency Resources

The Office of Gov. Inslee has established a detailed list of financial, export, insurance and workforce assistance which may be available for businesses and nonprofits.
The Washington Small Business Development Center has developed a detailed Business Resiliency Toolkit.