Empowering and fostering ganas in youth on their pursuit of higher education. Our overall goal is to increase access to higher education. Our program highlights the cultural aspect of “GANAS” in the Latino community, which can be translated as the desire to advance, to accomplish their dreams. Thus, through our program, our advisors will support our scholars to turn their GANAS into reality.
Our advisors provide workshops at the schools focused on college readiness and career planning grounded in community and ethnic studies. In addition to our workshops, we also provide field trip opportunities to different colleges in the area, scholarship application and financial aid support. We acknowledge the importance of scholars envisioning themselves on campus and the value of individualized mentorship.
While our focus is to support our youth, we also provide workshops for caregivers to support the development of generational knowledge. We understand that many of our students and families face a variety of barriers, making it difficult to always attend our large gatherings. Therefore, we provide 1;1 support for youth and their families to receive the support they need.
Eligibility Requirement
High School students enrolled at Seattle Public Schools or Auburn School District
If you are based out of Seattle, feel free to contact Leslie Jacobo
If you are based out of Auburn, feel free to contact Isabel Corona-Campiz
El Centro de la Raza and Mercy Housing Northwest proudly introduce the Mount Baker Redevelopment Project, a mixed-use affordable housing community in South Seattle.
Located at the intersection of community, education, small business and transit, this transformative project envisions placemaking by prioritizing affordable housing and public spaces.
Together, El Centro de la Raza and Mercy Housing Northwest are creating 434 units of affordable housing adjacent to the Mt. Baker Light Rail Station in Seattle. This will be a community that reflects the voices and rich cultural tapestry of the Mount Baker neighborhood. Rooted in the shared principles of justice, equity, and partnership, this redevelopment project addresses housing affordability, enhances public spaces, and creates economic opportunities for residents and local businesses.
Community voices have been a cornerstone of the project’s planning, emphasizing input from diverse stakeholders to guide design and development. Previous phases have focused on understanding local needs and aspirations, reflected in plans for active ground-level uses, enhanced pedestrian safety, and culturally significant art installations. The vision prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and cultural vibrancy through features like well-lit pathways, raised crosswalks, and landscaped buffers. Special attention has been given to creating a public park and community hub that caters to both residents and visitors, offering resources such as an early learning center, community gardens, and spaces for cultural gatherings.
The project highlights a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inviting environment that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the Mt. Baker neighborhood. Upcoming engagement opportunities, including an in-person public meeting, aim to further refine the plans with community input. Stakeholders continue to focus on creating a development that integrates with the surrounding area while addressing the needs of its diverse community.
We’re creating a community-centered development designed to meet the needs of Mount Baker families and neighbors. Here’s what we are planning:
Affordable Housing: 434 units across two phases, featuring studio to four-bedroom options. Developed in two phases, 60% of the units will be family sized with 30% of units reserved for families at 30% or below of Area Median Income.
Public Spaces: A 20,000-square-foot open space as the centerpiece of the development, fostering connection with the community and outdoor play and activities.
Community Hub: 4,000-square-foot space for events, cultural programming, and services to support the residents and celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity.
Community Capacity Building: University of Washington Rainier Valley Early Learning Center – 35,000 SF space for childcare, teaching, education, and support.
Support for Local Businesses: 6000 SF Commercial spaces designed to uplift BIPOC-owned and locally-owned businesses.
Climate Resiliency: Green design features include a cutting-edge 14.6 acre stormwater management and beyond-code environmental practices.
The project is scheduled to break ground in October 2026.
Be part of the journey! Join us at community events, learn more about the project’s progress, and share your input to help shape the future of Mount Baker Station.
Subscribe to receive updates on the Mt. Baker Redevelopment Project through our eNewsletter:
On June 10th, the Mt. Baker Station Redevelopment Project team met with Mt. Baker residents, small businesses, and community partners to provide updates and continue dialogue around the project’s progress. The team shared information from the General Contractor, Walsh Construction, on the upcoming start of demolition scheduled for June 22, 2026, and discussed plans to respond to community feedback and needs including managing traffic, noise, and parking impacts during construction. Event attendees were also updated on the project’s community centered art plan, featuring artists, some of whom are from the Mt. Baker neighborhood, whose work reflect the character and culture of the community. Here is a link to the Presentation.
January 14, 2026 – In Person Event
On Jan. 14th, the Mt. Baker Station Redevelopment Project team met with residents and small businesses at Artspace Mt. Baker Lofts to share project updates and hear directly from neighbors about questions and priorities for the community. The conversation reflected the deep connection that artists, residents, and local businesses have to the neighborhood and the importance of keeping communication close and open as the project moves forward.
November 5, 2025 – In Person Event
On Nov. 5th, over 70 Mt Baker residents, project partners, workers, families, and neighbors showed up to learn about the Mt. Baker Station Redevelopment Project and its updates, ask questions, and make sure community voices continue to be anchored in the project. Our shared commitment to place-making, equity, and community design brought together voices from across the zip codes that crisscross Rainier Valley — neighbors who live here, work here, and care deeply about how the neighborhood grows.
The event included project team which included 7 Directions, Hewitt, Runberg Architecture Group, Beacon Development and Mercy Housing, with some event attendees representing Artspace Mt. Baker, BrightSpark, Estelita’s Library and more.
January 30, 2025 – In Person Event
The event included a presentation of the project, which provided an overview of previous community engagement, preliminary proposals for key themes and site layout, and timeline of the engagement process. Community members were invited to share their thoughts on three main design topics: housing & building, outdoor space, community/commercial space & artwork design. We sincerely thank the community members for their valuable input.
José Martí Child Development Center @ Four Amigos Beloved Community (Columbia City) 3808 S Angeline St, Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 957-4633
Hours: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Ages: 15 months – 5 years old 2025 Rates: – Toddlers (under 3) $2,300 per month – PreK (3 to 5) $2,200 per month Subsidies accepted: DCYF Working Connections, City of Seattle Child Care Assistance, Child Care Resources Homeless Assistance, and King County Best Starts for Kids. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and two snacks included Language Program: English/Spanish
José Martí Child Development Center @ Beacon Pacific Village (Beacon Hill) 931 Golf Dr S, Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 957-4619
Hours: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm Ages: 15 months – 5 years old 2025 Rates: – Toddlers (under 3) $2,300 per month – PreK (3 to 5) $2,200 per month – SPP ext. day $650 – Part-time PreK $900 Subsidies accepted: DCYF Working Connections, City of Seattle Child Care Assistance, Child Care Resources Homeless Assistance, and King County Best Starts for Kids. ECEAP and the Seattle Preschool Program also provide free part-day or discounted full-day programs for 3-5 year olds. Please call (206) 957-4637 to inquire about eligibility. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and two snacks included Language Program: English/Spanish
El Centro de la Raza is bringing a mixed use, affordable housing development to Beacon Hill. The project will be dedicated in memory and honor of the late Washington State Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney.
In partnership with Edge Developers, El Centro de la Raza is constructing 70 units of affordable housing near the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station on the parcels of land located at 2538-2544 Beacon Avenue South. The mixed-use development will include community center space that will allow us to expand our award-winning programs and grow our Beacon Hill Campus.
This mixed-use transit-oriented affordable housing development in the heart of North Beacon Hill will include:
A seven-story building with 70 units: 40 studios, 12 one-bedrooms, 10 two-bedrooms, 6 three-bedrooms, and 2 four-bedrooms.
Rents targeted at 30%, 50% and 60% AMI.
4,000+ SF of ground floor commercial space that will allow El Centro to expand its award-winning programs across the street from its main campus on Beacon Hill.
This site is next to El Centro de la Raza’s Plaza Roberto Maestas, the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station, on bus routes 36/60/107, and walkable to many services such as grocery stores, banks, restaurants, an elementary school and the Beacon Hill Library.
We broke ground in August 2025 and are scheduled to deliver units to low-income households by February 2027.
This project is an innovative partnership between a non-profit Community Based Organization and a local for-profit BIPOC developer in which both parties bring unique capabilities to a shared mission of serving low-income households and strengthening the Beacon Hill community.
Beacon Hill is a neighborhood that is at high risk for continued residential displacement, particularly for BIPOC working and low-income households. Rising housing costs continue to put members of this community at risk of being displaced due to the lack of affordable housing options. The development of our project is a response to this risk, providing much needed affordable housing in a location that is rich in transit options, services and public amenities.
Mil gracias to King County, 4Culture, City of Seattle EDI, City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, Microsoft, McEachern Charitable Trust, and Wells Fargo.
Provides repairs and upgrades to reduce utility bills to your home, apartment, trailer.
Our program offers repairs and upgrades aimed at lowering utility bills for your home, apartment, or trailer. We’re committed to both educating and connecting the community with beneficial programs.
Our Objective:
Our primary goal is to educate the community about environmental issues that could impact their living spaces. Additionally, we aim to provide effective solutions to these problems by facilitating community access to relevant programs, thus reducing the barriers to entry.
Why It Matters:
In the Beacon Hill community alone, there are estimated to be over 100 active heating oil tanks. Our Weatherization and Environmental Justice Program can play a crucial role in addressing this issue.
How We Help:
We update homes and apartments to tackle mold issues, improving overall cleanliness.
Our upgrades help reduce asthma triggers within living spaces.
We offer the possibility of floor replacements for homes and apartments.
By implementing updates, we assist in lowering utility bills for residents.
Importantly, our program is entirely free of charge.
We raise awareness about energy-saving programs and utility bill assistance available through the City of Seattle.
Through our efforts, we can reduce utility bills by up to 60% permanently, thus easing financial burdens for community members.
We also specialize in the removal of aging heating oil tanks, some of which may be up to 80 years old, and facilitate their conversion to electric systems.
By participating in our program, you not only enhance the comfort and safety of your living environment but also contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient community.
Eligibility Requirement
Requirements for Energy Discount:
Must live in City of Seattle, Beacon Hill, or have Seattle City Lights as service provider. For residents residing in South King County, please feel free to reach out to Ivan for alternative options.
Must meet income eligibility limits based on family size (Call or e-mail to check)
Requirements for Healthy Homes and Oil to Electric conversion:
Must live in City of Seattle, Beacon Hill, or have Seattle City Lights as service provider.
Must meet income eligibility limits based on family size (Call or e-mail to check)
Program Managers
Ivan Montes
Ivan is a first-generation Chicano growing up in the US. His parents immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico. He was the first person in his family to join the US Army and the first to graduate college. Ivan has over a decade of experience in Environmental work including water purification, water quality compliance, hazardous waste management and environmental remediation experience. Ivan believes that the greatest a who can do is serve people and the environment we all share.
Providing King County families with assistance enrolling and applying for different services pertaining to their health care and basic needs.
This program aims to strengthen access to health services for low-income immigrants, refugees, and limited English-speaking families across the Puget Sound area. As a partner in the King County HealthierHere Consortium, we work with State, Regional and local healthcare and social service providers to connect people with services. These include health care, crisis intervention, food, childcare, affordable housing, tenant rights, legal services, advocacy, education programs and more. El Centro de la Raza and the WA State Dept of Health ‘Care Connect’ Program is currently providing regional support to locate and enroll in appropriate public services that are needed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our navigation staff assess participants immediate needs, identify available programs and services, determine eligibility, assist with enrollment, and remain engaged through what are often lengthy and complicated procedures.
Eligibility Requirement
King County Residents
Program Managers
Susan Banhegyi
Susan believes in the importance of understanding the culture and providing information in both Spanish and English. She has over 30 years of experience as a Social Worker working primarily with the Latino community, with 20 of those years working with domestic violence victims. She volunteers her time as a shelter advocate, facilitator and trainer for domestic violence programs.
For more information or to get help, please contact Susan!
This program supports participants who are in need of assistance with anything that cause health care concerns. This includes finding affordable medical services, lack of food or housing or any other concerns that could cause mental or physical disadvantages.
How long can I stay in the program?
Once you are considered stable and have been referred to the appropriate program or has received the service needed, then your case will be closed.
After my Case is closed can I still get help?
Absolutely! We always assist anyone as long as their needs are something that can be advocated for by a Health Equity Navigator.
Best Start for Kids – Youth & Family Homelessness Prevention
We help youth or family at risk of becoming homeless to receive the support needed to resolve their housing crisis quickly, and to empower households to maintain stable housing for the future.
This program is part of coordinated system of addressing homelessness throughout King County, working to resolve housing crisis before they result in a housing loss. We focus on addressing the immediate issues placing the family or youth at risk of homelessness. We can help negotiate payments plans with your landlord, connect you to additional supports, and limited assistance with rent and housing costs in combination with case management.
Eligibility Requirement
Youth and young adults (12-24) and families with children under the age of 24.
Households must be at imminent risk of homelessness and considered highly vulnerable to becoming homeless without assistance
Family cannot stabilize without help (example: higher wage, lower rent, social supports).
History of homelessness and evictions
Program Managers
Bere Sanchez, YFHPI Case Manager
Bere has over 10 years of experience working in social services. She has a passion for working with large diverse communities in King County.
This is not a rental assistance program and we cannot provide an ongoing rental subsidy.
Can my Case Manager pay my rent?
If there is rental debt associated with your current situation and you are at risk of becoming literally homeless, your case manager will discuss options with you. Some rental assistance may be available. If you are already being evicted, we have other programs to help.
Home visiting program to empower parents to be their child’s first teacher
Our program focuses on helping parents to develop skills and build their confidence using the Parents As Teacher curriculum. The program has different components that allow the families to explore in different environments: group sessions, home visits, assessments and resources. All of these customized to the family’s needs.
Eligibility Requirement
This program is focused on serving low-income, non-English speaking, immigrant or homeless families
King County Residents
Program Managers
Romina Macias. Early Learning Specialist
Romina’s education in psychology means she puts a strong emphasis on mental health and family integrity. She has dedicated this part of her career to working with families and children.
Camila Gamarra, Early Learning Specialist
As an Early Learning Specialist, I specialize in supporting families through guidance and educational resources aimed at promoting effective parenting techniques and fostering healthy child development. My focus is on empowering families with the knowledge, activities, and skills necessary to navigate the various stages of childhood. My goal is to equip parents with the tools and confidence to raise happy, well-adjusted children, providing them with the emotional, social, and intellectual support they need to thrive.
Please call Pablo for more information or to get involved!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a daycare?
No, it’s a program where we visit families in their homes.
Can you help us with resources?
What resources we are able to families are dependent on donations
Is this program free?
Yes! These services are free for qualified families.
We assist veterans, seniors, and other vulnerable community members living in King County to apply for and receive public benefits.
Our Government Benefits Navigators can assist you in applying for food assistance, health insurance, veterans benefits, unemployment applications, Social Security, affordable housing, energy assistance and Medical and Family Leave in Washington.
Eligibility Requirement
King County Resident
Be a Veteran, Senior or Low-Income
Program Managers
Karen Calvo, Government Benefits Navigator
Karen is a Government Benefits Navigator with 10 years of experience helping advocate for the Latino community. She loves to assist qualifying families and individuals to apply and receive state and Federal benefits.
