Mercer Island’s Youth and Family Services Department is partnering with the Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) to bring the agency’s Mobile Office truck to the Island. The DSHS Mobile Office will join the free Hopelink Mobile Market from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 21 in the community and event center parking lot.

The DSHS Mobile Office increases community access to state and federal programs and provides consultation to individuals, seniors, and families to identify need and program eligibility. Programs include SNAP/EBT food assistance (day of approval and card provided), reduced or free ORCA cards (day of approval and card provided), and initial application for multiple programs.

This is a drop-in, first come first-serve service with no appointments needed. Services are wheelchair accessible, and the Mobile Office provides hearing-impaired access and language interpretation services.

City will soon begin 80th Avenue Improvement Project

Construction is slated to begin later this month or in early September on the city’s improvement project to replace sidewalks, trees and lighting along the east side of 80th Avenue Southeast in Town Center.

Early stages of construction will include land surveying, sidewalk and tree removal, and minor underground utility work ahead of installing new sidewalks. The contractor will maintain pedestrian and vehicular traffic along 80th Avenue Southeast, but drivers should expect some travel delays in the area.

This stretch of roadway has not been significantly improved since the 1980s and the sidewalks are in poor condition — many areas have damage, uneven walking surfaces, and poor lighting. The 80th Avenue Improvement Project aims to create ADA-compliant sidewalks, an improved walking experience for pedestrians, and upgraded lighting for safety and comfort.