SEATTLE -- Making sure that all citizens have access to television once the federally-mandated DTV transition is made is why community leaders gathered in Seattle on Monday.

"I would look at the giant snowstorm or the recent flooding as evidence of the types of information that people need to get, and we're concerned that on Feb. 17 or 18 some of our constituents might wake up and not be able to get that kind of information," said Rany Engstrom of the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. [update: the transition will occur on June 12, 2009].

The federal government estimates that more than 20 million US homes will have to do something to get ready for the transition next month: Get cable or satellite service, purchase a new TV with an internal digital tuner or get a DTV converter box. [update: the transition will occur on June 12, 2009].

But Karen Toering of Reclaim the Media says not everyone who needs to is getting the message.

"Many of these 21 million homes are people who are low income, or speak English as a second language or have other difficulties that make it complicated," said Toering.

Which is why her non-profit organization and others announced Monday they will provide in-person help at community centers throughout the city and over the phone.

"We're going to make sure that they have access to the boxes and they have access to some assistance on how to install the digital new era," said Lupita Avon of The Leadership Academy.

And they hope to get folks ready no matter when the transition actually happens.

"We're moving forward as if Feb. 17 is the drop-dead date, and just making sure that community partners are aware of it. If the date changes, then we'll regroup, but right now, we're just focusing on that date," said Tania Maria Rosario of TMR Solutions. [update: the transition will occur on June 12, 2009].

"Do you think people are ready?" ask KIRO 7 Consumer Investigator Amy Clancy.

"No," said Rosario.