King County Regional Homelessness Authority briefs Seattle city council on shelter investments

SEATTLE — The King County Regional Homeless Authority gave an update on investments in homeless shelters to the Seattle City Council Public Assets & Homelessness Committee Wednesday afternoon.

At the committee meeting, KCRHA discussed recent requests for proposals, which resulted in three organizations receiving funding to operate non-congregate shelter options.

The regional authority says they aim to invest in options that will “offer a place where people experiencing homelessness can stay safe from communicable diseases while having access to behavioral health resources and supportive services to assist with the successful transition to permanent housing.”

Chief Seattle Club received an award of $1.9 million, with $1 million going towards development and $900,000 going towards operations and services. The funds will be used to build 25 tiny house units.

The Public Defender Association received an award of $1.5 million for operations and services. The funds will be used by PDA to continue operating 84 hotel rooms for unsheltered people as part of their JustCARE program.

Catholic Community Services received an award of $471,550, with $310,500 going towards development and $161,000 going towards operations and services. The funds will be used to build 25 pallet shelters.

The authority also discussed a proposal, made in partnership with King County, for expanded shelter and behavioral services in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood.

A 5-year lease was approved by the King County Council on May 2 and the existing 270-bed Salvation Army shelter, which has historically been funded by the city of Seattle, will be preserved.

$5 million of the Seattle City Council’s 2022 budget will be used to support homeless individuals with behavioral health needs at the site, adding enhanced shelter and services for up to 150 additional people, including 40-60 beds for individuals with acute behavioral health needs.

New safe parking and services for individuals living in RVs are also planned and a pre-existing sobering center will be relocated to the SoDo site.

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