Redmond’s Silver Cloud Inn, purchased by county to become permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless (photo credit: Cameron Sheppard)

Redmond’s Silver Cloud Inn, purchased by county to become permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless (photo credit: Cameron Sheppard)

King County Council approves plan for future of housing-first approach to homelessness

The plan will govern expenditures of Health through Housing dollars from 2022 to 2028.

The King County Council has passed an implementation plan for King County’s Health through Housing program, which aims to house up to 1,600 people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Health through Housing is a regional approach to homelessness that will purchase facilities with single-occupancy units, such as hotels and nursing homes, and turn them into emergency supportive housing and permanent supportive housing. It is funded with a 0.1% sales tax that the King County Council passed in 2020.

“Health through Housing gives our region new tools to address homelessness and the economic, racial, institutional, and historic inequities that accompany it,” said King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. “Today’s action carries forward King County’s commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that create vast disparities in our community and a regional response to this crisis.”

In 2021, Health through Housing expenditures went to purchase nine properties in Seattle, Renton, Redmond, Auburn, and Federal Way. King County anticipates acquiring three additional locations.

The implementation plan passed on Tuesday, Dec. 7, will govern expenditures of Health through Housing dollars from 2022 to 2028.

The county says their paramount goal of the implementation plan is the creation and ongoing operation of 1,600 units of affordable housing with related services for households in King County that are experiencing chronic homelessness or are at risk of experiencing chronic homelessness. In addition, it will reduce racial and ethnic disproportionality among people experiencing chronic homelessness in King County and it will create and operate a mobile behavioral health intervention.

The plan anticipates expending $333.7 million for capital financing and site improvements, $309.5 million for emergency and permanent supportive housing operations, $67.2 million for behavioral health services outside of Health through Housing sites, $3.7 million to build capacity of agencies who represent communities disproportionately experiencing chronic homelessness, and $5.5 million for evaluation and performance measurement.

It establishes the Health through Housing Advisory Committee, which will advise the Executive and County Council on Health through Housing related matters, advise DCHS on Health through Housing implementation, review performance data, and report annually on the expenditures, accomplishments, and effectiveness of Health through Housing. The Advisory Committee will also collaborate with program staff and providers to establish performance measures, which will be shared publicly through an online dashboard.

The Council passed the measure unanimously.

“With the passage of this plan, we take another step towards implementing a real, proven strategy that will bring hundreds of our neighbors off the streets and into safe, stable housing,” said King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci. “I appreciate the regional partnerships that will make it possible for us to provide infrastructure throughout King County.”


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, Kent Cornucopia Days
Street list closure for Kent Cornucopia Days

Downtown streets to close Thursday evening, July 10 through Sunday night, July 13

COURTESY PHOTO, ShoWare Center
The city-owned accesso ShoWare Center in Kent continues to lose money, including about $2.5 million over the last three years.
City of Kent-owned ShoWare Center loses $1 million in 2024

Record-high operating loss since arena opened in 2009; city covers losses from its general fund

Kent Police officers examine a black 2013 Chevrolet Camaro after it crashed July 7 into a day care facility along East Smith Street. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Man, 42, could face vehicular assault charge in Kent crash

Federal Way man driving westbound down Smith hill when Chevy Camaro crashed into building

File Photo, Kent Reporter
Kent Police Blotter: June 23 to July 5

Incidents include construction site burglary, cable wire theft, rock thrower

t
City of Kent receives two state grants for park projects

Awards of $939,600 and $500,000 from Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

t
Two people in car injured in Kent after crash into building

Incident at about 1:38 a.m. Monday, July 7 at day care facility along East Smith Street

t
Kent once again a Sister City with El Grullo, Mexico

Both cities reaffirm their commitment to strengthening partnership at Kent City Hall gathering

(File photo)
Fourth of July weekend weather in King County

Expect mostly sunny and warm weather for the Fourth of July weekend… Continue reading

t
Kent man, 22, charged in May 27 Auburn shooting

Documents allege that the suspect, along with others, ambushed Keivon Bias, 21.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd’s mother Gillian Gadd, left, comforts his wife Cammryn Gadd during the sentencing hearing at the Snohomish County Courthouse for Raul Benitez Santana on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Man sentenced for death of Washington State Patrol trooper

Will serve more than 10 years for vehicular homicide for death of Christopher Gadd, a Kentlake High graduate

King County Correctional Facility is located at 500 5th Ave., Seattle. File photo
King County jail audit finds issues in behavioral health services

Addressing the issues could reduce the risk of reoffending.

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District wins national public relations awards

Communications team recognized for magazine, video and websites