MYNORTHWEST NEWS

King County to build new $3 million facility for homeless

Nov 21, 2018, 9:05 AM

The King County Council approved $3 million to build a brand new facility for homeless families.

The need to help homeless families in south King County is critical, the County Council said.

While two shelters already exist in Federal Way, this one will be unique. The funds will help Federal Way-based nonprofit Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy (FUSION) build a family emergency shelter and a community resources center.

“When you don’t have any place to go, you’re going to couch surf, you’re going to sleep in your car or you’re going to sleep in a tent in the woods. That’s not a place for children,” said Byron Hiller, president of FUSION’s board.

The organization is partnering with Light of Christ Lutheran Church on 21st Avenue and aims to provide housing to 22 families who need emergency housing. FUSION will also work with Mary’s Place and Catholic Community Services.

“What’s different about FUSION is that rather than just giving families a handout with a place to live, we actually give them a hand up and provide them with counseling and case management to identify the root of their homelessness,” said David Harrison, vice president of FUSION’s board.

FUSION has helped hundreds of families get back on their feet for the past 25 years. The program has a 85 percent success rate in terms of permanently placing families in homes.

In addition to helping families through several transitional stages of housing, FUSION’s new facility will provide services like free day care and job resources. There will also be a community services center available to the public.

By Jessica Oh, KIRO 7

MyNorthwest News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

6 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

7 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

9 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

9 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

10 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

13 hours ago

King County to build new $3 million facility for homeless