Seattle leaders announce new funding for permanent supportive housing

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced new funding on Monday for income- and rent-restricted housing for the city’s homeless population.

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The mayor and Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis teamed up Monday to announce $50 million in new state and local investments for more permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness.

“As a city our goal is simple, and that’s to end a persons’ experience with homelessness,” Durkan said.

In June, Lewis announced other funding to buy buildings that can quickly be converted for shelter and permanent supportive housing. Permanent supportive housing is often the only option for many chronically homeless individuals, and creating more has the added benefit of emptying more traditional shelter beds for those in need.

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At the county level, the Health Through Housing initiative aims to address chronic homelessness, with plans to create up to 1,600 emergency and permanent supportive housing units by the end of 2022. On-site staffing will be available 24/7 at the county sites and will include case management, employment counseling, and access to health and behavioral health services.

King County is acquiring existing facilities, such as former hotels, nursing homes, and other similar properties for the initiative. As of Sept. 20, eight properties have been announced.

KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott contributed to this report.

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