Expanding shelter capacity is one of the most effective things we can do to bring people inside and address Seattle’s homelessness crisis. Mayor Katie Wilson recently announced her shelter action plan that commits to adding 960 beds over 2026 and 2027. HSD continues to lead these efforts, while also partnering… [ Keep reading ]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (MODVSA), which is part of HSD’s Safe and Thriving Communities division, funds community efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors, and hold offenders accountable. Through coalition building, it has helped build a regional response… [ Keep reading ]
For this month’s Community Corner, the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is celebrating the start of Healthy Aging Month by spotlighting the work of one of the advocacy councils for which HSD provides staff support. These boards and commissions are comprised of service-minded individuals and subject matter experts whose experience… [ Keep reading ]
The Unified Care Team (UCT) is a multi-department collaboration involving the Human Services Department (HSD), Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Seattle Public Utilities, and others. Its role is to provide pathways indoors for our unhoused neighbors while ensuring public spaces remain open and accessible to… [ Keep reading ]
Many people in our region are facing affordability challenges. At the same time, the cost of providing utility services, including electricity, water, sewer, and garbage, continues to rise. The Utility Discount Program, administered by the Human Services Department, helps income-qualified customers lower their monthly utility bills. Through the program, qualified… [ Keep reading ]
Community Corner highlights the work of Seattle Human Services’ community partners in their own words. Our goal is to gather stories and photos that illustrate their amazing work on behalf of the people of Seattle. This summer, two of HSD’s contracted hunger relief partners — North Helpline and Hunger Intervention Program — announced… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Youth Employment Program’s 2026 summer internships are in full swing. There are 244 interns now working in paid positions with participating employers across Seattle, including many City departments. During the 6-8 week program, summer interns explore their career interests, build skills, and get real-world workplace experience. The Human… [ Keep reading ]
Community Corner highlights the work of Seattle Human Services’ community partners in their own words. Our goal is to gather stories and photos that illustrate their amazing work on behalf of the people of Seattle. This post focuses on the Community Connector program at El Centro de La Raza, a… [ Keep reading ]
Maria Langlais is a policy advisor with Aging and Disability Services, which sits within HSD as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Seattle and King County. In this role, Maria leads policy and advocacy strategies with local, state, and national partners — all around the goal of making Seattle and King County a great place to grow… [ Keep reading ]
More than 80,000 meals and snacks served in 2025 The City of Seattle’s Summer Meals Program returns June 24, 2026, offering free, nutritious meals to children and teens ages 1 through 18 at 50 sites across the city. No ID, proof of address, application, or paperwork is required. For more than 50 years, Seattle’s Summer Meals… [ Keep reading ]
