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Posts categorized under Investment Areas Archives - Human Interests

For youth, by youth: Seattle Youth Safety Ambassadors put each other first

June 2, 2026

Youth voices are essential when it comes to conversations about student safety and mental health. That’s why Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) and Human Services Department (HSD) established a new peer education and outreach program called the Youth Safety Ambassadors in fall 2025. The Youth Safety Ambassadors (YSA) program centers youth voice in Seattle’s mental health and student… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Safe Communities, Youth Success

Community Corner—Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center

June 1, 2026

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 Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, a cultural and wellness hub serving LGBTQ+ communities through HIV/STI… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Investment Areas

HSD Employee Spotlight—Keara Ryan

May 26, 2026

Keara Ryan is the Summer and Centers Coordinator for the Food & Nutrition team in HSD’s Youth and Family Empowerment division. In our latest Employee Spotlight, Keara writes about the Summer Food Service Program and the joy of working directly with children and families. What is your role at Seattle… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Investment Areas

Community Corner—Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center

April 30, 2026

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 Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center, a facility operated… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Community Corner, Homelessness, Public Health

$80 gift cards for produce available to low-income older adults

April 21, 2026

We all need access to fresh, nutritious food to thrive. That is particularly important for older adults. A new study finds that whole plant foods like vegetables, fruit and whole grains are linked to lower dementia risk. That’s why the Seattle Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services Division is proud… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Affordability & Livability, Healthy Aging

Community Corner—Minor Home Repair

March 31, 2026

Community Development Block Grants are a vital funding source for social services and programs in Seattle, contributing critical dollars to parks accessibility, job training programs, small business development, community facilities development, clinics for the treatment of substance use disorder, and more. The federal program, now in its 52nd year, is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). April 6-10 is Community Development Week, an opportunity… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Community Corner, Federal & Block Grants, Healthy Aging

HSD invests in community-led strategies as part of Seattle’s citywide effort to reduce gun violence

March 6, 2026

Seattle advances first phase of multi-pronged initiative to improve community safety and strengthen neighborhoods Seattle is investing $14.7 million in community partnerships as the first step in a broader strategy to improve safety across the city. By working closely with City Council, city departments, county partners, community experts, and families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, Seattle is building the coordinated response this moment demands. This approach centers prevention, focuses resources where violence is most concentrated, and ensures trusted community leaders… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Investment Areas

HSD Employee Spotlight—Anjali Riddick

February 19, 2026

Anjali Riddick is a Job Developer/Youth Counselor with the Human Services Department’s Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which supports young people in pursuing careers that pay well and are meaningful to them. In February’s Employee Spotlight, Anjali writes about the life-changing work of empowering young people to advocate for themselves and use… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Employee Spotlight, Youth Success

HSD Employee Spotlight—Michael Adusah

December 29, 2025

Michael Adusah first joined the Human Services Department in March 2023. He’s a Senior Planner with the Aging and Disability Services division, working closely with an ADS advisory council that advocates for older adults and people with disabilities. Michael writes about that council’s work and why it’s so important —… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Employee Spotlight, Healthy Aging

More than $1 million in food assistance reaches Seattle food banks, meal programs during SNAP disruption

November 26, 2025

When SNAP benefits were disrupted November 1 amid the federal shutdown, tens of thousands of Seattle residents were suddenly left scared and wondering how they would afford to feed their families for unforeseeable future. On October 30, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed a limited civil emergency in response to the… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Affordability & Livability