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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
The City of Seattle is taking another step to help residents stay housed before they fall into homelessness. As part of Mayor Katie Wilson’s affordability agenda, the Seattle Human Services Department announced a new Request for Proposals for homelessness prevention services. The funding opportunity will provide approximately $8 million in… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 was provided by Julia Smiljanic at Rainier Valley Food Bank (also follow on… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) recently hosted its annual Energy, Utility, and Resource Summit in partnership with Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities. The event brought together more than 150 attendees—from City departments to community partners—to learn about updates to the City of Seattle’s utility assistance programs and… [ Keep reading ]
