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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
