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HSD Releases 2018 Annual Report

July 3, 2019

2018 was a remarkable year! We elected a new mayor, prepared for changes in the HSD directorship with the departure of Catherine Lester, and experienced growth in our budget and staff as well as changes to some long-standing programs. Instead of letting it slow us down, we focused on the work and our department’s core values of racial equity, results, stewardship, innovation, and our collective experience as employees. Together, we saw many successes. You’ll see this work and its impact described in our just-released 2018 Annual Report.

Filed Under: Investment Areas

HSD Launches Mayor Durkan’s Safe Parking Pilot by Supporting Full Utilization of Existing Program and Seeking Faith Community Partners to Expand Services

July 2, 2019

The Human Services Department (HSD) has moved forward with a partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (Urban League) and Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Ballard to support an existing program that helps people who are living in their cars connect to case management services and stable permanent housing. In her budget, which was approved by City Council, Mayor Durkan proposed a Safe Parking Pilot to help more people move into housing from vehicles. In addition, HSD will work with other faith community leaders across the City to fully implement the pilot to serve up to 30 households living in their cars.

Filed Under: Homelessness

The Human Services Department Announces Plan to Reduce LGBTQ Discrimination in the Homeless Response System

June 27, 2019

A plan to reduce discrimination and bias The Human Services Department (HSD) is excited to announce a plan to reduce bias and discrimination in the homeless response system toward LGBTQ-identified people experiencing homelessness. The plan, created in partnership in with the Ingersoll Gender Center and the Pride Foundation, identifies thirteen… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Homelessness

Free summer meal program for youth starts July 1st

June 7, 2019

Thousands of Seattle children ages 1 through 18 years will enjoy free breakfasts, lunches, and snacks this summer through the City of Seattle Human Services Department’s (HSD) Summer Food Service Program. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and was formerly known as “Summer Sack Lunch.” From July 1 through August 23, 2019, free meals will be served at approximately 125 programs across 115 sites around Seattle. The Summer Food Service Program will be open to children at designated Seattle Public Schools, community centers, Seattle Parks playgrounds, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and YWCAs, Seattle Public Library branches, and other sites throughout Seattle and parts of King County. For a complete list of sites and hours for the Summer Food Service Program, please call 206-386-1140 or visit www.seattle.gov/summerfood. To locate a site near you, text “Food” or “Comida” to 877-877

Filed Under: Affordability & Livability, Youth SuccessTagged With:

HSD Announces 2019 Farm to Preschool and OST RFQ Funding Opportunity — Extended Deadline!

May 21, 2019

The Youth and Family Empowerment (YFE) Division of the City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is seeking applications from agencies interested in supporting food procurement, food equity, and connections between Washington State farmers and Seattle public preschools and before and after school programs serving low-income children and families in Seattle. This Farm to Preschool and Out-of-School Time (OST) RFQ is focused on building an equitable food system between farmers and preschool and before- and after-school programs. This RFQ will fund a lead agency that will support farmers (producers) to sell, and preschool and before- and after-school programs (consumers) to buy affordable, nutritious, culturally appropriate food and build long-term relationships. Approximately $233,612.00 is available through this RFQ. HSD intends to fund one (1) applicant. Initial awards will be made for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Filed Under: Affordability & Livability, Funding Opportunities, Youth Success

HSD Announces Results of the 2019 Food Access Opportunity Fund RFP

May 16, 2019

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is pleased to announce the results of the 2019 Food Access Opportunity Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) that closed on March 6. Applicants were invited to improve healthy food access by investing in community-based projects designed and led by the people most impacted by race, social, health, and environmental injustices. The RFP guides the investment of $800,000 from the Food Access Opportunity Fund. This funding is provided by the City of Seattle’s Sweetened Beverage Tax (SBT) — established by City Council (Ordinance 125324) — and aligns with the SBT Community Advisory Board’s (CAB) Operating Principles. The committee recommended 18 proposals receive funding, up to $50,000 each, to support a diverse range of organizations: • South Park Information and Resource Center • Indigenous Roots, LLC • Somali Family Safety Task Force • African Community Housing & Development • Black Dollar Days Task Force • East African Community Services • Puentes: Advocacy, Counseling & Education • Rainier Beach Action Coalition • Avole Coffee, LLC • Feest • Hip Hop is Green • First Tongan Seniors Association • Eritrean Association in Greater Seattle • Vietnamese Friendship Association • Hunger Intervention Program • Puget Sound Labor Agency • Temple Lifestyle • American Polynesian Organization

Filed Under: Affordability & Livability, Funding Opportunities

HSD Announces 2019 Safety RFP Funding Opportunity

May 10, 2019

The Youth and Family Empowerment (YFE) Division of the City of Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is seeking applications from agencies interested in providing systems navigation and addressing trauma for 18 to 24-year-old people harmed by the criminal legal system in Seattle. Approximately $4,910,333 in HSD General Fund dollars is available through this RFP. HSD intends to fund a maximum of 25 proposals. Initial awards will be made for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. While it is the City’s intention to renew agreements resulting from this funding opportunity on an annual basis through the 2023 calendar year, future funding will be contingent upon performance and funding availability.

Filed Under: Funding Opportunities, Safe Communities, Youth Success

Next Thursday, 5/16: Coffee with the Department of Neighborhoods!

May 9, 2019

Join us for coffee and conversation with Andrés Mantilla, Director, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Thursday, May 16 10:00–11:00 a.m. The Central Building, 810 3rd Avenue 1st Floor Conference Room (between Columbia & Marion in downtown Seattle)

Filed Under: Healthy AgingTagged With:

HSD Announces Results of the Older Adult Community Transportation RFP

May 3, 2019

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is pleased to announce the results of the 2019 Older Adult Community Transportation RFP that was issued on January 14. Applicants were invited to submit proposals providing health services transportation and/or food access transportation in King County. Health Services Transportation enables older people to access… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Funding Opportunities, Healthy Aging

We’re making progress, together…

May 2, 2019

HSD’s expanded investments in effective homeless services and programs like enhanced shelter, prevention, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing have helped more than 4,000 households to move off the streets and into housing or to remain housed. Jason Johnson, acting director of Seattle’s Human Services Department, said the progress is… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Homelessness