City Auditor Releases Report on Homeless Strategy and Investment Division

The Seattle Office of the City Auditor (OCA) recently released a report that found the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) —which develops, executes, and oversees over 200 contracted services that make up the City’s social safety net—is effectively managing these critical contracts. OCA reviewed the portfolio that focuses on HSD’s homelessness response, such as homelessness outreach, case management, emergency services (such as tiny house villages and shelters), housing support, and prevention programs. OCA conducted this audit in response to Seattle City Council President Lorena González’s request to review HSD’s management of the City’s homeless services contracts. The report examined: 1) HSD’s contract procurement, award and approval processes, 2) HSD’s contract administration and monitoring processes, 3) policies and program design for each type of homeless service, and 4) service provider compliance with contract terms and program requirements. The report includes eighteen recommendations for improving HSD’s management of homeless services contracts, homeless policy and program design, and service provider performance and contract compliance. “We deeply appreciate the time, expertise, and partnership the City Auditor brought to this important review,” said Jason Johnson, HSD director. “I also want to thank HSD staff and service providers who helped complete this audit. We are pleased that OCA found HSD’s planning, contract management, program design, and service provider performance are being managed appropriately and that the department is a good steward of public dollars. HSD is committed to continuous improvement and has begun instituting OCA’s feedback in the department’s operations, in addition to initiatives already underway.”