Bellevue Launches Year-Round Shelter Services for Men

Bellevue is taking crucial steps to address homelessness by introducing year-round emergency shelter services for men starting September 2019, following a unanimous City Council resolution. The service, provided by Congregations for the Homeless (CFH), will begin at a temporary "bridge" shelter located on Cloudvue property while the current winter shelter undergoes necessary fire code upgrades. Mayor John Chelminiak acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the city, human services providers, and local businesses in tackling the homelessness crisis, stating, "It is another example of how the city, our human services providers, our residents and the business community are stepping up. " The new shelter will not only provide immediate assistance but also includes plans for a permanent facility to be built by 2022 on King County-owned land. In the past, Bellevue has hosted low-barrier shelters but is now aiming for a more sustainable solution to accommodate the increasing number of homeless individuals.

According to the 2019 Count Us In report, the East King County area had 337 unsheltered people, highlighting the urgent need for these services. A fundraising campaign has successfully raised nearly $800,000 for improvements at the Lincoln Center shelter. This initiative marks a significant commitment by Bellevue to improve emergency services for those experiencing homelessness.