Seattle taking district approach to 6.1M in homelessness outreach spending

Seattle's City Council is preparing to brief its Housing and Human Services Committee on a significant $6. 1 million homelessness outreach initiative that will utilize a "District Outreach Model" starting in 2025. This approach will see organizations like the Salvation Army and Downtown Emergency Services Center tasked with outreach in specific districts, including Capitol Hill and the Central District. The Salvation Army's "Street Level" program received a $1. 2 million contract to expand its operations, which now includes a specialized team comprising a behavioral health specialist and outreach workers.

In a bid for better resource management, the city is reclaiming control of outreach services from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to ensure they align with Seattle's community needs. The initiative also emphasizes "Population-Specific Outreach" to target vulnerable groups effectively. Mayor Bruce Harrell's administration is committed to measuring agency performance and evaluating the impact of these programs. This strategic focus aims to ensure that outreach efforts are both effective and fiscally responsible. The city hopes to connect more individuals living on the streets with vital shelter and services through this comprehensive approach.