Cooling sites opened during heat wave for rising homeless population

North King County faces a dire homeless shelter crisis, with 1,730 unsheltered individuals and only 198 shelter beds available, yielding a ratio of 9. 6 to 1. In response to an early heatwave, the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) opened cooling centers from June 8 to June 9, with plans to extend if necessary. The KCRHA's 2024 Point-In-Time Comprehensive Report reveals a 26% increase in overall homelessness and a staggering 117% rise in chronic, unsheltered homelessness since 2022. To address the critical shortage of emergency and transitional shelters, KCRHA seeks vacant land for temporary housing solutions.

The region's typical mild climate makes vulnerable individuals particularly susceptible to heat-related health issues. Additionally, the Severe Weather Shelter Navigation Hotline (206-245-1026) offers assistance during severe weather events. The activated cooling sites include locations in Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, and Woodinville. This situation highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to homelessness in North King County.