Each and every day, King County and its regional human service partners reach out to provide services and supports that help people across the county achieve and maintain more independent and meaningful lives. Providing education and work training programs, connections to mental health and substance abuse treatment, safe haven for survivors of domestic violence, homeless prevention and assistance, aid to our veterans and their families, community health clinics, and development of affordable housing opportunities across the county are only some of the many ways that King County is working to create healthier and stronger communities.

The Task Force on Regional Human Services has been working since February to provide practical and strategic recommendations for stabilizing, improving and maintaining the regional human services system for the future. Click here to access a copy of its final report.

The Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Homeless Encampments (CACHE ) was commissioned by the King County Council in late June to explore issues related to exploring the need for homeless encampments (e.g., tent cities) and policies and procedures for selecting possible future locations. The CACHE report and recommendations will be completed in August.

In King County, a total of $24 million from multiple funding sources is dedicated to homeless prevention, support services, assessment and treatment, emergency shelter, and transitional and supportive housing. To see how these programs are helping some of our most vulnerable residents, click here

If your child has special needs, or you believe your infant or toddler may be developmentally delayed, you and your child may qualify for early intervention services and support.

“Rain, rain, go away…come again some other day.” Will you be singing this song when the warm, dry months of summer make way for the cold, wet months of fall and winter and the furnace doesn't start or the roof starts to leak? The Housing Repair Program can help! Low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities – you may be eligible for no-interest, deferred payment housing repair loans that are the next best thing to free! Go to http://www.metrokc.gov/dchs/csd/Housing/Repair.htm

Work Training Programs help at-risk youth who have dropped out of school or who are in danger of dropping out with services like GED programs, job skills training, school-based programs, and other resources. Click http://www.metrokc.gov/dchs/csd/WorkTraining/index.htm. If you’re unemployed and need new job skills to compete in a changing economy, WorkSource Renton and the Dislocated Worker Program may be able to help. Click http://www.metrokc.gov/dchs/csd/WorkTraining/JobSeeker.htm

The Women’s Program works with many partners to develop services to improve the lives of women, particularly survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Visit their Web site for information and links to the “Domestic & Dating Violence Resource Handbook”, women’s emergency shelters, crisis response phone lines, and upcoming conference and training opportunities at http://www.metrokc.gov/dchs/csd/Women/Resources.htm

Mental health services for children and adults who meet income and need criteria are available at community mental health agencies throughout King County.

If you, or someone you know is in crisis, the county funds a 24-hour telephone crisis line that provides caring, confidential help around the clock for anyone in need and referrals to next day appointments. Call the Crisis Clinic toll free 866 4.CRISIS or go to http://www.crisisclinic.org/main.html (external link)

Alcohol and drug treatment assessment is available at the King County Assessment Center and other locations around King County.

Veteran’s Program staff members are available to provide mental health, trauma counseling, emergency housing and other assistance and supports for veterans and their families.

Help is available for people with developmental disabilities seeking work! Worried about losing your benefits or medical coverage if you work? Learn the facts .. your benefits may actually help you work!

Do you have questions about Metro Transit? Where to go, what to do, or how to find the bus that will get you where you are going? “See you on Metro” has all the answers you are looking for.
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The Jobs Access Transportation Program seeks to provide affordable transit options for people in King County. We can help with personalized service, the formation of carpools or vanpools, and finding alternatives to help you get where you are going.

Accessible Services also offers residents transportation options, particularly those with special needs. Go to “Metro’s Accessible Bus and Van Services” homepage to find links to out many programs.

Metro Transit also has a new pilot program in the NewHolly community designed to help non-English speaking residents learn about their transit options. The Residential Transportation Coordinator program utilizes the language skills of local residents to educate others about Metro services and answer questions in their native language.

There's more than one way to get around the Puget Sound region and we at Metro Transit want to make sure you have web access to as many resources as possible. Our homepage has links to other transportation agencies and services.

Quick Travel Options Links:

• Local Phone Numbers
• Web Links
• Special Programs

Human services news

• Local conferences announced on children and domestic violence

Related agencies

• Department of Community and Human Services
• Public Health - Seattle & King County

Previously In Focus

• Transportation – July 2004
• Health – June 2004

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