Seattle Human Services

09/17/2026

HSD investments are creating more opportunities for safe, accessible childcare!

Last week, HSD celebrated the completion of childcare space improvements at the Tiny Tots Development Center's Helen Hicks Building in South Seattle's Dunlap neighborhood. More than $420,000 in HSD funding supported the construction of two new classrooms, an outdoor learning space, an exterior deck, and an ADA ramp. These improvements have allowed Tiny Tots to expand their licensed childcare capacity.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Tiny Tots CEO Angelia Hicks-Maxie presented Ken Astrein, the lead staff person for HSD’s Community Facilities Program, with a Certificate of Appreciation for HSD.

Learn more about Tiny Tots Development Center at tinytotsdc.com.

09/17/2026

Last weekend, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), in partnership with the Mayor's Council on African American Elders, Aging & Disability Services (Aging King County), and Age Friendly Seattle, brought generations together to celebrate Grandparents Day and honor the wisdom, strength, and legacy of elders who continue to inspire and guide our families and communities.

Held at NAAM, the Grandparents and African American Elders’ Day created an opportunity for grandparents, grandchildren, families, and community members to spend meaningful time together. The afternoon centered on connection celebrating elders, sharing stories across generations, enjoying live music and community, and creating new memories.

09/15/2026

September is Hunger Action Month.

Seattle’s map of Emergency Food Resources is a designed to help people in need to find free meals and groceries. It's also a great way to identify local food organizations and to honor Hunger Action Month by volunteering and/or making donations!

Check it out here: https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiYzI5YTRiZmQtZjFlOS00MGU0LWJhODMtZGZmNmFmOTk4MTJhIiwidCI6Ijc4ZTYxZTQ1LTZiZWItNDAwOS04Zjk5LTM1OWQ4YjU0ZjQxYiJ9&pageName=4e84f634d795e9afbc5b

09/14/2026

Last week, HSD Director Tanya Kim and Deputy Director Chris Klaeysen joined Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) Executive Director Sharon Lee, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), and others at the groundbreaking event for the Glassyard Commons RV Safe Lot and Tiny House Village.

LIHI is leasing the West Seattle site at 7200 2nd Ave. SW from the WSDOT to operate an enhanced shelter for approximately 140 people. Scheduled for completion in mid-November, it will include safe parking for 72 RVs and 20 tiny houses. The site will have 24/7 staff, case management offices, a community kitchen, and hygiene and laundry facilities.

Glassyard Commons receives funding from HSD, and referrals will be made from the City's Unified Care Team. See more coverage of the groundbreaking event in the West Seattle Blog: https://westseattleblog.com/2026/09/video-photos-ceremonial-groundbreaking-for-west-seattle-rv-tiny-house-site-glassyard-commons/

09/11/2026

As we recall the horrific 9/11 events 25 years later, let's remember not only the 2,977 people and first responders killed in those attacks, but also their surviving families, friends, and loved ones. After such a loss, it is common to suffer emotionally with trauma and stress-related disorders, even many years later.

If you or someone you know are facing mental health struggles or emotional distress for any reason — or if you just need someone to talk to — call the 988 Lifeline. Call or text 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.

Learn more at 988lifeline.org.

09/10/2026

Are you 16-24 years old and looking to explore career options? APPLY NOW for Learn & Earn: Foundations! Applications close Sept. 25 at 5 PM.

This opportunity from HSD's Seattle Youth Employment Program offers job readiness training and career planning workshops for young people who are new to the workforce. Participants will meet weekly for two-hour sessions from October 2026 to March 2027 and can earn stipends.

Get details at seattle.gov/SYEP, including program eligibility requirements.

09/04/2026

Join the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders and Age Friendly Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2 to 4 PM as they celebrate Grandparents Day at this annual event honoring the wisdom, strength, and legacy of the elders who inspire and guide our families and communities. It will be at the Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St. in Seattle.

Get details and RSVP: https://form.jotform.com/262327142332145

09/03/2026

The Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center operated by the Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC), provides care and resources for individuals facing opioid use disorder. The Human Services Department is proud to have helped fund the development and growth of DESC's innovative ORCA Program since its inception.

One year after opening its doors, the results are in. The ORCA Center, in partnership with a longer-standing mobile support unit that's now called the ORCA POD, is saving lives. By making lifesaving treatment available when and where people need it, we are seeing encouraging progress. Fatal overdoses are down 25% this year in King County compared to the same period last year.

Learn more about the ORCA Center from our Human Interests blog: https://humaninterests.seattle.gov/2026/04/30/community-corner-opioid-recovery-care-access-orca-center/

Also see KUOW's coverage of the first year of ORCA Center services: https://www.kuow.org/health-care/2026-09-01/seattles-overdose-recovery-center-connects-hundreds-to-medication-in-first-year

09/01/2026

The Mayor’s Council on African American Elders (MCAAE) is an advisory council established in 1995 to oversee the development of a continuum of services to address the needs of older African Americans. Today, it provides recommendations to the Mayor, Council, and City departments on issues impacting Black elders, ensuring their needs and experiences inform policies and priorities.

Learn more about the MCAAE, their advocacy priorities, how they engage with community, and how you can get involved with the MCAAE in our latest Community Corner feature at our Human Interests blog: https://humaninterests.seattle.gov/2026/09/01/community-corner-mayors-council-on-african-american-elders-2/

08/27/2026

Kudos to Public Health - Seattle & King County, Chief Seattle Club, and Evergreen Treatment Services for bringing a substance use disorder counselor to the Chief Seattle Club's day center in Pioneer Square. The partnership is a great example of using opioid settlement funds to connect people to treatment, resources, and support.

A partnership between Chief Seattle Club and Evergreen Treatment Services offers immediate support to people who ask for help with substance use. Funded by the King County Opioid Settlement, the pilot program has provided 500 over client engagements and referrals.