In a recent move to bolster services for Seattle's unsheltered population, the Human Services Department (HSD) has unveiled a major funding proposal aimed at outreach initiatives for those living on the streets. The department released "2024 Street-Based Outreach Services for Unsheltered Individuals Request For Qualification (RFQ)" which outlines a strategic plan to use $6.2 million for various targeted programs across seven neighborhoods in the city.
Agencies that are driven to support the homeless community are being prompted to apply for this funding opportunity. With a collaborative approach in mind, these agencies are expected to work seamlessly alongside the City’s Unified Care Team (UCT) to ensure that the performed outreach is consistent and effective. According to a recent announcement by HSD, the four primary service areas up for application include Street-Based Care Coordination, Vehicle Residency Outreach, Behavioral/Mental Health Outreach, and Population-Specific Outreach.
The hopes pinned on these initiatives are substantial, with a citywide team-based model set to launch in 2025. Tanya Kim, HSD Director, said, "Addressing unsheltered homelessness is multifaceted, and having a diverse set of outreach partners working together as neighborhood specific teams shows promise towards increased care-coordination, relationship building, and service connection citywide." Furthermore, selected agencies may focus their efforts on a particular neighborhood or provide services across the city to population-specific groups.
Under this scheme, the awarded agencies will not only have to quickly adapt to the directed area of service but also consistently work together as a unit with the aim of holistically supporting the population they're trying to reach. Chris Klaeysen, HSD’s Homelessness Division Director, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the planned outreach, stating, "These neighborhood outreach teams will holistically support our unsheltered neighbors in coming inside and building a path to permanent housing."
Funding availability seems promising for the short term, with initial awards confidently set for the period of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. While the City aims to renew these contracts annually through the 2028 program year, it does make clear that future funding will rely on both performance reviews and fund availability. The curtain on this application process is open, and the call for qualified agencies to step forward is now loud and clear. The scheme represents a beacon of structured support for individuals and communities long in the shadows, now reaching for the light of stability and permanent housing solutions.
