Summary

In collaboration with the state, the City of Redmond, and community partners, King County celebrates the year-long program providing a place for people to stay during the refugee resettlement process.

Story

Today, King County Deputy Executive April Putney, alongside the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), King County Department of Community and Human Services, and the City of Redmond celebrated the short-term refugee resettlement program for individuals and families coming to the region and the nearly 800 new neighbors who benefitted from the program.

In September 2021, King County made a commitment to support newly arriving Afghan refugees, including the use of a recently purchased Health Through Housing hotel in Federal Way as temporary housing and a $500,000 investment for language supports and community grants to aid in the resettlement process.

Partnering with DSHS’ Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, the IRC, and community partners, King County began accepting referrals and in October of last year, welcomed the first 130 refugees to arrive in Federal Way. In April, thanks to a partnership with the City of Redmond, the program moved operations to the Redmond Health Through Housing building and welcomed guests from May through December. The program is now set to close at the end of the month.

Over the course of the last year, 791 people took part in the short-term program that offered temporary housing, support, and connection to community. Of those who arrived, 97 percent secured permanent housing.

“This program took extraordinary effort from so many people and underscores the critical impact of local, state, federal, and non-profit partnerships. Together, these teams have worked tirelessly since last fall, welcoming newly arriving refugees in King County, and readily offering support,” said Executive Constantine. “Our communities understand the importance of helping those in need, and this unique initiative is testament to what we can achieve when we join together to make a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.”

“Redmond is committed to building a community where all are welcome, safe, and supported. Creating a space for those who took refuge and lending support for their successful transition was an honor for our city,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “This is a great example of how strong partnerships can make positive impacts for people and communities.”

"Together we formed a unique and amazing partnership with King County and DSHS for the use of hotels in two locations. This has helped to welcome and respond to the urgent needs of hundreds of refugee arrivals in Washington state. I hope we can be an inspiration or touchstone for future endeavors and other agencies,” said Nicky Smith, Executive Director of IRC Seattle.

“Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is proud to support and invest in this unique partnership with King County and the International Rescue Committee to provide transitional housing and culturally responsive supports and programs for Afghans through the federal Operation Allies Welcome," said Wendy Long, DSHS Deputy Chief of Staff. "Today’s celebration is a reflection of the strong community of people who joined together to welcome more than 3,000 people who lost everything and needed new opportunities and resources to rebuild their lives, to thrive, and to contribute to our diverse society.”

Refugees who arrived in King County and stayed at the two Health Through Housing buildings came through the federal resettlement program with the IRC, which provides refugee resettlement services, managing the process and supporting the search for permanent housing.

The use of the locations in Federal Way and Redmond as temporary places to stay for refugees did not delay the Health Through Housing implementation plans. A provider was selected in Federal Way and building modifications are underway. In November, King County initiated the procurement process for the Redmond building and the process will close in January 2023. An operator will be announced in February 2023. The process to transform the Redmond building into housing for those experiencing, or at risk of chronic homelessness is underway.

Relevant links

• King County prepares to welcome Afghan refugees with temporary housing and community investments
• Executive Constantine welcomes Afghan refugees resettling in King County at county-owned former hotel
• King County providing recent refugees a temporary place to stay in Redmond as they prepare for resettlement

Quotes

This program took extraordinary effort from so many people and underscores the critical impact of local, state, federal, and non-profit partnerships. Together, these teams have worked tirelessly since last fall, welcoming newly arriving refugees in King County, and readily offering support. Our communities understand the importance of helping those in need, and this unique initiative is testament to what we can achieve when we join together to make a welcoming community where everyone can thrive.

Redmond is committed to building a community where all are welcome, safe, and supported. Creating a space for those who took refuge and lending support for their successful transition was an honor for our city. This is a great example of how strong partnerships can make positive impacts for people and communities.

Together we formed a unique and amazing partnership with King County and DSHS for the use of hotels in two locations. This has helped to welcome and respond to the urgent needs of hundreds of refugee arrivals in Washington state. I hope we can be an inspiration or touchstone for future endeavors and other agencies.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is proud to support and invest in this unique partnership with King County and the International Rescue Committee to provide transitional housing and culturally responsive supports and programs for Afghans through the federal Operation Allies Welcome. Today’s celebration is a reflection of the strong community of people who joined together to welcome more than 3,000 people who lost everything and needed new opportunities and resources to rebuild their lives, to thrive, and to contribute to our diverse society.

For more information, contact:

Katie Rogers, Department of Community and Human Services, 206-758-8287