A New Chapter in Recovery: King County Secures a Permanent Site for the SODO Sobering Center
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is taking a major step forward in our commitment to behavioral health and crisis response by securing a permanent location for a new sobering center in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. Part of DCHS’ crisis services available to King County residents, this new center will provide a safe space for people to sleep off the effects of acute alcohol or drug intoxication or opiate overdose and is the result of years of planning and a concerted effort to engage the neighborhood community. Expected to… Read More
Pinwheels of Hope: Advocating for Children in King County
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Dependency CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) proudly completed pinwheel installations at both the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC). Each pinwheel represents a child in King County currently in need of a CASA, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the impact our advocacy can have. The CASA signage, complete with a QR code, invites anyone interested to learn more about the program to get involved. With 380 children in active dependency cases needing CASA volunteers,… Read More
How King County is making affordable housing more resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Across Washington and here in King County, we’re seeing the devastating impacts of a changing climate on our communities, from wildfires to heat waves, ice storms, and polluted air. In response, we’re helping communities become more resilient by supporting affordable housing that withstands extreme weather events and environmental challenges. “For us, creating affordable housing for everyone means that we’re not only providing homes to people who have been pushed out. We’re also mending the ties within and between communities that were severed by displacement and healing our environment through sustainable design and community… Read More
Report non-urgent public issues with the Find It, Fix It mobile app
It’s easy for residents and people working in Seattle, including King County employees, to report non-urgent public issues. The City of Seattle’s Find It, Fix It mobile app is a simple way to report an issue, track reports, and view service requests. Examples of issues include a streetlight outage, clogged storm drain, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, unauthorized encampment, and potholes. If you see an issue that needs addressing near or on the way to a County workplace in Seattle, use the app to report it. The app is not for reporting urgent… Read More
Recognizing heritage and history: Bus shelter photomurals celebrating King County’s Latino community
Crossposted from Metro Matters A celebration of the beauty and identity of the Latino community can now be seen through photomurals in King County Metro bus shelters around the region. The murals are a partnership between Metro and Latino Northwest Communications. The highlight of the April 19 community event in the University District was the unveiling of photos recognizing the Ballet Folklòrico Bailadores de Bronce and a performance from the group created by students at the University of Washington. The new bus shelter photomurals highlight the diverse cultures throughout Latin America, from… Read More
Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month
Crossposted from Metro Matters April is National Arab American Heritage Month—a time to honor the culture, heritage and contributions of Arab Americans, whose stories and experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of our nation. Across the country, more than 3.5 million Americans trace their roots to 22 countries spanning the Middle East and North Africa. Arab Americans have long been part of the American story—pioneering advancements, leading with vision and enriching communities through service and innovation. Their dedication continues to inspire efforts toward greater access, opportunity and inclusion across industries, including… Read More
Earth Week 2025
Join King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks as we celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day! Earth Day is a special moment for us. It’s an opportunity to thank our employees and partners who work year-round to protect and restore the natural environment for the people, fish, and wildlife of King County. It’s also a time to discover what actions we can all take action to promote a healthier, more resilient, more sustainable future. Join us April 19-26 as we highlight simple ways to care for our environment, whether it’s… Read More
Building on success; moving to new levels of significance: Celebrating Public Health Camp’s past achievements and future vision
By Greg Wilson, Education Engagement Strategy, Environmental Health Services Division, Public Health – Seattle & King County Honoring the past Public Health Camp (PH Camp) is an opportunity for young King County residents to learn about careers in public health by engaging with topics, activities, staff, and partnering organizations from several Public Health divisions and the broader community. PH Camp began in 2023 and quickly gained buy-in as an inaugural activity. 2024’s camp, held in Downtown Seattle, focused each day on a different foundational public health concept. PH Camp went beyond expectations and was… Read More
From zebras and peafowl to cats and dogs
Crossposted from the DES Express Regional Animal Services celebrates accomplishments during National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week When zebras escaped from a trailer while being transported to Montana last spring, Regional Animal Services helped corral the cleverest one that had been on the loose for days. When a horse trailer blew a tire recently, RASKC responded. After someone called complaining about peafowl at a Kent apartment complex, animal control officers from RASKC captured and relocated at least four of the birds. While these were among the incidents that grabbed headlines last year,… Read More
Community Service Area Civic Connectors holds inaugural meeting
Crossposted from King County Local Strong communities rely on engaged people and government working together, which is why the Community Service Area Civic Connectors program is so important. Recently, the Department of Local Services brought together people from across unincorporated King County to help empower them to become engaged with their local government. More than 30 people who are part of the program joined Director Leon Richardson and other members of our team at Renton Technical College for the group’s first meeting. Local Services is working with this passionate group so that,… Read More
