Welcoming new neighbors: King County invests in vital support for immigrant and refugee communities

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) seeks to create a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient region where all individuals and communities are safe, connected, housed, healthy, and empowered to succeed.  For newly arrived immigrant, refugee, and asylee neighbors, navigating the complexities of a new place can be daunting—especially when facing systemic barriers and the evolving challenges of federal civil immigration enforcement. To meet these urgent and shifting needs, King County DCHS is proud to announce the distribution of $2 million in emergency support funds to address emerging needs among immigrant, refugee, and asylee communities in King County. This… Read More

July is Disability Pride Month – The voices of lived experiences, part two

To celebrate Disability Pride month, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) gathered reflections from employees living with hidden and visible disabilities about how their disabilities are an asset in the workplace, and how those attributes allow them to effectively serve King County residents. In part two of a multi-part series, KCDEN is sharing these first-person experiences to highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities. Because disability status is often stigmatized, the thoughts are shared anonymously and have been edited for brevity and clarity. “My disability is an asset at work because I am a… Read More

Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, March-April 2026

Crossposted from Metro Matters They cook and also love Volkswagens. They travel and enjoy weightlifting. They golf, snowboard, play soccer and enjoy walks. Their riders say they are: “super cheerful and considerate,” “exceptionally courteous, especially to elderly passengers,” and an “incredibly kind and friendly driver who makes the commute better.” They’re operators with close to a combined 250 years of transit driving experience who enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities. Meet your Operators of the Month for March and April 2026. Read more.

King County, Plymouth Housing, and City of Kirkland celebrate opening of new permanent supportive housing community, Sheila Stanton Place 

On July 8, King County, Plymouth Housing, and the City of Kirkland celebrated the grand opening of Sheila Stanton Place, a new permanent supportive housing community providing 101 homes for adults exiting homelessness. Developed through the King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Health Through Housing initiative and operated by Plymouth Housing, the community combines affordable housing with on-site services designed to help residents maintain stability, improve health, and build meaningful connections in the communities where they live. Sheila Stanton Place is the result of years of collaboration between King County, Plymouth Housing, the City of Kirkland, service providers, faith leaders,… Read More

King County offers new toolkit to make homes and neighborhoods more resilient to increasing wildfire risk 

Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes King County, in a partnership with Eastside Fire and Rescue and King Conservation District, developed a customized toolkit to help residents better prepare their homes and communities for increased wildfire risks.  The new Wildfire Ready Toolkit is tailored to the specific conditions King County communities face, featuring customized actions to help reduce risk and build resilience. Climate, forestry, and emergency management experts at King County worked with local partners and first responders to develop the toolkit, based on the wildfire action plan created by the California Department of Forestry… Read More

Korean Consul General Eunji Seo visits the Sheriff’s Office 

Crosssposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Newsletter Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall and Support Services Division Chief Cheol Kang recently had the pleasure of meeting with Consul General Eunji Seo from the Republic of Korea’s Seattle consulate.  The visit was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss ways we can continue strengthening safety and support for the Korean community throughout King County. The conversation was engaging, collaborative, and forward-looking — exactly the kind of partnership that helps our communities thrive.  Consul General Seo presented Sheriff Cole‑Tindall with a beautifully crafted tray designed… Read More

July is Disability Pride Month – The voices of lived experiences, part one

To celebrate Disability Pride month, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) gathered reflections from employees living with hidden and visible disabilities about how their disabilities are an asset in the workplace, and how those attributes allow them to effectively serve King County residents. In part one of a multi-part series, KCDEN is sharing these first-person experiences to highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities. Because disability status is often stigmatized, the thoughts are shared anonymously and have been edited for brevity and clarity. “My disability is an asset at work because it’s made… Read More

Sobering Center to temporarily move to King County Administration Building

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is moving the Sobering Center from the Yesler Building to the downtown Administration Building on a temporary basis. Effective this month, the new site will provide a safe location with an improved layout for clients and staff. Pioneer Human Services, the County’s longtime sobering center operator, will continue providing the essential onsite services needed for this specialized setting. Part of the County’s crisis services available to residents, the Sobering Center provides a safe space for people to sleep off the effects of acute alcohol or drug… Read More

Scammers targeting lost pet owners by phone and text

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Scammers are contacting owners of lost pets in our area, claiming their pet has been found needing surgery and demanding immediate payment. Some are using AI-generated images of an animal in surgery as “proof.” These are scams! Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) will never ask you for payment by phone or text to treat your sick or injured pet! Do not send money, provide bank or card info, or use payment apps. If you think your lost pet is in our shelter, visit kingcounty.gov/LostAPet or stop by in person weekdays from noon… Read More

Accessing Naloxone (NARCAN®) Nasal Spray in King County

Overdose is the leading cause of preventable injury death in King County, but an easy-to-use nasal spray (naloxone) can save lives. When someone is overdosing, you can be the difference, and you don’t need to be a doctor to help. King County employees are permitted to carry and administer naloxone while on the job, if they so choose. Here’s your guide to finding naloxone in King County and Washington and how to access overdose prevention training. For those who can, King County encourages accessing naloxone over the counter or through pharmacies with… Read More