This blog was originally posted on Executive Dow Constantine’s Medium account.
The Collaborative Case Management Program, or CCM, has provided housing for 162 veterans since its launch in 2021, helping reduce veteran homelessness in King County by 40%.
CCM is a first-in-the-nation, award-winning program that supports low-income veterans experiencing homelessness by providing rent assistance and services through the King County Veterans Program.
The program uses federal housing vouchers and local housing navigation, paired with support services. It’s now a permanent program and is funded by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.
CCM has become a national model for reducing veteran homelessness, recognized with an achievement award from the National Association of Counties. The program is built on strong partnerships between local and federal partners, including the King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority and VA Puget Sound Healthcare System.
Here’s how it works: the King County Housing Authority finds housing units and accepts vouchers for eligible veterans. This is combined with support services from the King County Veterans Program, or KCVP. Those services, provided by Social Service Professionals at KCVP’s Tukwila and Northgate locations, include employment and training resources, physical and behavioral health care and help with food and other needs.
“This work is in service to those who have served our nation,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “With the support of voters who approved the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, alongside federal and local partners, we’re providing housing and services for veterans as they build their lives in the communities they call home.”
“Our Collaborative Case Management Program started in 2021 during the pandemic, and we’ve seen a 40% reduction in veteran homelessness in King County during the time this program has been in existence,” said King County Housing Authority President/CEO Robin Walls. “Case management services are very important for helping veterans locate housing, and then once people are housed, helping them stay housed.”
Pairing federal housing vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with support services helps veterans not only find housing but successfully maintain that housing.
“The tax dollars the public approved through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy are going to a good place. Veterans are being treated with dignity and respect when they walk through our doors,” said Simone Teal, Social Services Professional with the King County Veterans Program. “We have veterans who are finally trusting our system. I’ve seen veterans show up excited because they have their own home.”
CCM recently expanded by partnering with the Seattle Housing Authority, which contributes additional federal vouchers that allow the program to house even more veterans.
“We have a number of veterans in Seattle, and we want to do everything we can to get them housed and keep them stably housed,” said Seattle Housing Authority Executive Director Rod Brandon.
Veterans in need of housing or other services can contact the King County Veterans Program by calling 206–263–8387, or by visiting the Tukwila or Northgate offices. Visit this link for more information.
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