A new funding opportunity is available from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) to fund the ongoing development and operations of geographically based or culturally affiliated Senior Villages to support diverse and low-income seniors to age well in their communities of choice and remain stably housed.
King County’s senior population is growing rapidly. Currently, seniors aged 55 and older make up 25% of the King County population, and by 2050, seniors are expected to represent 35% of the total population. Low-income seniors are at an increased risk for housing instability, houselessness, and displacement due to the rising cost of living in our region and the lack of sufficient affordable and accessible housing. In addition to housing instability, seniors are at an increased risk for loneliness and in particular, social isolation, which is characterized by having few social interactions, relationships, and social roles or group memberships. Social isolation has been linked with a significant increase in premature death from all causes and is most common among people with disabilities, people who are financially insecure, and those who live alone.
Senior Villages funded by this opportunity will provide culturally responsive services that promote community interdependence, offer opportunities for social engagement, and assist seniors with accessing and navigating senior services and supports available in King County. Senior Villages enable seniors to receive support in their communities of choice, helping them stay connected and active, thereby potentially delaying or preventing institutional care or displacement from their homes.
Funding overview
Each Senior Village funded through this opportunity will be responsive to the unique needs of its senior community. Membership in the Senior Village must be accessible to all income levels and programs must separately or in combination include:
- Activities and opportunities for social connection. Examples include health and wellness programs, education and personal growth, intergenerational activities, and cultural celebrations.
- Volunteer or leadership opportunities for Senior member-participants to support one another and contribute to the Village. Examples include teaching/facilitating classes or activities, skill sharing, household chore support, grocery delivery, peer mentoring groups, transportation to appointments, administrative or leadership support to the Village.
- Navigation support for Seniors to access senior services and resources available in King County. Examples include community resource navigation to access benefit programs, housing, healthcare etc., access through Senior Village membership to vetted and affordable service providers, and volunteer-provided services such as transportation, home repairs, and help with errands or chores.
Application details
Available funding: Up to $2,287,829 in Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy funds
Investment period: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2027 (subject to change)
Questions: Contact Claudine Wallace at cwallace@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-5157
Applications due: July 30, 2024 by 2:00pm Pacific Time
Join the information session to learn more about the funding opportunity
A virtual information session to discuss questions related to this RFP will be held on June 25, 2024, 3:00 – 4:30pm.
Join by Zoom:
Meeting URL: https://kingcounty.zoom.us/j/87100040196
Meeting ID: 871 0004 0196
Passcode: 886677
Join by phone:
253-215-8782 US (Tacoma)
888-788-0099 US Toll-free
The information session will be recorded and posted here.
This will be a remote session with speech to text captioning provided. For accommodations to participate, please contact Claudine Wallace by June 21, 2024.
About the VSHSL
The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), administered by the King County Department of Community and Human Services Adult Services Division, promotes healthy living, financial stability, social engagement, housing stability and service system access for veterans, seniors, and resilient communities.