King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is pleased to share that Plymouth Housing is the new operator for the Health Through Housing (HTH) building in Kirkland. Together, with the City of Kirkland, we look forward to welcoming residents in 2025.
DCHS Director Kelly Rider said, “Health Through Housing continues to make progress throughout our region. I’m proud of the commitment and collaboration of our many partners that have brought the second Health Through Housing building on the Eastside one step closer to opening and welcoming new residents. The City of Kirkland, local leaders and community members have stepped up to help people experiencing chronic homelessness. The intertwined affordable housing and homelessness crises spares no part of this region, and this initiative secures the housing and services that are desperately needed. I applaud the City of Kirkland for their efforts to bring more than 100 people inside.”
Plymouth brings more than 40 years of experience preserving, developing, and operating permanent supportive housing in Seattle and surrounding areas. Kirkland will be the second HTH facility for Plymouth, following the HTH-funded Bertha Pitts Campbell Place in Seattle’s Central District. Plymouth will coordinate 24/7 onsite operations at the building and help people who have experienced chronic homelessness gain stability.
“Housing is a human right. Everyone—regardless of who they are—deserves a home, safety, and support,” said Karen Lee, CEO of Plymouth Housing. “This Kirkland Health Through Housing building offers just that. This building, the second HTH location on the Eastside, provides supportive housing for people exiting chronic homelessness. We value our continued collaboration with the City of Kirkland and King County and thank the team of people who are making this building a reality. We look forward to opening our doors next year.”
Plymouth, in partnership with King County and the City of Kirkland, will also work closely with the local community in advance of opening next year.
“With over 16,000 individuals living unhoused in King County, including members of our community, the City of Kirkland is committed to providing safe, healthy, and caring places to live for those impacted by homelessness,” said Kelli Curtis, Kirkland Mayor. “We appreciate our partnership with King County and look forward to partnering with Plymouth Housing. The City is excited to implement our commitments to creating a safe and welcoming facility for both the residents and the community. We will do everything necessary to ensure the success of this life changing program.”
In 2023, HTH buildings served 911 people across 16 locations in seven cities. HTH has permanently secured 1,358 units for supportive housing — continuing progress toward the initiative’s goal to open up to 1,600 units for people experiencing, or at risk of chronic homelessness in King County.
“Permanent supportive housing is a proven solution to homelessness. It’s not a band-aid—it’s a life-changing cure,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “Plymouth Housing is one of the most experienced and respected housing providers in our region. With their expertise, the partnership of the City of Kirkland, and an engaged, compassionate community, I am confident that this project will be a success. This is one more step toward ensuring everyone in King County has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
As with all HTH buildings, the Kirkland location will offer 24/7 staff and support services, including transit navigators and a loaded Orca card, daily meals, case management support, and behavioral health care tailored to people’s needs.
Check out the HTH progress we’ve made on our DCHS Data Impact Dashboard.