Today, the Resource Access Team, a new key investment of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, launches their virtual contact center and online interactive resource database to better connect King County residents with the services and resources they need to thrive.
Resource Access is a multifunctional customer service team within the Department of Community and Human Services that will serve as a centralized information and resource referral system, helping to bridge gaps across the human services system making it easier for residents of King County to access the services they need. The team aims to help King County residents remain housed, retain employment, access emergency financial assistance, connect to behavioral health treatment, and more!
There are many local, state, and federal programs that support veterans, seniors, and resilient communities in King County. However, individuals belonging to these communities, and community-based organizations serving King County are frequently unaware of what programs exist. Seeking assistance can be complicated by decentralized, fragmented, and difficult-to-navigate systems. Those who qualify for services should be able to understand their options, make informed choices, and access these resources quickly and simply. Human services programs can also benefit from connected systems of information and referral that help get the right individuals to the right organizations in time to provide appropriate support.
How to connect to the Resources Access Team and interactive resource database
King County residents can use the new virtual contact center to connect with a Resource Access Team Agent to receive individualized assistance through phone, chat, email, and text, in both English and Spanish. In-person services by appointment will also be available within the Adults Services Division Tukwila office, which is also home to the King County Veterans Program. The team will provide residents with resources, help them navigate systems, and connect them to needed services.
The Resource Access Team will uniquely pair their resource connection services with customized short-term case management support including limited flexible financial assistance and follow up to ensure each person that contacts the Resource Access Team is getting the services they need. Residents can also search for resources and services on their own through the new online interactive database. The database includes supports listed in categories such as shelter and housing, supports for survivors of domestic violence, employment assistance, and mental health services, as well as an easy to navigate search tool that will populate results sharing details about resources, contact information, and location in King County. The database was created in partnership with Crisis Connections.
Resource Access includes an outreach team that will travel to rural and unincorporated parts of King County to provide access points to services in community.
The team’s multi-modal and multi-lingual services, paired with in-person access and direct outreach across King County, will ensure that DCHS services and supports will reach the King County residents most in need.