As we approach Veterans Day, we at King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) take a moment to honor the brave veterans and servicemembers who have served our country. Their sacrifices, during and after service, have shaped the nation we know today.
Our nation’s veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms and ensuring our safety. They have faced challenges, endured hardships, and demonstrated unwavering courage. Their service is a testament to their commitment to our country and its ideals.
On Veterans Day, we express our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice, and recognize their contributions to our community and our nation. We are committed to supporting our veterans, servicemembers, and their families, ensuring they have access to the resources and services they need to thrive.
Here at DCHS we resolve to not only thank veterans on Veterans Day but to serve veterans, servicemembers, and their families all year long with the dignity and respect they deserve.
DCHS is taking innovative approaches to meet the needs of veterans through action:
- The King County Veterans program (KCVP) served 2,500 veterans, servicemembers, and their respective family members from January through September 2024. KCVP works with partners across the region to provide financial, housing, wellness, employment, and other supportive services to veterans, servicemembers, and their families throughout King County.Call 206-263-8387 to connect with KCVP.
- The 2024-2029 Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy invests about $163.9 million into programs and supports for veterans including: mental health counselling, housing navigation, civil legal support, resource connection, and more! Learn more about the VSHSL’s veteran investments.
- King County partnered with Minority Veterans of America to open first-in-the-nation transitional housing specifically for LGBTQ+ veterans. Q’mmunity House will provide on-site holistic case management, connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming, and supportive home for LGBTQ+ veterans experiencing homelessness in King County. Q’mmunity House is now accepting applications.
- The Collaborative Case Management Program (CCM), a first-in-the-nation program, blends federal housing vouchers and local housing navigation with support services through KCVP. Since launching in 2021, CCM has helped reduce veteran homelessness in King County by 40%, and permanently housed 214 veterans. Watch a video about the CCM program.
- KCVP partnered with Compass Housing Alliance to open the first all-veteran 24/7 enhanced shelter in King County. The Blaine Veterans Center provides onsite services and supports to veterans experiencing homelessness in King County, including case management, housing navigation support, and connections to behavioral health care, medical services, and skill development opportunities. Since opening in April 2024, the Blaine Veterans Center has sheltered over 130 veterans, 40 of whom have left the center to move to permanent housing.
- King County and the University of Washington School of Law partnered to open a free civil legal services clinic for veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Starting in early 2025, law students will work with the Veterans Clinic to provide free legal advice, representation, and services to veterans seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other legal assistance.
We are committed to providing essential services and support to King County’s veterans, servicemembers, and their respective families. Our dedicated DCHS team will continue to celebrate the brave people who serve our country and strive to create equitable opportunities for them to be happy, healthy, and connected to community.