Simon P. Foster, Division Director for the Housing and Community Development Division (HCD) in the Department of Community and Human Services, will transition out of his current role on January 3, 2025 to serve as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.  Since Simon began in September 2022, HCD has distributed over $425 million in funding across 325+ contracts, addressing the region’s most pressing housing challenges. These investments supported King County’s flagship Health Through Housing Initiative, expanded King County’s Housing Finance Program, provided critical operational funding to organizations working with people and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and strengthened countywide affordable housing policies. During his time as Division Director, HCD invested in thousands of new affordable homes, opened three Health Through Housing sites, and delivered on commitments to serve the community’s most vulnerable populations. 

“Simon’s tenure at DCHS resulted in significant milestones for the department, including the opening of three Health Through Housing locations and thousands of new affordable homes for communities,” said Kelly Rider, DCHS Director. “I am incredibly grateful Simon chose to serve DCHS and King County with his steadfast commitment to creating equitable opportunities for residents to be healthy, happy, and connected to community.” 

HCD invests in the creation and preservation of affordable housing and community development projects by working collaboratively with local cities, housing authorities, developers, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and community members. The division also works in partnership with organizations to strengthen housing stability, and reduce displacement of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color across the region.  

Beginning in January, Sunaree Marshall will serve as Acting Division Director of HCD. Sunaree has led strategic efforts within the division since 2019 and currently serves as the Deputy Division Director.  

“Sunaree brings rich experience and knowledge to King County in housing policy, planning, and affordable housing development,” said Kelly Rider, DCHS Director. “She helped lead the division through the pandemic and has ensured DCHS fulfills our commitments in developing more affordable housing throughout the region, with a focus on equitable development, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and anti-displacement efforts.” 

Sunaree began at DCHS leading King County’s affordable housing policy, planning, and regional collaboration efforts, with a focus on equitable development. For over 10 years, Sunaree also led federal housing and community development work in Washington, D.C. This included leading teams to enact Affirmatively Further Fair Housing and implement the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Sustainable Communities grant program. Sunaree also served for three years as a Community Youth Development volunteer in the Peace Corps in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

HCD leads the Health Through Housing Initiative, and in recent years, has strengthened the Housing Finance Program, and stabilized Operating Support, Rental Assistance, and Supportive Services. A few highlights through these initiatives include:  

  • Opened 950 Health Through Housing homes in 11 buildings across 5 cities by the end of 2024.  85% of residents have connections to the community where their HTH site is located.  
  • Opened 1,650 new affordable homes in 2024 across 15 projects. This is 70% higher than in previous years. 
  • Invested in operations and supportive services for 4,080 homes and 5,009 beds across 91 projects.