King County Department of Human and Community Services (DCHS) today released new data on the Health Through Housing (HTH) initiative, showing improved housing and health outcomes for people living in Health Through Housing buildings throughout last year. Health Through Housing transforms former hotels and other underutilized properties into permanent supportive housing with onsite services, including physical and behavioral health care, for people experiencing chronic homelessness. 

In 2024, Health Through Housing served 1,281 people across all 11 open locations in Auburn, Burien, Renton, Redmond, and Seattle. Encouragingly, 95% of permanent supportive housing residents were able to maintain a stable home. The vast majority of residents—97%—have previous ties to the neighborhood where they live.

“After being homeless for over 20 years off and on, I can finally shut my door,” shared a Health Through Housing resident. “I can use my bathroom and take a shower without asking for permission. I have a laundry room and have clean clothes. I’m finally able to go to all my doctor appointments. I even started a garden to grow vegetables and flowers for everyone.” 

The data also shows improved health outcomes for residents, including 33% shorter hospital stays, 22% fewer hospital stays, and a 17% decrease in ER visits for residents when compared to before they moved into Health Through Housing buildings.  

“Nearly $4,000 is saved for every inpatient hospital stay that’s avoided. This also means shorter ER wait times for people in need of urgent care, and less stress on our already overworked EMS providers,” said Jelani Jackson, manager of King County’s Health Through Housing. “More importantly, beyond the cost savings, this data shows that the Health Through Housing initiative is working. It’s making a difference in the lives of our residents and in the communities they’re a part of. This kind of transformation is priceless.” 

Last year, 55% of Health Through Housing residents identified as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The program also saw a significant increase in American Indian and Alaska Native residents from 3% in 2022 to 16% in 2024. Sacred Medicine House, a Health Through Housing building that opened last year, played a large role in this increase. The building is operated by Chief Seattle Club.

“With support from King County’s Health Through Housing initiative, Chief Seattle Club has opened 196 units of permanent supportive housing. Combined with our other housing facilities, this gives us the capacity to house more than a quarter of chronically homeless relatives experiencing homelessness,” said Derrick Belgarde (Siletz), chief executive officer of Chief Seattle Club. “We’re also encouraged by the addition of health outcomes data to King County’s HTH dashboard. Securing housing is just the beginning – we must also focus on solutions that support long-term healing.” 

Health Through Housing ended 2024 with 1,434 secured units across 17 locations in seven cities: Auburn, Burien, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, and Seattle. This year, King County expects to open three more buildings in Federal Way, Kirkland, and Seattle. 

Health Through Housing is a powerful part of King County’s regional strategy to address the entwined crises of affordable housing and chronic homelessness by increasing access to dignified supportive housing where people with disabilities can improve their health and their lives. Health Through Housing is a crucial tool for cities in reducing homelessness and addressing the trauma that comes with living outside over time.  

“Whether you’re wanting to know more about how we fund this work, or the types of services provided at our Health Through Housing locations, this dashboard offers a window into why this initiative is needed, how we work with partners and cities, and the transformation we’re seeing in the health and wellbeing of our residents,” finished Jackson.