King County announced on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 that it has allocated $5 million in one-time funding for one or more cities located in south King County to site, construct, or operate projects that support and serve unsheltered individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
As we previously reported, at its Nov. 27, 2023 meeting the Burien City Council approved the county’s previous $1 million and 35 pallet shelters offer, and this new round apparently would be in addition to that.
“In support of increasing shelter capacity and rapidly serving people and families experiencing homelessness, King County is releasing a $5 million funding opportunity for cities in south King County to assist in local response efforts,” the county said.
The county said that this investment will provide a city or cities with potential funding for additional, safe, emergency shelter for unsheltered families and individuals as they work to find long-term, stable housing.
“These investments will help cities build tailored, community-focused solutions to the regional challenge of homelessness. Too many of our neighbors will sleep outside tonight, but working with cities around King County we can bring more people inside,” said Executive Dow Constantine. “King County is focused on expanding supportive housing and enhanced shelter to match the urgent housing and homelessness crisis.”
The $5 million in funding is intended to further align with broader countywide efforts. Eligible proposals include:
- Acquiring ownership or site control of land/property for residential uses through purchase, donation, or other means.
- Building construction, including feasibility, due diligence, permitting, architectural design, engineering, etc.
- Purchasing furnishings (e.g., beds/bedding, lockers, tables, and chairs) and appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washers/dryers, air purifiers).
- Supporting operational and program costs associated with an existing shelter.
The county’s RFP is open now, and applications will be rolling until the funds are exhausted.
The first round of applications will be reviewed beginning Jan. 8, 2024.
Only responsive proposals that meet the threshold requirements will be evaluated by a King County designated review panel.
Notifications of awards will begin in early 2024.
The funding will cover costs incurred from the contract start date through Dec. 31, 2026.
Well, the mayor doesn’t think government should be addressing homelessness, so presumably we can look forward to the City of Burien doing absolutely nothing with this opportunity.
If anyone on the Burien city council suggests and/or agrees that this is something Burien should do they will be promptly voted off the council next election.