12,000 households saved from eviction with $63 million in rental assistance distributed by King County so far this year
King County continues to accelerate rental assistance payments, collaborating with local property owners and community-based partners to distribute $63 million so far this year and $100 million since the beginning of the pandemic providing housing stability to more than 12,000 households through the Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program (EPRAP).

Federal Economic Injury Declaration opens loans for fire-ravaged small businesses in White Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) made a declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster this week, opening a loan application process for businesses and organizations that suffered “substantial economic injury” from the recent fire on July 5, 2021 in White Center. King County will support affected businesses and seek out more options for other fire victims.

First residents moving in at North Seattle Health Through Housing hotel this week
King County and the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) are welcoming the first residents to a Health Through Housing site, the former Holiday Inn Express in North Seattle. When it reaches capacity, the newly-named Mary Pilgrim Inn will provide housing for nearly 100 people exiting chronic homelessness. The phased opening begins with 15 residents this week, with 65 more scheduled to move in by next week.

Executive Constantine welcomes Afghan refugees resettling in King County at county-owned former hotel
King County is hosting around 130 Afghan refugees at the county-owned former hotel in Federal Way, and last week Executive Dow Constantine met with them to discuss how King County can support the new residents as they settle in and prepare for life in King County.

King County awards $2.8 million in grants from marijuana fund to five BIPOC-led community organizations to address disproportionate drug enforcement impacts
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced $2.8 million in awards for five community-based organizations to assist and intervene on behalf of individuals and communities experiencing disproportionate arrests and convictions for marijuana and other drug-related actions.

King County vaccine verification launches next week – new campaign provides businesses and customers with tools and resources to be prepared for October 25 implementation
King County Executive Dow Constantine kicked off a vaccine verification preview campaign for the week leading up to the launch of the new policy, showcasing what businesses and customers can expect once the new health order takes effect across King County on October 25.

Executive Constantine transmits blueprint to zero youth detention in CFJC by 2025
King County Executive Dow Constantine shared the blueprint for a strategic planning process to close the juvenile secure detention facility located within the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center and recommendations for its repurposing and reuse to serve community needs by 2025.

King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program distributes $46.3 million so far; keeps more than 4,600 households safely housed
King County has distributed more than $46 million in rental assistance, including $7.7 million last week, and is collaborating with local property owners and community-based partners to simplify and improve the Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program (EPRAP), bringing financial relief and stability to thousands of households across the region.

Public Safety Advisory Committee identifies priorities for improving public safety in King County and hiring a new Sheriff
The Public Safety Advisory Committee, appointed in March 2021, has shared with the King County Executive and Council its recommendations and guidance on next steps for the King County Sheriff’s Office, including core values and priority outcomes for improving public safety and a recruitment process for the next Sheriff.