Resilient communities services
Funded by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), our services support advocacy, re-entry and criminal justice, financial literacy, civil and legal aid, and other human service needs for survivors of gender-based violence, immigrants and refugees, persons with disabilities, and other resilient communities.
Racism and other forms of structural oppression create conditions that make resilient communities more susceptible to reduced health, housing, financial, or social stability outcomes. Centering community strength through partnership acknowledges their resilience while providing support in identifying their unique needs and community-based solutions to meet those needs. King County is committed to employing an equity, racial, and social justice approach when considering the most effective strategies to promote well-being for its residents.
Services for survivors of gender-based violence
Resilient communities include survivors of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is a term for any form of violence that is based on socially ascribed gender roles. This includes all genders. It includes, but is not limited to, domestic violence, sexual assault, and commercial sexual exploitation. The VSHSL funds strategies to prevent violence and offer crisis and short- to medium-term response for survivors.
24/7 Domestic Violence Helpline
DVHopeline is a free, safe, and confidential domestic violence helpline in King County. Advocates are available 24/7 to listen, talk, provide resources, and help you stay safe. Interpretation is available in 200 languages. Call 206-737-0242.
Gender-based violence and trafficking prevention
These programs include in-depth, multi-level, coordinated gender-based violence and trafficking prevention and community engagement strategies tailored to geographically and culturally diverse communities across King County.
Gender-based violence system navigation and mobile advocacy programs
These programs create a community-based survivor-centered network of mobile advocates equipped with flexible emergency financial assistance for adult survivors of gender-based violence, human trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation.
Services for people with disabilities
More than 18 percent of King County adults have one or more physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Being an inclusive place to live includes identifying and removing physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that can hamper individuals' ability to have full participation in society. King County designates VSHSL funds to strategies that support people with disabilities, both visible and invisible, and will center those most impacted to fill important gaps in resources.
Community supports for persons with disabilities
These programs provide system navigation and community building to promote and protect the rights of persons with visible or invisible disabilities reflecting the full diversity of King County.
Services for immigrants and refugees
Nearly one in four King County residents are immigrants or refugees. The King County Executive's True North aspiration for King County to be more welcoming and inclusive includes ensuring all of the county's residents have access to county programs and services regardless of their national origin, immigration status, or English proficiency level. As the number of immigrants and refugees who are seeking citizenship or asylum increase throughout King County, language services, system navigation, connection to community, access to employment, and culturally responsive services can help them thrive in King County.
Support services for immigrants and refugees
These programs seek to increase the number of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who feel welcomed, valued, and that they belong as members of the King County community. The programs also improve access to resources and provide not-for-profit or pro bono legal services that help low- or no-income immigrants and refugees in King County achieve housing stability, and civic engagement and integration.
Services for formerly incarcerated persons
The VSHSL funds a range of programs to offer comprehensive, community-led services for adults in King County who are coming home to their communities after incarceration. The programs contribute to community-level efforts to successfully reintegrate individuals into their communities after incarceration and avoid future criminal legal system contact.
Reentry spanning services
These programs provide services that support reentry of formerly incarcerated persons in King County including, but not limited to, interim housing and systems navigation, family support services, employment resources, flexible financial assistance, and access to culturally responsive healing practices.