Redmond, Eastside cities contribute nearly $7 million annually toward human services for 2017-18 biennium

February 27, 2017 2:20 pm
Redmond, Eastside cities contribute nearly $7 million annually toward human services for 2017-18 biennium

Leadership of the nonprofit coalition, Eastside Human Services Forum (EHSF), recently congratulated city governments this week for their investments in human services that amounted to a fourteen-percent increase for 2017 and 2018.

Adopted budgets for Redmond, Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Sammamish and Shoreline show that the cities collectively awarded nearly $7 million annually in human services grants to local agencies for the 2017-18 biennium.

“We have significantly increased our investment in programs that help create strong foundations for all residents,” said Bellevue Mayor John Stokes. “Bellevue’s ongoing commitment to human services funding shows that we know these programs can make a significant difference in people’s lives, especially when we take a regional approach in addressing these challenging issues.”

Together cities are able to leverage their dollars to support more than 127 programs such as counseling, food banks, shelter, employment assistance, health care and more.

“These funds create a healthy, thriving community,” EHSF board chair and Redmond City Council member Byron Shutz noted. “In a time when many agencies face funding uncertainties, the cities’ support maintains the foundation for building a community which ensures social and economic well-being for all.”

Hopelink CEO and EHSF board member Lauren Thomas echoed these sentiments.

“The suburban cities have demonstrated their commitment to our local communities by partnering with volunteer councils and local nonprofits to allow all East King County residents to reach their full potential,” she said. “The cities are flexible and responsive in their funding of human services and this funding source has become increasingly more imperative to address critical local needs.”

EHSF is a nonprofit coalition with representatives from local elected officials, school districts, hospitals, nonprofits and faith organizations. Its mission is to foster strong public and private partnerships to assure a stable network of health and human services for the benefit of all East King County residents.