King County's Health Through Housing Initiative in Kirkland

This webpage was last updated on October 6, 2023.

King County's Health Through Housing Initiative establishes partnerships with local jurisdictions County-wide to create 1,600 permanent supporting housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness by the end of 2022.  The Initiative consists of King County purchasing hotels or similar facilities, and each site includes 24/7 staffing that offers case management, employment counseling, and medical/behavioral healthcare.  This Initiative aims to support residents who are not supported through other housing program models. 

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Council Briefing on March 21

The City Council received a briefing from City staff on the current status of King County’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program in Kirkland.  This briefing informed the Council of the latest updates to the proposed PSHA (Permanent Supportive Housing Agreement between the City and King County). At this meeting, Council adopted Resolution R-5583 authorizing the City Manager execute the agreement with King County. The Resolution, PSHA, and services agreement can be referenced here(PDF, 3MB).

Supporting information for this Council briefing, and prior related briefings are posted to the City Council webpage.


Frequently Asked Questions

King County has a comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQ) document related to the Health Through Housing program on its website. The FAQ can be downloaded here from the King County Health Through Housing Initiative webpage

The City has provided responses to questions presented by the Central Houghton and Lakeview Neighborhood Associations.

FAQ on the City's Role in Health Through Housing (under development)

Has the La Quinta Inn been purchased for a Health Through Housing facility?

King County announced on March 3, 2022, that it purchased La Quinta Inn for a permanent supportive housing site in Kirkland. 

When did the City of Kirkland learn about King County’s consideration of La Quinta Inn for permanent supportive housing? 

The City Council adopted the 2021-2022 City Work Program as part of the City’s biennial budget process.  Included in the Work Program is an action to “[i]nitiate a supportive housing project in Kirkland.” By its inclusion in the City Work Program, supportive housing becomes a priority project of the City of Kirkland for the 2021-2022 biennium.

In February 2021, King County adopted Ordinance 19236, which states that the County needs to consult with “any city in which the county proposes a faculty to be located.”

On April 29, 2021, representatives from King County consulted with the City Council during an executive session about potential hotel sites, including La Quinta Inn.  At the request of the County to protect the integrity of any potential real estate transaction, the City awaited the County’s identification, investigation, and negotiation of a preferred site.

On May 5, 2021, as part of the regular City Council meeting, the City Manager discussed the potential purchase of La Quinta Inn by King County, along with three other potential sites, during the City Manager Reports portion of the agenda. 

In November of 2021, King County informed Kirkland that the La Quinta Inn was the likely preferred Kirkland site for the Health Through Housing program.  But the County also notified the City that the national La Quinta chain was being considered for purchase and that it would likely be the end of the year or early 2022 before the County would know if a purchase of La Quinta was feasible.

On December 7, 2021, the King County Council approved Ordinance 19366, adopting the Initial Health through Housing Implementation Plan.  The Initial Health through Housing Implementation Plan states that “King County and the City hold at least one public meeting in which members of the public may offer input and feedback to consider. The public meeting must be timed to occur after the County has negotiated an agreement and at a point in the process that the public meeting does not risk an increase of price. The purpose of the meeting will be to inform a joint decision by City and County staff on whether to proceed or how to proceed.”

On January 10, 2022, King County informed the City that the County had entered a preliminary purchase and sale agreement but that additional due diligence is needed on the property before the County finalizes the purchase and publicly announces about the site.

On January 18, 2022, the City Council authorized a letter of support for King County’s purchase of a hotel in Kirkland for permanent supportive housing.  As the County had not yet finished the due diligence process, the letter of support did not identify La Quinta as the site under consideration by the County.

On February 1, 2022, the City Manager issued a statement in response to specific questions about whether La Quinta Inn is being considered by the County.  Alongside the letter, the City also published an informational website about the project to describe Kirkland’s commitment to permanent supportive housing and to provide answers to frequently asked questions.

During their meeting on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the Kirkland City Council approved Resolution 5522, which sets terms and conditions necessary to maintain City support of La Quinta Inn as a King County Health Through Housing site.  R-5522 was drafted based on community input and requirements by the City Council.  

On March 3, 2022, King County announced the purchase of La Quinta Inn for permanent supportive housing in Kirkland.  

What does state law and King County ordinance define as Kirkland’s role in permanent supportive housing through King County’s HTH initiative?

During the 2021 legislative session, a new law (House Bill 1220) was passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Inslee which preempts the City’s authority to prohibit transitional housing or permanent supportive housing in any zones where residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed.

King County Ordinance 19236 defines the County’s process to consult with cities as part of the siting process for permanent supportive housing. This consultation is further defined in the HTH Implementation Plan, which directs a public meeting to occur “after the County has negotiated an agreement and at a point in the process that the public meeting does not risk an increase of price.”

Was Kirkland consulted about the County’s decision to consider La Quinta Inn as a permanent supportive housing site?

Yes. Please see above for additional information about the County’s consultation with the City related to permanent supportive housing sites in Kirkland.  It is the City’s understanding that La Quinta Inn was the only site in Kirkland that met the County’s criteria. To protect the integrity of any potential real estate transaction, the City awaited the County’s investigation and negotiation of a preferred site before publishing any information about the initiative.

What criteria did King County use to identify La Quinta Inn as a potential permanent supportive housing site? 

The County provided the following criteria used in its consideration of La Quinta Inn:

  • Building specifics: Building costs, design, doors, stairwells, number of units (50-150), and date constructed or rehabbed.
  • Willing seller: King County only pursues buildings with a willing seller.
  • Geographic Distribution: King County identifies hotels that meet the building criteria and also takes into account geographic distribution of sites. Right now, King County owns three building in South King, five in Seattle, and one on the Eastside. King County is invested in expanding permanent supportive housing, and currently, the Redmond location is the only permanent supportive housing on the Eastside in a County that has more people than 15 states combined.
  • Need: King County analyzes what amenities are nearby to determine whether residents will be able to meet their basic needs. Access such as transit, stores, services, and other indicators of opportunity are considered. The location of this building on major transit lines provides this level of connection.
What process did the County undertake in siting permanent supportive housing at the former La Quinta Inn?  

The City requested the County provide information about the process guiding the County's decision to site permanent supportive housing at the La Quinta Inn, specifically whether the County satisfied the siting process described in the Health through Housing Implementation Plan.  The County provided the following response: 

Staff from the City of Kirkland have inquired whether King County has satisfied the Health through Housing Implementation Plan siting process. King County has satisfied the Implementation Plan’s process. The purpose of this memorandum is to summarize King County’s satisfaction of the Implementation Plan-required process.

King County Ordinance 19366 adopted the Health through Housing Implementation Plan.  The Implementation Plan took effect on January 1, 2022.  The Implementation Plan specifies a property siting process for Health through Housing sites whose purchase is governed by the plan.

The process that culminated in King County’s acquisition of the former Kirkland La Quinta Inn began in 2021, prior to the enactment of the Implementation Plan. The purchase closed on March 3, 2022, after the effective date of the Implementation Plan. King County’s purchase of the Kirkland Health through Housing site is only the initial phase of a long-term commitment to community engagement and partnership with the City of Kirkland.  The purpose of forthcoming community engagement that will occur over the course of 2022 will be to inform important upcoming decisions such as selection of an operator for the Kirkland Health through Housing Site, selection of finalized performance measures for the Health through Housing Site, and finalization of a Good Neighbor Agreement to guide site operations.

Prior to the enactment of the Implementation Plan, King County and the City of Kirkland had already initiated a potential HtH partnership. The City of Kirkland has thoroughly documented the timing on which King County and the City of Kirkland initiated a potential Health through Housing partnership, consulted on site requirements and City participants, and identified potential HtH properties. Later in 2021, King County determined that the former La Quinta Inn was the sole feasible HtH site in Kirkland.  It is important to note that in addition to a hotel needing to satisfy King County’s requirements, any feasible Health through Housing site requires an owner who is willing to sell their property. The Health through Housing program does not compel hotel owners to sell their properties.

The City of Kirkland has publicly affirmed King County’s acquisition of the former La Quinta Inn, including the March 1st passage of Resolution 5522, and public statements by the Mayor and City Manager. Kirkland has documented these expressions of support on its webpage, and King County is grateful for the City’s leadership and partnership.

King County’s Implementation Plan requires a statement of Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) impact.  King County provided its statement of Equity and Social Justice Impact on March 2, 2022.

King County’s Implementation Plan, adopted by ordinance, requires a public meeting prior to completing purchase of a Health through Housing site, but the plan also recognizes that responsible stewardship of public funds also requires the public meeting to occur “after the County has negotiated an agreement and at a point in the process that the public meeting does not risk an increase in price.” Adhering to this ordinance-adopted requirement required King County to first sign an enforceable Purchase and Sale agreement with the seller of the hotel before the required public meeting.  Once King County had secured a sale price and had completed sufficient diligence to identify how the condition of the building might require additional costs to make it suitable for use such that there was not substantial risk escalation of price, King County and the City of Kirkland began providing public information, receiving public feedback, and attending meetings. Cumulatively, King County and City staff received hours of public comment and feedback in meetings attended by members of the public.  Feedback from outreach, letters, emails, and meetings specifically included:

  • On February 2, 2022, King County staff began emailing initial outreach about the possible building purchase to nearby businesses.  King County also issued a press release publicly announcing partnership with the City of Kirkland and the possible purchase of the building.
  • On February 9, 2022, King County and City Leaders attended a meeting hosted by Eastside Preparatory School at which members of the school’s community received information and provided feedback on the potential purchase. The community meeting included more than 200 digital attendees. School administrator comments indicated that both school community members and members of the broader public were in attendance while prioritizing feedback and questions from members of the public who were affiliated with the school.
  • On February 10, 2022 King County staff called a list of stakeholders identified by the City of Kirkland to provide information and receive any immediate feedback on the potential purchase.  King County staff spoke with stakeholders who answered calls or left voicemails for those who did not. 
  • Over the course of February, King County Executive, Council, and Department staff received dozens of letters and emails from community members who provided additional feedback about the potential purchase.
  • On February 28, 2022 King County and City of Kirkland staff attended a noticed, regular meeting of the Houghton Community Council, the community in which the Kirkland Health through Housing site is situated. In addition to passing a resolution regarding the Health through Housing program at their public meeting on February 28th, the public meeting included a presentation of information by King County(PDF, 1MB)  and City staff, questions and answers between members of the Community Council and the County and City staff, and public comment by members of the public who attended the meeting to provide feedback on the potential purchase.  The Houghton Community Council’s public meeting was attended by more than 100 members of the public.

The list above does not include substantial community input that King County understands went directly to the City of Kirkland.

Having satisfied the requirements of Health through Housing Implementation Plan’s siting process and having completed an assessment of the building’s suitability, King County closed on the purchase of the former La Quinta Inn on March 2, 2022.  King County looks forward to an ongoing and robust community engagement process to inform important upcoming decision about the site’s operations.

What is the City’s role in HTH?

The City views supportive housing as one step in a “Continuum of Care” for people experiencing homelessness. It is a key tactic in helping to end homelessness in Kirkland and across the County, as it is one of the most cost-effective ways to permanently house people experiencing chronic homelessness. Supportive housing serves a different need along the continuum of care than shelters provide, and the County’s purchase of a hotel in Kirkland for supportive housing fills a gap in Kirkland’s services. 

As set forth in City of Kirkland Resolution R-5522, Kirkland’s role will include ensuring that our community has a voice in issues related to the ongoing operations of the site, including assurances of community safety, performance review and program efficacy, and indicators of the site operator and residents being good neighbors.  The City will ensure this location is an outstanding neighbor to the surrounding businesses and residents. The City will require a robust community engagement process to ensure our community has a voice in issues related to the ongoing operations of the site. This includes the identification of the site operator and the development of the code of conduct for residents. 

In addition, the City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the operation and service providers and referral of residents through our Human Services Division.  The City will also process any needed permits and provide on-going public safety support, just as the City does throughout Kirkland.

Does the City support this project?

The City strongly supports King County’s purchase of a hotel in Kirkland for permanent supportive housing as part of the County’s Health Through Housing Initiative with the appropriate operating conditions and community engagement, as it aligns with Kirkland’s value to help those experiencing homelessness in our city and region. Supportive permanent housing serves a very different need along the continuum of care than shelters – like case management and behavioral health support – and therefore is a critical step in helping to rebuild lives. The County’s purchase of a hotel in Kirkland for supportive housing fills a gap in Kirkland’s services. 

Additionally, the Health Through Housing Initiative aligns with Kirkland’s policies and priorities.  Briefly, the City’s Work Plan for 2021-2022 includes “initiate a supportive housing project in Kirkland” among other housing-related initiatives.  The City was also a coalition leader in the construction of Helen’s Place, the $10 million public-private partnership funded by the State of Washington, King County, the City, A Regional Coalition for Housing, foundations, corporations, faith communities, civic groups, and individuals, which provides 24/7 shelter housing for families and women experiencing homelessness.  Finally, the City continues to invest significant funding every budget cycle to housing and human service agencies. 

Will the City be involved in choosing and monitoring an operator for the facility?

Yes. As defined in City of Kirkland Resolution R-5522, the City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators.  Community feedback will help inform the City’s evaluation approach of potential operators.

How will the City and County ensure safety for the community?

There is a screening and referral process for permanent supportive housing.  It is important to note that the individuals that would be moving into this housing site are all enrolled in the Homeless Management Information System. The City’s understanding is that no one who “walks up” would get assigned a room – this would no longer be a hotel, and there would be no walk-ins.  The City will provide the same public safety response to this neighborhood, building, and residents as it provides to the entire community. People are always encouraged to call 911 or the non-emergency public safety number at 425-577-5656 should they see something unsafe.

As defined in City of Kirkland Resolution R-5522, the City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators and the screening process for potential tenants.

Are drugs and alcohol allowed at the HTH facility?

La Quinta will be providing homes. Like other private residences in our community, substance use that is legal in anyone’s home would be legal here.  However, the 24/7 onsite agency staff will directly engage anyone exhibiting problem behaviors due to substance use and offer treatment services. Unlawful activities would not be permitted. Anyone who is unable to abide by the code of conduct and continuously disrupts housing for the other residents would be at risk of expulsion. This will not be a safe injection site.  

Does Kirkland require a 1,000 foot school buffer for facilities that serve those experiencing homelessness, such as the Kirkland Women and Family Shelter or permanent supportive housing?

No. The Kirkland Zoning Code does not require a 1,000 foot buffer between schools or residences for emergency shelter or permanent supportive housing.  The Kirkland Zoning Code treats permanent supportive housing exactly the same as stacked residential uses (e.g., apartments or condominiums), with no special regulations. No 1,000-foot buffer around schools exists in the Zoning Code for shelters, supportive housing, or any other type of residential use.

How is Health Through Housing funded?

From the King County HTH FAQ:

Health Through Housing is funded through a dedicated sales tax implemented countywide1. The State Legislature passed House Bill 1590 in 2020, which allowed jurisdictions to enact a 0.1% sales tax to finance construction of affordable housing and behavioral health facilities and operations or services at affordable housing. In 2020, the King County Executive proposed, and the County Council approved this dedicated sales tax. In 2021, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1070, which clarified acquisition of property as an eligible use of these funds.

1Bellevue, Covington, Issaquah, Kent, Maple Valley, North Bend, Renton, and Snoqualmie chose to implement the sales tax independently. Therefore, sales tax collected from this revenue source in those cities is not part of the HTH effort. 

What data or research is available regarding individuals experiencing homelessness and criminal behavior?

The Third Door Coalition - a coalition of Seattle-based researchers, business leaders, and service providers - has compiled an FAQ based on their research related to individuals experiencing homelessness and criminal behavior. 

 

Permanent Supportive Housing in Kirkland's Continuum of Care

Permanent Supportive Housing is one step in a "Continuum of Care" for people experiencing homelessness. The City is committed to each resident’s well-being by connecting them with the resources needed to live and thrive. The City's Human Services Division serves as coordinator, collaborator, facilitator, and funder for support systems that help people through economic and personal crises and provide low-and moderate-income persons with opportunities to succeed. 

One priority area for the City is making investments to address the regional homelessness crisis. As Kirkland has grown in population and transitioned into a more urban environment, homelessness has become more visible here.  Permanent Supportive Housing is a key tactic in helping to end homelessness in Kirkland and across the County, as it is one of the most cost-effective ways to permanently house people experiencing chronic homelessness. Supportive housing serves a different need along the continuum of care than shelters provide, and the County’s purchase of a hotel in Kirkland for supportive housing fills a gap in Kirkland’s services.  

Kirkland's Continuum of Care for People Experiencing Homelessness

The City makes investments in several critical areas as part of its approach to providing a continuum of care to people experiencing homelessness. Learn more about the City’s multi-pronged response to housing and how permanent supporting housing fits into the continuum of care that Kirkland funds for the community:  

1 - Homeless Prevention

Definition: programs that offer financial assistance to low-and-moderate income households facing housing insecurity.  

Criteria:

  1. Low and/or moderate income
  2. Currently behind on rent
  3. Demonstrate financial crisis limiting ability to pay current month’s rent
  4. Currently in housing

Populations Served: Families, Seniors, Individuals, Couples, Young Adults

Partner Agencies: The City funds a number of prevention efforts including (1) emergency financial assistance programs at Attain Housing, Hopelink and Indian American Community Services; (2) a housing stability attorney at Eastside Legal Assistance Program; (3) employment, education and case management programs at Hopelink; and (4) supportive services at Imagine Housing properties in Kirkland which include behavioral health services, basic needs, community activities and case management.

2 - Street & Vehicle Outreach

Definition: Street outreach workers focus on meeting unhoused residents in the community. Outreach staff build relationships to foster trust; provide basic need items, including food and water; and connect residents with available services, including shelter, housing, or healthcare.

Criteria:

  1. Currently unsheltered/unhoused
  2. Not engaged or connected with services

Populations Served: Those living outside, encampments, and vehicle residents.

Partner Agencies: The City funds Catholic Community Services to offer a full-time street outreach clinician to support unhoused residents in Kirkland.  The Human Services Division also partners with Kirkland Police and Fire to distribute multiple day hotel vouchers for those unhoused who are in need and interested in connecting with services. 

3 - Emergency Shelter and Day Center Services

Definition: programs that offer temporary 24/7 shelter and case management services to households who have lost housing. Select programs offer low barrier entry that offers temporary shelter while working with a case manager to secure permanent housing.

Criteria: Currently unhoused/living somewhere not meant for human habitation.

Populations Served: Shelters tends to serve participants by household type (family, men, women, young adult, and youth under 18)

Partner Agencies:

  1. The City funds (1) Catholic Community Services of Western Washington and Hopelink to serve families with children; (2) The Sophia Way and the Muslim Community Resource Center (MCRC) to serve adult women; (3) Congregations for the Homeless to serve adult men; and (4) Friends of Youth to serve youth and young adults. (5) LifeWire to serve individuals and families fleeing domestic violence
  2. Other programs that are not City funded but an essential part of the housing spectrum include safe parking programs at Lake Washington United Methodist Church, Overlake Christian Church, and St. Jude Catholic Church.

4 - Programmatic Shelter

Definition: programs that offer overnight shelter and case management. Shelters are accessed through an intake process with more behavioral expectations than life-saving shelter

Criteria: Currently unhoused or living somewhere not meant for human habitation.

Partner Agencies: Congregations for the Homeless, Hopelink, The Sophia Way  

5 - Transitional Housing

Definition: time-limited housing (90 days - two years) and case management services designed to help households become financially stable and self-sufficient through overcoming barriers to sobriety, employment, and behavioral health.

Criteria: Currently unhoused/living somewhere not meant for human habitation.

Populations Served: Often serves families, especially young adult or immigrants/refugees or people fleeing domestic violence.

Partner Agencies: Attain Housing and Hopelink offer transitional housing for families throughout the Eastside. 

6 - King County's Permanent Supportive Housing

Definition: Permanent supportive housing offers permanent, subsidized housing with 24/7 wraparound services (basic needs, medical care, case management) for those identified as chronically homelessness. Chronic homelessness is defined as either (1) an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more, OR (2) an unaccompanied individual with a disabling condition who has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.

Criteria: King County's Health through Housing Implementation Plan outlines the following criteria for the program:

  • Income at 0% to 30% of the Area Median AND 
  • Experiencing or At-Risk of Chronic Homelessness AND
  • Household member or members are in one or more of the following groups:
  • persons with behavioral health disabilities,
  • veterans,
  • senior citizens,
  • persons who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless, including families with children,
  • unaccompanied homeless youth or young adults,
  • persons with disabilities, or
  • domestic violence survivors

King County Ordinance 19366 provides the following definitions:

"Experiencing chronic homelessness" refers to a household that includes an adult with a disability, that either is currently experiencing homelessness for at least twelve consecutive months or has experienced homelessness for a cumulative twelve months within the previous three years.

"At risk of experiencing chronic homelessness" describes a household that:

  1. Includes an adult with a developmental, physical or behavioral health disability;
  2. a. Is currently experiencing homelessness for only ten to twelve months in the previous three years; or
    b. has experienced homelessness for a cumulative total of twelve months within the last five years; and
  3. a. Includes one adult that has been incarcerated within the previous five years in a jail or prison;
    b. includes one adult that has been detained or involuntarily committed under chapter 71.05 RCW as now existing, as hereafter amended or as superseded; or
    c. identifies as a member of a population that is demographically overrepresented among persons experiencing homelessness in King County.

 

Populations Served: Single individuals or couples

Partner Agencies: The County purchase of the La Quinta Inn will be the first permanent supportive housing project in the City of Kirkland, increasing the Eastside’s response to chronic homelessness. The Silver Cloud Inn located in Redmond was the first Eastside based hotel to be acquired as part of the Health through Housing Initiative. Congregations for the Homeless broke ground on the first permanent, supportive project in Bellevue, aimed to open in 2024. 

7 - Permanent Housing with Supports

Definition: income-restricted housing with case management and other services

Criteria: Low income

Local Provider Agencies: Congregations for the Homeless supports men in scattered apartment units and shared homes. The Sophia Way serves women in scattered apartment units. Hopelink and Attain Housing serves families with children throughout the Eastside.

8 - Permanent Affordable Housing

Definition: income-restricted housing and case management services designed to support households who earn less than the area median income. 

Criteria: Low and/or moderate income.

Populations Served: Serves families, individuals, couples, seniors, those living with disabilities, and/or formerly homeless households.

Partner Agencies: The City of Kirkland has committed millions of dollars to A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) who fund agencies to preserve and increase the supply of housing for low and moderate income on the Eastside. Agencies such as Imagine Housing and King County Housing Authority have benefitted from ARCH funding and offer a number of affordable housing communities in Kirkland for seniors, families, and individuals.

 

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