Homelessness in Kirkland

As Kirkland has grown in population and transitioned into a more urban environment, homelessness, a nationwide issue, has become more visible here. Root causes of homelessness include lack of affordable housing, low-paying jobs, domestic violence, chronic health problems, substance abuse and mental health issues.

History

Eastside Approach

Kirkland and other Eastside cities and nonprofits are working together to address homelessness. The strategies and tactics used, designed to be both compassionate and pragmatic, include:

• Identifying risk factors and support initiatives to help prevent individuals from falling into homelessness
• Working with community partnership to establish and support 24/7 service-enriched shelters
• Support affordable housing

The goal is to prevent homelessness if possible and, when it does occur, to transition individuals back into stable housing as soon as possible.

The Numbers

For years, a one-night count has been made of people who are homeless and sleeping outside in King County. All Home, a regional coalition of local governments and human services agencies. conducts the count.

According to the 2019 Count Us In report(PDF, 3MB) , 337 unsheltered people were found in East King County. In 2018, 393 individuals without shelter were tallied in East county. In 2017, the number was 319.

Local Resources for Those Experiencing Homelessness

For information regarding housing, food and other resources click here.

Updated June 24, 2020
COVID-19 Updates

Download full document of services here(PDF, 93KB)