New Northgate supportive housing aims to offer next step for 'shelter'

People in need of shelter are getting ready to move into a building acquired through King County's Health Through Housing Initiative

The spot in Northgate was actually purchased last year. It's a former hotel that has been remodeled to serve as permanent, supportive housing. More than 130 people will start moving in as soon as Thursday, June 23. The location has 115 units, and 20 of them will be used for double occupancy.

“Last year, we set out an ambitious plan to tackle chronic homelessness in our region, and we are making good on that promise, with 971 units purchased to date and nearly 500 opened homes, said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "And now, before this month ends, another 135 people will have a safe and stable place to call home. King County will continue to push ahead on our Health Through Housing – steadily selecting operators, opening new locations, and serving residents with the wraparound services they need to take command of their lives.”

The county has purchased 10 buildings in six cities as part of the program which seeks to provide permanent supportive housing to those in need throughout the region. The Northgate location is the fifth opening for the Health Through Housing initiative.

The Downtown Emergency Service Center will manage the Northgate site. DESC Executive Director Daniel Malone said that the Northgate location "is our next step in providing what we used to call ‘shelter.’" The location will be staffed 24/7, and will have supportive services.

Another location, the Bertha Pitts Campbell Place, opened last week in Seattle's First Hill neighborhood. It has 100 units. Another location opened in Renton in April for 97 residents.

A site with 100 units in Bitter Lake will open in August. Another location, the Salmonberry Lofts in Pioneer Square, is slated to open in September with 80 units.

More operations are expected to come online over the coming year, including locations in Auburn and Federal Way. There are efforts to open sites in Kirkland and Redmond.