King County Looks To Expand SoDo Homeless Shelter

SEATTLE — King County is looking to expand shelter and behavioral health services in Seattle's SoDo district to reach more people experiencing homelessness with a stable place to stay and around-the-clock assistance. The plan would tap funding from the American Rescue Plan and the county, along with a $5 million boost from the city of Seattle.

King County Executive Dow Constantine said expanding and improving the existing shelter space will keep people in need from having to check out every morning and come back each night, providing more consistent access to beds, bathrooms, showers and healthcare.

"Bringing our neighbors inside takes partnership, coordination, and resources," Constantine said Wednesday. "Expanding our SoDo property is an important next step to achieve our mission. This is an opportunity to dramatically improve our capabilities where it can make the most difference — for people who need help, and the entire region."

The complete expansion plan would entail five projects for a combined cost of $66.5 million, according to Constantine's office. The proposal would preserve an existing, 270-person Salvation Army shelter, whose lease was set to expire in November, and add more capacity, support staff, meals and services to support up to 150 more residents.

"The expansion of the SoDo Enhanced Shelter creates space for people to receive healthcare and supportive services, so that they can stabilize and move forward on the path to permanent housing," said Marc Dones, CEO of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. "This project is an example of another successful collaboration between the County, the City, and the private sector, all working together to make progress toward humanitarian solutions."

The proposal now sits before the Metropolitan King County Council who will make the final decision on moving forward with the lease.