 The lunch program for seniors at Peter Kirk Community Center will be one of the sites that will get more meal services from Catholic Community Services. Photo: City of Kirkland
On Tuesday, the King County Council passed a supplemental budget that made key investments in community supports for residents throughout King County. I was proud to secure over $1.3 million in funding for everyday services that people depend on, including:
- A $147,010 grant for Catholic Community Services’ congregate meals program, which serves seniors at 12 community centers across the county
- A $1 million grant for Acres of Diamonds to acquire a property that will provide transitional housing and services for moms experiencing homelessness; and
- A $200,000 grant so the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center can continue providing vital services to survivors of sexual assault
In addition, the budget included one-time funding to support King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention. I sponsored an amendment to ensure a full spectrum of activities, including robust response when gun violence does occur, in addition to the important focus on prevention programs. I also sponsored an amendment that improved accountability and transparency measures to ensure that the funded efforts are making a difference and reducing gun violence.
By supporting trusted organizations and investing in core government services like crime prevention in a time of increased needs and fewer resources, we’re shoring up the basics and focusing limited funding on supporting our most vulnerable residents with reliable services.
Starting Saturday, Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, will add a stop at the Eastgate Park and Ride in Bellevue to take hikers to and from trails at the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si. When a constituent reached out with the news that Trailhead Direct was not planning to stop at Eastgate for the 2024 hiking season due to staffing limitations, I reached out to Metro to work with them to restore the service.
I am thrilled that we are again able to expand access for Eastside residents, providing an easy way to catch a ride to some of the most breathtaking hikes our region has to offer—all without the barrier and hassle of driving!
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