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King County resolved the encampment on county-owned property near the District Courthouse in Burien today after partnering with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) to coordinate outreach efforts that resulted in successfully connecting 55 unhoused individuals with resources, including shelter or housing. The site is now closed for cleaning and remediation.  

In June 2024, King County redirected $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to the KCRHA to support this work after the resources originally extended to the City of Burien had gone unused for over a year.  

Workers conducted daily outreach at the site beginning in July, creating a by-name list of 55 individuals living permanently at the encampment. The outreach focused on building trust, connecting people to services, and ensuring they were matched with housing or shelter. Workers helped residents obtain identification documents, and nurses visited regularly to address medical needs. A nearby day center also provided a space where individuals could come inside, receive meals, and meet with a case manager. 

KCRHA began moving the 55 people over the course of several weeks as resources and shelter became available. Outreach workers informed other residents that the site would be closing with signage posted to clearly communicate this and worked with residents on a plan for when the encampment closed. Once a final date for closure was confirmed, KCRHA posted new signage to communicate that Oct. 15 would be the last day people could be at the site. 

In the days leading up to that date, outreach workers came to the site to remind people of the upcoming closure. On the day of closure, external support services were also on-site assisting those experiencing homelessness who were not present when the by-name list was created. The King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) and Burien Police Department (BPD) were present to support connecting individuals with resources and ensuring a smooth closure. 

Following the final departure of residents, King County’s Facility Maintenance Division began cleaning and remediation. The fence will remain around the site.  

King County is grateful to all the partners, including KCRHA, KSCO, and BPD, for their collaboration in helping connect individuals at the encampment to shelter and services. King County is committed to working with local cities and the state to create long-term solutions to affordable housing and homelessness.

Executive Constantine’s 2025 budget proposal includes funding to open over 200 additional units of housing with services for people experiencing homelessness, and to support affordable housing projects near transit stations.