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News Release – July 08, 2026 |
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King County, Plymouth Housing, and City of Kirkland Celebrate Opening of New Permanent Supportive Housing Community, Sheila Stanton Place
Summary: 101 new homes provide stability, support, and community for people exiting homelessness on the Eastside.
KIRKLAND, WA — Today, King County, Plymouth Housing, and the City of Kirkland celebrated the grand opening of Sheila Stanton Place, a new permanent supportive housing community providing 101 homes for adults exiting homelessness. Developed through the King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Health Through Housing initiative and operated by Plymouth Housing, the community combines affordable housing with on-site services designed to help residents maintain stability, improve health, and build meaningful connections in the communities where they live.
Sheila Stanton Place is the result of years of collaboration between King County, Plymouth Housing, the City of Kirkland, service providers, faith leaders, and community partners working toward shared solutions to homelessness on the Eastside.
"Too often, homelessness is treated as a series of individual crises instead of the systems challenge it is. Our administration is building a coordinated response that expands housing, strengthens behavioral health services, and helps people get the support they need to regain stability,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Sheila Stanton Place is part of that long-term commitment, and I'm grateful to the City of Kirkland, Plymouth Housing, and our Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) for helping deliver this investment. Together, we're expanding access to permanent supportive housing on the Eastside while building a stronger housing system for all of King County."
The building is named in honor of Sheila Stanton, a beloved Kirkland community leader who dedicated her life to serving neighbors experiencing homelessness through acts of compassion, advocacy, and service. Known for organizing community meals, connecting people to resources, and advancing racial equity, Sheila embodied the belief that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and supported.
“The City of Kirkland is proud to partner with King County and Plymouth Housing in this lifesaving work to provide safe, permanent homes for people who have experienced chronic homelessness,” said Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis. “Sheila Stanton Place shows us what is possible when a local referral network, regional investment, and experienced service providers work together to connect community members with the stability, dignity, and support they deserve.”
“Sheila Stanton spent decades connecting unhoused neighbors to resources and serving warm meals that made people feel valued and seen,” said Karen Lee, CEO of Plymouth Housing. “It’s fitting that the building with her name will provide residents with more than a home – it will connect them with opportunities to find healing and renewed purpose. We’re so grateful to be opening Plymouth’s second building on the Eastside.”
A Proven Model for Stability, Health and Community Outcomes
Sheila Stanton Place provides permanent supportive housing, a nationally recognized approach that combines deeply affordable housing with voluntary supportive services and 24/7 staffing. Residents have access to case management, behavioral health support, substance use services, and opportunities for community engagement, all designed to help individuals maintain housing and improve their overall well-being.
Data from King County’s Health Through Housing initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Across Health Through Housing communities:
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93% of permanent supportive housing residents remain stably housed.
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Residents experience 30% fewer hospitalizations.
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Hospital stays are 41% shorter.
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Emergency room visits decline by 39%.
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Residents experience 24% fewer bookings, and 84% of residents with recent prior bookings see reduced involvement with the criminal legal system.
When resident Thomas moved into Sheila Stanton Place earlier this year, he gained more than a home. He gained stability, renewed connections with family, and the opportunity to share his love of music with neighbors and community members.
“Having a place to call home has made a huge difference in my life,” said Thomas, a resident of Sheila Stanton Place. “I can focus on my health, stay connected with my family, and share my music with others. There’s hope here.”
Meeting a Critical Need on the Eastside
For many residents, homelessness is compounded by chronic health conditions, disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and rising housing costs. Permanent supportive housing provides a pathway out of homelessness for people who often face the greatest barriers to stability.
Referrals to Sheila Stanton Place come through coordinated partnerships among the City of Kirkland, local outreach providers, healthcare systems, and the regional Coordinated Entry system, ensuring housing is prioritized for those with the greatest need.
“Projects like Sheila Stanton Place succeed because of the people and organizations doing this work every day,” said Dr. Susan McLaughlin, Director of King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), which leads the Health Through Housing initiative. “We’re deeply grateful to Plymouth Housing, Mayor Curtis and her Kirkland team, and the service providers, outreach workers, healthcare partners, property staff, and community organizations who help residents build stability and thrive. The positive outcomes we’re seeing across Health Through Housing—from greater housing stability to improved health and reduced crisis system involvement—reflect their expertise, commitment, and compassion.”
"Several people who struggled to succeed in other housing situations without the proper supports are now thriving at Sheila Stanton Place, where staff help residents access the resources they need,” said Karina O’Malley, who runs a safe parking program at the Lake Washington United Methodist Church, where people living in their cars can remain safely overnight. “Finally, there is a place to call home for the most vulnerable folks we serve.”
Sheila Stanton Place is the first community of its kind in Kirkland, and the second Eastside location funded through Health Through Housing, following Haven Heights in Redmond. Across King County, Health Through Housing has secured more than 1,200 homes across 15 locations in seven cities, creating a growing regional network of supportive housing communities.
Plymouth Housing continues to expand its presence on the Eastside, building on decades of experience operating supportive housing communities throughout King County and helping residents build stability, improve health, and reconnect with community.
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