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News Release – January 28, 2026 |
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Contact:
Karissa Braxton-Lytle, Deputy Communications Director, Office of the Executive
KBraxton@kingcounty.gov
Eloise Harris, King County Department of Community and Human Services
eharris@kingcounty.gov
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Summary
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Booker House, a new Health Through Housing residence in Federal Way. Booker House provides of new permanent supportive housing for people exiting chronic homelessness, pairing stable housing with on-site health care and .
Today, Executive Zahilay joined local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Booker House, a new Health Through Housing residence in Federal Way, made possible through King County’s Health Through Housing initiative in partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and the City of Federal Way. Health Through Housing is one of King County’s key regional responses to chronic homelessness, creating permanent supportive housing where people can stabilize, improve their health, and rebuild their lives.
This latest opening marks another meaningful step in King County’s ongoing work to expand affordable housing and break the cycle of chronic homelessness, building on the recently announced 2026 Housing Finance Program investments that will create 672 new homes and the openings of the White Center HUB and Canopy Apartments, delivering 76 new affordable homes for working families.
“For the people who will call Booker House home, this isn’t just a new building, it’s a chance to finally sleep safely, focus on their health, and start rebuilding their lives with dignity and support,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Health Through Housing works because it brings together cities, service providers, faith leaders, and community partners to deliver permanent supportive housing that strengthens neighborhoods, improves health and safety, and gives people the stability they need to move forward. I’m grateful to King County teams, the City of Federal Way, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and all of our partners whose collaboration shows what a regional response to breaking the cycle of homelessness looks like in action. Partnerships like these are critical to supporting our neighbors across King County.”
The building is named in honor of Harold G. Booker, a nationally respected housing justice leader and longtime Federal Way advocate whose leadership expanded access to safe, affordable housing for thousands. By placing his name on this building, King County, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and the City of Federal Way are carrying forward a legacy rooted in equity, dignity, and action.
Booker House offers 86 studio apartments of permanent supportive housing, addressing a critical need in Federal Way for homes affordable to households at or below 30% of area median income. With Federal Way projected to need nearly 2,800 homes for households at or below 30% of area median income — more than 20% of the city’s total affordable housing need by 2044 — the Booker House helps meet this demand while keeping residents rooted and connected to their communities. Before opening as permanent supportive housing, the building also served an urgent humanitarian role, providing temporary housing for nearly 800 Afghan refugees resettling in King County through Health Through Housing sites in Federal Way and Redmond.
Since launching in 2021, Health Through Housing has delivered strong, measurable results. In its latest findings, Health Through Housing reported 95% of permanent supportive housing residents have maintained stable housing or moved to another permanent home. Additionally, residents experience fewer hospital stays, inpatient days, and emergency department visits — demonstrating that housing is preventive health care that improves lives while reducing reliance on costly crisis systems.
Booker House is operated by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, providing 24/7 staffing and on-site supports tailored to residents’ goals. Services include case management, connections to physical and behavioral health care, food security and life-skills coaching, financial empowerment classes, workforce development, transportation support, and community-building activities that foster belonging and long-term stability.
Community engagement has been central to Booker House from the start. Since 2022, King County and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle partnered with the City of Federal Way, local faith leaders, and community organizations to execute deep community engagement including city council briefings, site tours, roundtables, and ongoing coordination — reflecting a shared commitment to transparency, trust, and being a good neighbor.
“Health Through Housing shows the power of a housing-first approach: When people’s needs are met, recovery from homelessness can happen. Beyond saving costs, it creates lasting change in people’s lives — and that impact is priceless,” said Jelani Jackson, Acting Deputy Director of King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Housing & Community Development Division.
With the opening of the Booker House brings a total of 365 supportive housing units online in South King County through the Health Through Housing Initiative. In total, the initiative has 15 locations across King County in seven cities, including Sheila Stanton Place in Kirkland that will open later this year.
“I am deeply grateful for my new home at the Booker House and for the amazing team who made this possible. Everyone has been welcoming, supportive, and truly invested in my success. Having my own place has given me a sense of pride and comfort, and I am thankful to be part of a new community where I feel I belong.”
"As an elderly woman, this place has given me the stability that I need and haven’t had in over 2 years!"
"Booker House has given me a new start, a chance to get my life back on track!"
"Very appreciative to be here, having a place to call home! Nothing can describe this feeling!"
“I am incredibly grateful to have received my new home here at the Booker House. The staff have been nothing but supportive, kind, and welcoming throughout this process. Having my own place has brought me peace and stability, and I am truly thankful to be part of such a caring and positive community.”
Community & Partner Voices
Mayor Jim Ferrell, City of Federal Way
“Federal Way is proud to welcome Booker House and the residents who will call it home. Stable housing improves public safety and community well-being, and this project shows what’s possible when cities, counties, service providers, and faith partners work together to be good neighbors and part of the solution.”
Michelle Merriweather, President and CEO of Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
“Booker House exists because of strong alignment of values and shared responsibility. We’re thankful to our partners who helped get these doors open including King County, the City of Federal Way, health partners, and faith and community organizations for making this possible. At ULMS, we are committed to honoring residents’ dignity and providing the support they need to succeed and thrive in their new homes.”
Harold G Booker II, On behalf of the Booker Family
“My father fought for fairness and equality in housing his entire life. He believed everyone deserved dignity, health, and opportunity. He also believed that security in housing was foundational for that journey. The Booker House carries his legacy forward by bringing together partners to create a place of stability, care, and hope for people rebuilding their lives. Our family is deeply grateful to everyone involved in making this project a reality.”
Pastor Joseph Bowman from Integrity for Life Church in Federal Way
“Our faith teaches us to love our neighbors through action. The Booker House reflects that calling by pairing stable housing with care, accountability, and community—showing that when we support people exiting homelessness, we strengthen our neighborhoods and create safety and belonging for everyone.”
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