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Director's Note—July 2025
This month, we reflect on the progress we’ve made toward justice, celebrate the individuals and policies that brought us here, and affirm our commitment to creating sustainable change.
Disability Pride Month celebrates the strength, diversity, and contributions of people with disabilities. It also commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law signed 35 years ago on July 26. The ADA helps remove barriers in education, employment, health care, and public spaces, but we know ableism still exists and often goes unnoticed or unchecked. Thank you to the City of Seattle and members of our team who uphold these important civil rights laws.
July 30 marks the 60th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. These programs have expanded access to health care for millions of seniors, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. At HSD, we are carefully monitoring what potential changes mean for the communities we serve and its impact to the safety net ecosytem.
As we approach the Independence Day holiday weekend, it is a good time to pause and reflect on what “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means. One source of inspiration comes from the Seattle Center where they’ll be hosting the 40th Annual Naturalization Ceremony. The Honorable David. G. Estudillo, Chief United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, will preside over the ceremony and welcome over 500 new citizens to the United States of America. The ceremony is on Friday, July 4 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Fisher Pavilion and is open to the public.
Finally, this month HSD launches its Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) summer internships. More than 250 youth and young adults will spend six paid weeks working with City departments, community-based organizations, and private employers. By investing in SYEP, we nurture the next generation of leaders and ensure that the promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” extends to the young people of Seattle.
Wishing you a safe and wonderful start to your summer.
Best,
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FREE Summer Meals for Kids!
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that children 18 and under have access to the food they need throughout the summer months.
Running daily through August 22, rain or shine, youth can receive FREE, healthy meals and snacks at playgrounds, community centers, and other nonprofit partners across Seattle. There are nearly 50 locations across Seattle. Find a site here.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is teaming up with United Way of King County to offer a free drop-in program featuring meals and playground activities at seven park locations.
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July Civic Coffee: Fraud Prevention
Join us, Thursday, July 17 at 1:00 pm, as we host our monthly Civic Coffee event and learn how to recognize red flags, protect our personal information, and report suspicious activity to protect ourselves from fraud.
Join us in-person at GenPride, 1521 Broadway, Seattle, 98122, or virtually online or by phone. Click here for more information about the upcoming Civic Coffee event. Watch video recordings of previous events posted on our YouTube playlist.
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 Employee Spotlight: Yleana Benitez
Yleana Benitez has been working with HSD's Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for about 18 months. Yleana is driven by a desire to make a broader, systems-level impact while still honoring the lived experiences of the people and providers she works with. Visit our Human Interests blog to learn more about why Yleana came to work in human services.
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 Community Corner: Teen Link
Washington Teen Link was founded in 1996 as a program of Crisis Connections, one of the oldest crisis lines in the nation, in response to an emerging need identified by mental health professionals, educators, and families—youth often don’t feel comfortable talking with adults when facing emotional distress. Visit our Human Interests blog to learn how they offer a safe, confidential space where trained teen volunteers listen, empathize, and provide resources to youth.
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Apply Now: $1.7M Available for Survivor Services
HSD is investing in trauma-informed and survivor-centered services specific to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) to:
- Expand community-based CSE mobile advocacy and flexible assistance
- Increase access to emergency shelter and transitional housing options for CSE survivors
- Establish a coordinated network of CSE providers and system partners across Seattle
For information including RFP materials and an information session recording, please visit HSD's CSE Funding Opportunity web page. Completed application packets are due by Noon, Monday, July 14, 2025.
ICYMI: Beyond Barriers Webinar Recap
On Friday, May 16, the Northwest Universal Design Council hosted Beyond Barriers: Accessible and Affordable Housing during the Housing Development Consortium’s 10th Annual Affordable Housing Week.
The webinar explored supporting inclusive, accessible, and affordable housing. Speakers shared:
- An overview of Universal Design (UD) principles
- Practical strategies on incorporating UD into single-family and middle housing
- Approaches for applying UD in affordable multifamily construction
- Policy updates and incentives to help integrate UD into housing projects
The event included a listening session on enhancing Universal Design in the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards, building performance standard.
Missed it? You can catch the recording here!
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Want to make a difference and give back to our community?
The One Seattle Day of Service will bring thousands of neighbors together on Saturday, July 12 to make our city a better place. This citywide volunteer effort is a chance to come together as a team, roll up our sleeves, and give back to the neighborhoods we love.
Whether you’re painting murals, cleaning up parks, or lending a hand at local food banks, there’s a project for everyone to make a difference.
Let’s help create lasting change in our city. Find the latest information and register to volunteer at seattle.gov/dayofservice.
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Aging and Disability Services: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong
Aging successfully takes planning. Research shows that along the aging journey, two-thirds of older adults will need some level of support to age well at home.
At the Seattle Human Services Department, our Aging and Disability Services (ADS) division works with community partners to connect adults with disabilities and their families to the support they need. ADS also operates as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County—one of 13 here in Washington state—and is proud to serve the community with free and low-cost services that help older adults enjoy their longevity safely at home and that support family caregivers.
Services include:
- Home-delivered meals
- Transportation to medical appointments
- In-home help with daily tasks
- Medicare and benefits counseling
- Caregiver support and respite care
ADS funds programs and services throughout King County. Whether you’re planning for the future or need help today, they are here to help you live long and stay strong! Contact Community Living Connections or visit our website to learn more: https://seattle.gov/human-services/services-and-programs/aging-and-disability
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On AgeWise King County: The Future We’re Building: LGBTQ+ Elders, Power, and Possibility
On Greenspace: Fresh Bucks Program Adds Two New Retailers in South Seattle
On Human Interests: Celebrating 35 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
On Public Health Insider: Three steps to stay safe from wildfire smoke | Leer en español
From the King County Regional Homelessness Authority: Why KCRHA Uses HeatRisk for Severe Weather Activations
From the Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell: Mayor Harrell Signs Legislation Sending Seattle’s Transformative Education Levy to Voters
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