New data shows King County program helps residents maintain stable housing and improve health

Summary

Newly released data on King County’s Health Through Housing Initiative shows more housing stability and better health outcomes for residents. The program transforms former hotels and other underutilized properties into permanent supportive housing with onsite services, including physical and behavioral health care, for people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Story

Today, King County’s Department of Community & Human Services released new data on the Health Through Housing program showing that 95% of permanent supportive housing residents were able to maintain a stable home. The data also shows improved health outcomes, including 33% shorter hospital stays, 22% fewer hospital stays, and a 17% decrease in ER visits for residents, when compared to before they moved into a HTH building.

“When people have a roof over their head and the wraparound support services they need, the foundation is set for lasting change,” said Executive Shannon Braddock. “This is a great example of how government can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. King County remains committed to investing in programs like Health Through Housing to help address homelessness and ensure everyone has access to safe, stable housing.”

Health Through Housing combines supportive housing with access to onsite services like workforce training, financial planning, physical and behavioral health care, food programs, and case management.

“Health Through Housing creates the conditions for better health and long-term stability,” said Kelly Rider, director of King County DCHS. "When given the opportunity to live in permanent housing, people are able to regain the security and safety they need to exit homelessness.”

“Nearly $4,000 is saved for every inpatient hospital stay that’s avoided. This also means shorter ER wait times for people in need of urgent care, and less stress on our already overworked EMS providers,” said Jelani Jackson, manager for DCHS’ Health Through Housing Initiative. “More importantly, beyond the cost savings, this data shows Health Through Housing is working. It’s making a difference in the lives of our residents and in the communities they’re a part of. This kind of transformation is priceless.”

In 2024, Health Through Housing:

• Provided stable housing: 95% of permanent supportive housing residents and 77% of all residents (both in permanent supportive housing and emergency housing) remained housed over the course of the year.

• Reached more people: 1,281 people were served across 11 locations in five cities (Auburn, Burien, Redmond, Renton, and Seattle) — a 41% increase from 2023.

• Improved health outcomes: Residents experienced 33% shorter hospital stays, 22% fewer hospital stays, and a 17% decrease in ER visits.

• Maintained high occupancy: Nine of 11 open buildings were at or near full capacity.

• Supported underserved populations: 44% of residents were over 50 years old, 55% identified as BIPOC, and 36% reported having a physical disability. Also, 67% reported having a mental health condition and 52% a substance use disorder.

• Rooted in local communities: 97% of residents previously had ties to the neighborhood where they now live.

Later this year, King County DCHS expects to open three new Health Through Housing locations in Federal Way, Kirkland, and Seattle. For more information, visit the Health Through Housing webpage.