Housing Crisis Reformation
King County Executive Policy: 24-Hour Access Tent Shelter for Unsheltered Individuals
Proposed By : King County Executive Candidate Amiya Ingram
Purpose:
To establish a safe, accessible, and comprehensive 24-hour shelter facility to support over 17,000 unsheltered individuals in King County, providing essential services including food, shelter, health care, mental health support, hygiene, and rehabilitation.
Policy Statement:
King County will establish and maintain a tent-based shelter facility designed to provide continuous access and essential services for unsheltered individuals. This facility will offer a humane, supportive environment that fosters health, safety, recovery, and dignity.
1. Facility Access and Operation
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
Capacity: Designed to serve over 17,000 individuals.
Admission: Open to all unsheltered persons in King County, with no upfront cost for access.
Identification: Documentation or ID will be issued upon entry to streamline access to services and maintain records securely.
2. Services Provided
a) Food Services
Nutritious meals will be served 3 times daily.
A nominal food fee may be charged on a sliding scale based on individual capacity to pay, with full subsidies available for those unable to pay.
Special dietary needs will be accommodated.
b) Shelter and Comfort
Heated/cooled tent spaces to maintain safe temperature ranges year-round.
Cots or beds will be provided to each individual.
Bedding will be cleaned and replaced regularly.
c) Mental Health and Medical Care
Mental health associates will be on-site 24/7 to provide counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals.
Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, will conduct daily health screenings, provide basic medical care, and coordinate with hospitals for specialized treatment.
Regular clean-up and sanitation services to maintain hygiene and prevent illness.
d) Hygiene and Clean-up
On-site showers, handwashing stations, and portable restrooms.
Daily cleaning of the facility and waste management.
Laundry services available for residents’ clothing and bedding.
e) Physical Fitness and Rehabilitation
Workout facilities or exercise areas to promote physical health.
Substance abuse rehabilitation programs offered on-site, including counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
Partnerships with local rehab centers for referrals and follow-ups.
3. Fees and Funding
Basic access and shelter services will be provided free of charge.
Food fees may apply based on a sliding scale reflecting individual income or benefits status.
Additional services (e.g., physical fitness classes, rehabilitation programs) will be offered at no charge.
Funding will come from county budgets, state and federal grants, and private donations.
4. Governance and Oversight
A shelter operations board comprising county officials, health experts, and community representatives will oversee facility management.
Regular audits and community feedback sessions will ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Staff will be trained in trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity.
5. Collaboration
Coordinate with local hospitals, non-profits, law enforcement, and social services to provide comprehensive support.
Engage with community organizations for volunteer support and resource donations.
6. Implementation Timeline
Phase 1 (0-3 months): Site preparation, staffing, and initial setup.
Phase 2 (3-6 months): Full service launch with core programs operational.
Phase 3 (6+ months): Expansion and continuous evaluation for improvements.