Members of the Veterans and Human Services Levy Citizens Oversight Boards met in Shoreline April 24 to provide updates on funded projects. The levy, sponsored by Metropolitan King County Councilman Bob Ferguson and approved by voters in November 2005, generates approximately $13.3 million annually.
“When I helped draft the ballot measure to raise funds for King County veterans, families, and other vulnerable citizens, it was imperative that the funds reach the intended recipients,” said Ferguson, who represents District One on the County Council. “The citizens serving on the oversight boards make sure the funds are supporting those who need services the most.”
Half the annual funds target programs for veterans, while the other half are open more toward human services programs. The Human Services Levy Oversight Board and the Veteran Levy Oversight Board oversee expenditures of levy proceeds.
“Serving on the Human Services Levy Oversight Board has given me a chance to learn about the programs throughout King County that give our citizens a hand-up when needed,” said Shoreline resident Edith Loyer-Nelson, who was appointed by Ferguson and represents District One on the board. “Since our directions are to fund existing programs, we have the opportunity to build on what’s already working well.”
Gary Kingsbury, a Shoreline resident who serves on the Veterans Levy Oversight Board, said the funds help prevent homelessness for the veterans who live in the community.
“Funds from this levy are instrumental in helping existing services become more useable,” he said.
A panel of speakers from agencies that provide veterans and human services in District One spoke at the meeting. Agencies represented included the following:
• Low Income Housing Institute, which provides affordable housing at, among other locations, the Lake City Court Apartments;
• The Compass Center, a 25-bed transitional housing facility located in Shoreline for veterans;
• Veterans Incarcerated Program, which partners with the Washington State Veterans Affairs program, helps veterans transition into society after being incarcerated and works to lower recidivism rates of veteran offenders; and
• King County Nurse Family Partnership, providing prenatal and after-birth (up to two years) services for low income mothers.
In the first quarter of 2008, the oversight boards reviewed and finalized eight procurement plans, designating close to $14 million for a wide array of services. These services include:
• Assisting parents exiting the criminal justice system
• Providing services for post-traumatic stress disorder
• Enhancing the countywide Homeless Management Information System
• Linking employment to housing and supportive services
• Treating depression for elderly veterans and others in need
• Assisting homeless individuals in South King County and in Seattle
For information on funding criteria, contact Jackie MacLean, Director of King County Community and Human Services at 206-263-9010 or jackie.maclean@kingcounty.gov.
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