About Us

The Seattle Human Services Department is working to create a comprehensive and integrated human services system to significantly reduce or end homelessness, hunger and violence in our community and improve the health and well-being of everyone who calls the Seattle area home.

We work in close collaboration with Mayor Mike McGinn, the Seattle City Council, King County, United Way of King County, Public Health - Seattle & King County, and other regional partners.

On this Web site, you'll find information regarding a variety of programs and services that we operate or fund, as well as links to many other helpful human services resources in the community. We welcome your questions and suggestions.

Vision and Mission

The Human Services Department funds and operates programs and services that meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in our community — families and individuals with low incomes, children, domestic violence victims, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

We invest in programs that help people gain independence and success. We provide direct services to Seattle residents and invest about $88 million per year in more than 230 community-based organizations. Those organizations provide a wide range of services and employ hundreds of people. Our Strategic Investment Plan maps out our goals.

Vision - The vision of the Seattle Human Services Department is that all basic needs in our communities are met through innovative and collaborative approaches. Greater Seattle is a place where the richness of our diversity is valued, all of our communities thrive, and people grow up and grow old with opportunity and dignity.

Mission - The mission of the Seattle Human Services Department is to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work and take part in strong, healthy communities.

Divisions

Youth and Family Empowerment Division (YFE)

Youth and Family Empowerment provides children, youth and families with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to live healthy and productive lives. For children and families, this means access to affordable, culturally relevant, high-quality child care and preschool education, out-of-school time activities, citizenship assistance, nutrition assistance, and other skills needed to be successful in school. In partnership with community agencies, YFE also provides direct services, designed to help youth succeed academically, learn job and life skills.

Community Support and Assistance (CSA)

Community Support and Assistance connects families and individuals to a multitude of resources, programs, and/or services including: homeless services, food and meal programs, and utility discounts. Our goal is to enable families and individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. CSA also coordinates the City's response to domestic violence and sexual assualt.

Aging and Disability Services (ADS)

Aging and Disability Services promotes quality of life, independence and choice for older people and adults with disabilities. As the state-designated local Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County, the division is co-sponsored by the City of Seattle Human Services Department, United Way of King County, and King County.

Leadership and Administrative (LAD)

The Director's Office in the Leadership and Administrative Services division provides leadership, policy development, planning and information necessary for the management of the Human Services Department. This division provides administrative support to the entire department for human resources, information technology, budget, finances, and contracting. Also housed in the division is public health policy support.

Seattle Human Services Department
Street address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5800, Seattle, WA 98104
Mailing address: PO Box 34215, Seattle, WA 98124-4215

Phone: 206-386-1001
Fax: 206-233-5119
TTY/TTD: 206-233-2778

Accommodations for people with disabilities provided upon request.