Unpacking how supportive housing could affect the number of King County jail visits

New data from King County shows putting people in housing without preconditions like drug treatment has had some significant benefits. 

The report comes from the King County Department of Community and Human Services and shows a decrease in jail bookings among those in permanent supportive housing programs between 2021-2025. 

Seattle has been a national leader in using such “Housing First” initiatives.

But funding for those programs is at risk, to the tune of $26 million – that’s after the Trump administration released a new rule earlier this month, requiring providers to move away from Housing First programs in order to qualify for HUD grants next year.

What more does this data analysis show? And what's lost if federal funding goes away?

Guest

Jelani Jackson, acting director for the Housing & Community Development division within the King County Department of Community and Human Services

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