(The Center Square) – King County’s program to provide housing for the homeless has just opened its first location in Redmond, but the number of units it provides is less than originally expected.
The Redmond Silver Cloud Inn has 100 rooms, in addition to offering support services for the chronically homeless.
The county originally purchased the Silver Cloud Inn for $28.3 million – or $283,000 per room – with the expectation that it would provide housing for up to 144 homeless people.
The Health Through Housing Initiative receives one-tenth of a cent of sales tax revenue for the purchase and operation of hotels to convert into emergency and permanent supportive housing.
“Health Through Housing Redmond will be life-changing for its 100 residents – when people feel welcomed, safe, and supported they’re better able to engage in their own health and well-being, which brings long-term stability,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news release.
With the new Health Through Housing building in Redmond, the county has established 15 apartment buildings across six cities, 11 of which are owned by King County.
According to King County, the Health Through Housing program has secured 1,264 units for supportive housing. The county’s goal is to open 1,600 units in the county.
The Redmond Health Through Housing location will offer 24/7 staff and support services to residents. Services include transit navigators and a loaded ORCA card, daily meals, case management support, and behavioral health care tailored to an individual’s needs, according to King County.
The Redmond building recently served as a temporary residence for Afghan refugees from May through December 2022. According to the county, nearly 800 Afghan refugees received temporary housing and support through the county’s Refugee Resettlement Hotel program, and nearly all of the participants secured permanent housing.
The Salvation Army will operate the Redmond building in partnership with King County and the city of Redmond.
