Case Study Seattle/King County, Washington: Response to Homelessness during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Nicole DuBois, Samantha Batko, Abby Boshart
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The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of housing and homelessness services as public health infrastructure. To understand how different communities across the United States adapted their homelessness responses during the pandemic to keep people safe and housed, we explored the steps taken in six places. This case study summarizes the response in Seattle and King County, Washington, which focused on creating safety in congregate shelters by reducing bed numbers, extending hours of operation, and monitoring for outbreaks. The county also worked to speed the pace of placements in permanent housing through reforms to the coordinated entry system and designed and funded a new eviction prevention program.

Research Areas Housing
Policy Centers Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center
States Washington
Counties King County
Cities Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA