We’ve signed on to the JumpStart Seattle proposal, which is being considered by the Seattle City Council. JumpStart Seattle would create new, progressive revenue to fund affordable housing and other critical human services.

Prior to the COVID-19 epidemic, our community saw incredible need for affordable housing and homelessness services. And with new nationwide economic challenges, that need has only grown. In 2019, more than 11,000 people in King County experienced homelessness. We expect unprecedented numbers of people to experience homelessness and housing insecurity in the coming months.

People of color are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and homelessness, as well as this epidemic and its economic impacts. If we do not act now, the existing disparities for people of color in our city will become even more pronounced.

JumpStart Seattle will provide immediate relief by preventing people in our community from experiencing homelessness in the first place, funding homelessness prevention programs and rental assistance in 2020.

And in 2022 and beyond, JumpStart Seattle would address the long-standing need for more affordable housing and homelessness services in our city.

In the last year, we’ve seen strong community investment in our PROOF Capital Campaign to build new homes. In order to end homelessness, we need to invest just as strongly in operations funding, and JumpStart Seattle would create new, progressive revenue to do just that.

We believe that this proposal is a step toward a vibrant, truly equitable Seattle, where everyone can thrive. You can learn more about JumpStart Seattle here.