Jane Broom of Microsoft speaking at Plymouth’s Oct. 1 groundbreaking in Redmond
On October 1, Plymouth Housing broke ground on our newest permanent supportive housing development in downtown Redmond: 100 homes for individuals exiting homelessness, complete with on-site health services, case management, and 24/7 staffing. This milestone marks a major step forward in addressing chronic homelessness in East King County, where the need for safe, stable housing continues to grow.
According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, 1,910 people experienced homelessness in East King County — 11% of the countywide total. With emergency shelters often at capacity, Redmond and other Eastside communities face a growing need for housing that serves adults with complex needs, including seniors and veterans.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together a coalition of public and private partners committed to expanding housing access on the Eastside. Speakers included Redmond Mayor Angela Birney and leaders from Enterprise Community Partners, ARCH, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, each highlighting the urgent need for permanent supportive housing and the power of collaboration.
Among them was Jane Broom, Senior Director of Microsoft Philanthropies. Microsoft has been a dedicated partner to Plymouth for over 25 years, supporting our work through financial contributions and advocacy for affordable housing policies that benefit the entire Eastside region. In 2019, Microsoft contributed to Plymouth’s PROOF campaign, helping us build more than 600 new homes throughout King County. That tradition continues with their support for our Redmond building.
Rendering by Stephen Collison, Owner/Director of Pixel-Head Studio, LLC, for Environmental Works
Broom conveyed immense appreciation for permanent supportive housing coming to the Eastside. “Seeing Bellevue stand up, and now Redmond stand up to be part of this solution is wonderful,” she said. “It’s such a great example of what we need jurisdictions from all over King County to do. Microsoft is a proud Redmond-based company today.”
Broom’s personal dedication to our mission was on full display earlier this year when she took the stage at our Seattle Dances fundraiser, performing a salsa routine to raise awareness and funds for permanent supportive housing. In a GeekWire profile last spring about her dance commitment, she emphasized the importance of housing with services: “You need a place that’s permanent for a person to call home, where they have the services and support they need to stay healthy and ultimately get back on their feet.”
Breaking ground with our funders and partners
Microsoft’s engagement goes far beyond funding — employees serve on our boards, host giving campaign events, and volunteer their time to serve meals and put together welcome baskets, which residents receive when they first move into a Plymouth building. During Microsoft’s October Giving Month, employees will amp up their efforts to support Plymouth and other regional nonprofits.
With partners like Jane Broom and Microsoft, Plymouth is building more than housing — we’re building hope and belonging across the Eastside. Learn more about our Redmond project on our website.