DESC and community partners will host an Overdose Awareness Day event on Friday, August 28, bringing together community members, substance use disorder providers, and people with lived experience to honor those lost to overdose and raise awareness.
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In a new report by the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), Housing First was linked to a 27% decrease in jail bookings in just the first year.
The analysis, which looked at 5,371 residents enrolled in adult-serving permanent supportive housing programs between 2021-2025, also found that 81% of individuals who had a jail-booking in the year prior to their enrollment in permanent supportive housing saw a personal reduction in the number of bookings after enrollment into the program.
Continue reading “Housing First Linked to Drop in Jail Bookings in New King County Data “
One year ago, DESC opened the Stability Through Access and Resources (STAR) Center. This service-rich, non-congregate shelter was designed to support adults facing chronic homelessness and complex behavioral health challenges by connecting them to essential care, wraparound services, and a place to sleep.
Offering a crucial bridge from the streets to stability, this shelter provides on-site behavioral healthcare, housing navigation, and treatment for addiction, as well as hot meals, showers, and semi-private stays. In 2025, STAR served a total of 321 guests.
Continue reading “One Year of Stability, Recreation, and Connection at DESC’s STAR Center “
When the King County Regional Homelessness Authority released its 2026 Point-in-Time Count yesterday, many people saw one headline: Homelessness is increasing.
Some will use those numbers to argue that our current response has failed. But the data tells a different, more nuanced, story.
DESC’s newest permanent supportive housing location, Birch Grove, is named in honor of Helen Birch: a longtime DESC client, tenant, and beloved member of our community.
With a unique journey from outreach to housing, and unwavering support from DESC staff every step of the way, Helen’s story embodies the spirit of the work we do.
Continue reading “Birch Grove’s Namesake: The Legacy of Helen Birch “