DESC Announces Grand Opening of 20th Permanent Supportive Housing Site, Birch Grove — Where Stability Takes Root 

Posted on by beier-laura
June 4, 2026
DESC

Press Advisory — June 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Media Contact:

Jessica Schreindl 
Senior Manager of Communications 
Downtown Emergency Service Center 
jschreindl@desc.org | (206) 380-2647

DESC Announces Grand Opening of 20th Permanent Supportive Housing Site, Birch Grove — Where Stability Takes Root 

SEATTLE, WA — DESC will celebrate the official grand opening of Birch Grove, a new permanent supportive housing community in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, on June 16. Birch Grove represents DESC’s deepened commitment to pairing housing with robust, person-centered services. 

Birch Grove features 120 studio units for single adults living with disabilities and other chronic health conditions and provides wraparound supportive services, including behavioral health support and connections to community resources. Named in honor of long-time DESC client Helen Birch, the building embodies Helen’s journey from outreach to housing and reflects DESC’s commitment to helping people find stability on their own terms. 

“Birch Grove will provide permanent homes for 120 people currently experiencing homelessness — including many people already living in the Lake City neighborhood. But Birch Grove is more than just housing; it is a platform for recovery. By combining permanent supportive housing with 24/7 staffing, onsite case management, and dedicated behavioral health services, tenants will have a place to call home where they can stabilize, recover, and move forward with dignity.” — Noah Fay, DESC Senior Director of Housing Programs. 

This location will focus on integrated care, with onsite case managers, behavioral health specialists, and connection to substance use disorder treatment. Services will include: 

  • Medication monitoring 
  • Behavioral health therapy and intensive case management   
  • Community event facilitation   

Representative Darya Farivar of the 46th Legislative District will attend and speak at the event. She highlights the importance of permanent supportive housing and partnerships that pair housing with on-site services:  

“I am thrilled to welcome DESC’s Birch Grove to Lake City. With units dedicated to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Lake City neighborhood, this supportive housing building is a testament to what happens when we choose to look out for one another and invest in community-based safety and stability. It delivers the housing, compassion, and deep dignity that our North Seattle neighbors deserve.” —Representative Darya Farivar, 46th Legislative District, Northeast Seattle 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: 

  • Remarks from DESC leadership, Representative Darya Farivar, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and partner organizations 
  • Tribute to client, friend, and inspiration Helen Birch, whose journey from outreach to housing embodies the spirit of DESC 
  • Overview of Birch Grove’s mission and services 
  • Open house, tours, and opportunities to see the building in person 
  • Refreshments served 

WHEN: 

  • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 
  • Doors open: 11:30 a.m. 
  • Program begins: 12:00 p.m. 
  • Open house & tours: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

WHERE: 

PARKING & ACCESS: 
Street parking is available in the neighborhood around Birch Grove. Public transit via route 75 is available and encouraged. All event and building spaces are ADA accessible.  

RSVP REQUIRED FOR MEDIA — SPACE IS LIMITED: 
Media interested in attending MUST RSVP by replying to this email. Because space is limited, responses will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

MEDIA CHECK-IN: 
An event check-in table will be staffed beginning at 11:30 a.m. for credentialing and scheduling interviews. 

CAPITAL FUNDING:  

Resources to build Birch Grove were primarily provided by:  

  • City of Seattle Office of Housing 
  • Corporation for Supportive Housing 
  • Enterprise Community Partners 
  • JPMorgan Chase  
  • King County Department of Community and Human Services   
  • Washington State Department of Commerce – Apple Health and Homes (AHAH) and Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP)  
  • Washington State Housing Finance Commission 

About DESC 
The Downtown Emergency Service Center (preferred name DESC) works to end chronic homelessness in Seattle and King County by combining permanent supportive housing with health care and other services. DESC’s continuum of care includes street outreach, low-barrier shelters, crisis response, behavioral and medical health services, and nearly 2,000 units of permanent supportive housing. For more information, visit www.desc.org.