Human Services Department releases $14.7M community‑safety RFP, expands model to North Seattle

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), joined by the Seattle Police Department’s executive director for crime and community harm reduction, presented the city’s community safety initiative update Tuesday and released a request for proposals (RFP) to fund a network of coordinated, place‑based services aimed at reducing gun violence.

HSD Director Tanya Kim said the RFP, posted on Sept. 23, totals up to $14,700,000 and focuses primarily on people up to age 35 and families “impacted by and or involved in gun violence.” The RFP funds three strategy areas: intervention services (hospital‑based response, intensive individual services and place‑based interventions), school safety services (on‑site teams at selected middle and high schools) and supportive services (mentoring, therapy, legal aid, resource navigation and short‑term family assistance).

Kim said the initiative is intended to move the city from a disparate portfolio of contractors to a coordinated network with shared measurable outcomes, a common referral process, standardized workforce training and an external evaluator. “We’re going to have a…