Seattle human‑services groups and food bank warn federal cuts will deepen homelessness, hunger and violence

Leaders from Seattle human‑services coalitions, gender‑based violence programs and a major food bank told a City Council committee July 18 that recently enacted federal changes and proposed budget cuts will intensify existing demand and threaten the survival of some local programs.

Marissa Perez, executive director of the Seattle Human Services Coalition, told the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes that the coalition — which represents roughly 250 member agencies across Seattle districts — has collected early data showing gaps and uncertainty. Perez said many agencies rely on braided federal, state and local funds and that recent federal restrictions (including new grant requirements and policy conditions) are already altering what organizations can apply for and accept.

Perez cited survey responses from three organizations: a multi‑service nonprofit that could lose 9% of a $10 million operating budget if federal funding is cut and would need to curtail nutrition education programs; a King County sexual‑assault services center with about 43% of its revenue tied to federal funding that could see reductions in Office for…