City reports $100,000 human services allocation split among legal, youth and employment programs

Human Services Manager Brooke Buckingham told the Redmond Public Safety and Human Services Committee on Jan. 21 that a $100,000 supplemental allocation approved in the city’s recent budget has been distributed to multiple human services providers following the Human Services Commission’s review.

Buckingham said the commission recommended three additional annual awards drawn from the $100,000 pool: Eastside Legal Assistance (about $21,000 per year), Assistance League at Eastside (about $46,100 per year) and Miami Eastside (about $13,000 per year). She also said the commission increased Hero House’s award by $10,000, bringing that contract to $22,500. Buckingham said agencies have been notified and staff are finalizing contracts, including arrangements in a pooled contract with the City of Kirkland.

Council President Kritzer asked about Operation School Bell; Buckingham said the program provides an annual back‑to‑school shopping event that supplies students identified by school counselors or families with clothing and new shoes via shopping at Fred Meyer. Buckingham described that award as intended to address basic needs and high costs facing families.

Buckingham said the commission had been asked to prioritize employment services and legal services when considering awards; the commission’s recommendation reflected those priorities in the allocations it made. She also said the decisions were made to finalize contracts on time.

The committee received the report as information only. Staff said they will answer follow‑up questions by email.