Federal Way committee restores $50,000 for Day Center after compliance improvements

The Parks, Recreation, Human Services and Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to forward $50,000 in city funding for the Federal Way Day Center to the Jan. 20 consent agenda after hearing staff reports that the center made facility and security improvements and saw a marked decline in police calls.

Angelina Allenpisi, Community Services Manager, told the committee the Human Services Commission recommended partial funding and that the city had withheld a portion of the contract earlier to allow the center time to address code and licensing issues. Allenpisi said police calls related to the site peaked in early 2025 and declined from as many as about 77 in a quarter to roughly a dozen by November after a change in private security and relocation of an associated food bank.

Council members asked about whether the reduced calls reflected underreporting or operational changes. Allenpisi said the center increased on-site security and worked with partner agencies to require adherence to center policies; when individuals do not comply, staff may ask them to leave and refer them to alternative services or providers.

Council members also pressed staff about the longer-term plan for the day center, including an option discussed to move operations into the Red Lion shelter poolhouse when that facility opens. Allenpisi said Catholic Community Services supports relocating the day center but King County does not yet have budget for reconfiguring the poolhouse; she said the city will follow up with King County on previously discussed funding commitments and next steps, and that any formal relocation would require coordination and likely grant or capital funding.

The committee vote to forward the $50,000 recommendation was recorded as unanimous. The item will appear on the Jan. 20 consent agenda for final council action.