The following is a release from Eastside Human Services Forum:

Leadership of the nonprofit coalition Eastside Human Services Forum congratulated city governments this week for their investments in human services that amounted to a 14 percent increase for 2017 and 2018. Adopted budgets for Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, and Shoreline show that the cities collectively awarded nearly $7 million annually in human services grants to local agencies for the 2017-18 biennium.

“We have significantly increased our investment in programs that help create strong foundations for all residents,” said Bellevue Mayor John Stokes. “Bellevue’s ongoing commitment to human services funding shows that we know these programs can make a significant difference in people’s lives, especially when we take a regional approach in addressing these challenging issues.”

Together cities are able to effectively leverage their dollars to support over 127 programs such as counseling, food banks, shelter, employment assistance, healthcare and much more.

“These funds create a healthy, thriving community. In a time when many agencies face funding uncertainties, the cities’ support maintains the foundation for building a community which ensures social and economic well-being for all.”

EHSF Board Chair and Redmond City Councilmember Byron Shutz noted.

Hopelink CEO and EHSF Board member Lauren Thomas echoed these sentiments, “The suburban cities have demonstrated their commitment to our local communities by partnering with volunteer councils and local non-profits to allow all East King County residents to reach their full potential. The cities are flexible and responsive in their funding of human services and this funding source has become increasingly more imperative to address critical local needs.”