In early 2020 when federal COVID dollars were gushing, a group of local services had the epiphany of earmarking some of those dollars to help homeless persons with needs complicated by mental illness, drug use, and/or criminal behavior. The model they developed is called JustCARE and it has been serving individuals clustered around the city/county buildings downtown.

By providing highly tailored services, JustCARE has been successfully getting people off the street and preparing them to enter the broader service/support arena. JustCARE meets people where they are, then sticks with them as they take the giant step out of homelessness. While expensive, the JustCARE approach is effective, which is why in 2021, the city and county councils funded it for a second year. Now, without further action, JustCARE will cease operating in June.

The Homelessness Task Force strongly supports continued city funding as not only compassionate but also a smart investment. Please join us! Time is of the essence, so click on these links to express your support:

Comment to District 1 Councilwoman Lisa Herbold: https://www.seattle.gov/council/meet-the-council#herbold
Comment to Mayor Bruce Harrell: https://web6.seattle.gov/mo/correspondence/contact-mayor

You may also comment to all councilmembers at once by emailing council@seattle.gov.