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Human services
The City of Kent has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the human service needs of Kent residents.
- Kent is recognized as a leader in South King County in the human services arena.
- The City has been funding nonprofit human service agencies to provide services to its residents since 1974.
- In 1989 the City took a major step by allocating one (1) percent of its general fund revenue to fund human services.
- This nearly doubled the amount of funding in the first year.
- In addition, the City has consistently allocated the maximum allowable of its federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars to human services.
Housing & Human Services Master Plan
2007-2012 Human Services Master Plan
The City of Kent Human Services Commission and the Housing and Human Services staff have developed a proposed 6 Year Human Services Plan to guide planning and funding as well as the evaluation of services in the Kent community.
Housing & Human Services Master Plan (PDF, 1.7MB)
2010 CDBG Annual Action Plan
The City of Kent Human Services Commission has set preliminary recommendations on the use of 2010 federal funds awarded to the City by HUD. These recommendations on the use of an estimated $787,000 in CDBG funds are outlined in the draft of the City of Kent One-Year Action Plan below. The public is invited to comment on the Action Plan and to attend a public hearing. Details on the public hearing can be found by clicking on the Notice of Public Hearing link which is also listed below.
2010 Draft CDBG Annual Action Plan
CAPER
Notice of Public Hearing- CAPER
CAPER Intro
2009 CAPER - Draft
CDBG-R Substantial Amendment Documents
In response to the economic downturn, the U.S. Congress passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). This legislation appropriated $1 billion in Community Development Block Grant Recovery (CDBG-R) funds to states and local governments that received CDBG funding in fiscal year 2008. The City of Kent received $211,080 in additional CDBG funds. Acceptance of CDBG-R required a Substantial Amendment to the City of Kent’s 2008 CDBG Action Plan. The Substantial Amendment is reflected in the below-listed documents:
Second Amendment to 2008 CDBG Action Plan (Final)
CDBG - Substantial Amendment Template and Spreadsheet for Reporting Proposed CDBG-R Activities
CDBG-R Substantial Amendment Grantee Checklist
Commission launches iCan Campaign
iCan…get help, provide help, inspire others. These actions are just a few of the possibilities Kent’s Human Services Commission hopes residents will take to heart with the launch of its “iCan” Campaign.
Please visit www.kent-ican.com to learn more about how you can be involved.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program Draft Plan
Background: Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 as a response to the large number of foreclosures throughout the nation. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program was established through this legislation, and funding is provided for the project through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The State of Washington received $28.16 million in funding through its State CDBG Program, which will contract with local jurisdictions that are eligible for funding. The City of Kent is eligible for $475,264. Under the State’s Plan, this funding is limited to four eligible activities. The City is proposing to use its funds for the following activities:
• Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties; i.e., a down-payment assistance program to assist eligible homebuyers; and
• Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon, in order to sell, rent, or redevelop such homes and properties.
Additional details about the City’s plan are provided in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Summary:
Neighborhood Stabilization Program Summary Draft
Human Services Commission Openings
The City of Kent Human Service Commission currently has two openings. If you are interested in joining the Comission please contact us to receive an application and to learn about the positions that are currently open. Questions can be directed to Merina Hanson at humanservices@ci.kent.wa.us
South King County Response to Homelessness
The plan and the strategies included are designed to serve the two-fold purpose of providing housing and service providers, planners, government officials and funders with key information on the state of homelessness in South King County and a guide to strategies and actions that can be employed in a coordinated response to homelessness in our communities.
South King County Response to Homelessness: A Call for Action (PDF, 520KB)
Resources and reports
Human Services Resource Brochure
Fair Housing
Have you been discriminated against in housing? The law protects you from discrimination in renting or purchasing a house, apartment, mobile home; etc., based on your: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, parental/familial status, participation in the Section 8 program, sexual orientation, disability or use of a service or assistive animal by an individual with a disability.
Download "Fair Housing - It's Your Right" (PDF; 52 KB)
The City of Kent encourages all Contractors to apply for the City of Kent Home Repair Program Small Works Roster. The City of Kent Home Repair Program contracts for home repair services to be provided to Kent home owners receiving Home Repair services.