City of Kirkland Human Services Division and homelessness outreach and support
Sep 18, 2023 6:40 PM
Jen Boone of City of Kirkland Human Services
City of Kirkland Human Services Division and homelessness outreach and support
The Human Services Division is part of the Parks and Community Services Department at the City of Kirkland. The department's mission is to support a healthy and sustainable community by providing high quality parks and recreation services, encouraging a collaborative community response to basic human needs, and protecting natural areas. The goals of the Department are to acquire, develop, and renovate a system of parks, recreational facilities, and open spaces that are attractive, safe, functional, and available to all; enhance the quality of life in the community by providing services and programs that offer positive opportunities for building healthy productive lives; and protect and preserve publicly owned natural resource areas.
The Human Services Division serves as coordinator, collaborator, facilitator, and funder for equitable support systems that meet basic human needs under five community goals areas: Housing stability and food security; Supportive relationships and community belonging; A safe haven from violence and abuse; Physical health and mental well-being; and education and employment opportunities.
Human Services staff, alongside the Human Services Commission, allocate funding to local agencies biannually to provide services to meet basic needs for individuals and families in the community. The team also supports the Kirkland Youth Council, homeless outreach program, and connects residents in need of community resources, such as rent/utility assistance, transportation, housing, and food. The Division also works collaboratively as an Eastside subregion and across King County to assess needs, identify gaps, and partner with local government, faith based organizations, nonprofits, and the private sector to design programs or services to address existing system gaps to ensure every resident in Kirkland can live, work, and play.
Jen Boone, MPA, joined the Human Services team with the City of Kirkland in 2021. As the Human Services Manager, Jen is responsible for the proactive management of human services provided to the Kirkland community; examples include homelessness response, housing needs, food, and behavioral and mental health services. This includes assessing community need, identifying services to fill the needs, oversight of the grant program and coordination with partners to develop regional solutions to complex problems. Prior to her tenure at Kirkland, Jen spent five years in the nonprofit sector supporting families experiencing homelessness, affordable housing advocacy, and completing her master's in public administration with a focus in social policy.