Social Services

Strengthening social services is a priority of our city and council, and investing in preventative measures, particularly for youth, will improve community health and reduce reliance on crisis intervention. The city is accomplishing this through:

• Evidence-based and data-informed partnerships to increase our "upstream" investment.
• Strategic investment in human services by implementing solutions that address community needs. This includes addressing food insecurity, lower utility bill rates for seniors, and the Housing Repair Assistance Program.
• Enhancing youth access to critical health services. One way this is being done is through the Renton Student Health Hub.
  • The Renton Student Health Hub is a partnership with the city, Renton School District, and Health Commons that provides quick access to behavioral and mental health services. It utilizes technology to connect students with the appropriate resources they need most.
• To support the community's most vulnerable populations investments have been made in solution-driven approaches, such as expanding the use of FD CARES, a specialized unit within Renton Regional Fire Authority staffed with registered nurses and social workers that connects individuals in need of medical care, social services, and long-term support to break the cycle of repeated 911 calls.
• In June 2024 alone, our crews removed over four tons of garbage (or ten full dump trucks) from just two encampment sites.
• Looking ahead, we are exploring additional tools to maintain safety and accountability, such as the Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) program, which would allow the courts to prohibit repeat drug offenders from entering specific areas where drug-related crimes are concentrated.