Heritage Helps: Street Level

USING MOBILE VANS TO MOVE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS INTO PERMANENT HOUSING

The Salvation Army Northwest Division has devised a creative way to connect with those experiencing homelessness: a van.

The program, called Street Level, was created in response to the growing homeless population throughout King County, which, according to the Department of Community and Human Services was about 40,800 people in 2020.1

The Salvation Army wanted a better way to connect with those living on the street or in their cars. So, the two-person team drives the bold red and white painted vehicle around cities outside of Seattle (like Kent, Auburn and Renton) meeting people where they are. In addition to offering something to drink and basic necessities, like socks and personal hygiene products, the team also works to connect them with affordable housing and jobs opportunities. The Street Level team is able to take services to the front line of those in need, and it’s with the support of community leaders, housing entities, social service agencies and law enforcement that they’re able to do so. They can immediately assess the needs of each individual or family and develop a plan that makes sense for their situation. This is an essential piece of the program and part of what makes it so successful.

Salvation Army NW Through the program, the Salvation Army committed to housing eight individuals per quarter for a three-year period. Since then, they’ve housed an average of 28 individuals per quarter, which is three times higher than anticipated. Since it began three years ago, the Street Level program has permanently housed close to 400 individuals with 97% remaining in permanent housing for 12 months or more. This equates to serving 2-3% of the unhoused population in King County. While the program has exceeded expectations, there are still thousands of people still living in abject poverty facing eviction, mental health challenges, social isolation and, ultimately, homelessness. The Salvation Army is hopeful that with more vans, they’ll be able to reach more people. So, Heritage donated $50,000 to help with the costs associated with securing and outfitting additional vehicles. As of December 2021, they now have two fully operational vehicles and have purchased two additional vehicles. Street Level is a relationship-based, long-term partnership with a goal to create a community that helps individuals find and remain in permanent housing with the confidence, support and network to achieve long-term success.

Image courtesy Salvation Army