2008: Human Services: Part of A Healthy Bothell Community
Why We Need Human Services:
Human services assist individuals and families in solving problems. Services are designed to help families using a broad range of proven strategies from targeted prevention programs to crisis interventions and treatment.
Common problems faced by individuals and families in our communities include:
• Lack of affordable housing;
• Challenges in finding and retaining employment;
• Access to health care; mental health, dental and substance abuse services;
• Domestic violence;
• Food and clothing needs;
• Child care, child development support and parenting needs; and
• Difficulties in caring for aging or disabled family members.
In North King County, 1 out of 7 residents struggle to make ends meet because their incomes are too low to pay for life’s essentials. While these families are at greater risk of needing help, almost everyone will use a human service at some point in their life.
How Can Cities Help:
Infrastructure to address human needs is a basic requirement for development within any community. Just as planners must account for water, electricity, sewer, and office space, so, too, they need to invest in space for food banks, affordable housing, health care and mental health services, education, senior programs, and community activities. These programs strengthen the community and offer support for those in need. Local governments have a stake in the welfare of their communities and can invest strategically by integrating human services facilities into their city planning.
The Bothell Opportunity:
The City of Bothell is currently in the process of redeveloping its downtown and has the unique opportunity to plan for facilities that will meet the needs and desires of its community. During the planning process, public input placed a high value on human services as a critical component of a thriving community. Bothell is in a pivotal position to integrate human services into its redevelopment vision, design and facility planning as it moves forward with the realignment of 522, acquisition of the Northshore School District property, accommodation for UWB expansion, traffic revisions, public and economic development.
NUHSA’s Position:
The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) supports the inclusion of human service delivery sites into Bothell’s downtown redevelopment plan to secure access to services for residents of Bothell and the greater Northshore community.
More Information:
Questions:
Kelsey Beck, NUHSA Public Policy Co-Chair, KelseyB@fll.org, 206-545-6600