The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) has unveiled the results of its 2023 Family Support Request for Proposals (RFP), announcing a significant allocation of over $3.8 million to organizations aimed at assisting low-income families. The funding will enable these organizations to foster connections within communities while building on cultural strengths and community assets.
A total of 22 proposals were selected for annual awards ranging from $86,000 to $300,000. These contracts are set to commence on January 1, 2024, and organizations are eligible for renewal over a span of four years. The selected programs will focus on offering culturally specific services to various communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families, refugees and immigrants, fathers, kinship families, and families facing trauma or homelessness.
“These funds will enable us to strengthen the threads that connect our Native youth to their cultural roots,” said Esther Lucero, President and CEO of Seattle Indian Health Board. “This connection is imperative to our preventative behavioral health work and ensuring the overall wellbeing of our youth.”
“Voices of Tomorrow is both honored and thrilled to use the Family Support RFP funding as a resource to help implement our Community Centered Healing Program (CCHP),” said Rhea Panela-Caoile, Communication and PR Manager for Voices of Tomorrow. “90% of the families we serve are East African immigrants and refugees, and 100% are low-income. CCHP will serve parents and extended family caregivers from the East African immigrant and refugee community, with a focus on Somali families. With the help of the funding from the City of Seattle, we hope to bring families together to learn about culturally responsive trauma healing and mental health support.”
HSD Director Tanya Kim emphasized the importance of supporting families, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For families, and especially children, to thrive they need connection—connection to cultural traditions, their communities, and their practices,” said Kim. “This connection builds resilience, it improves educational and life outcomes, and it helps counteract the racism and discrimination many children experience outside their families.”
Shukri Olow, HSD’s Youth & Family Empowerment Division Director, emphasized the significance of community-led initiatives in this effort.
“Many of the 22 programs funded are new HSD partners with deep connections to BIPOC families, and their work will result in improved access to resources,” Olow noted.
The funding process witnessed a surge in proposals, with 35 submissions received—reflecting a 37% increase from the previous family support RFP in 2018. The total requested amount from these proposals exceeded available funds, indicating a strong demand for such programs. Of the selected awardees, 15 programs are receiving their first-ever Family Support awards from HSD.
Efforts to expand outreach to community-led programs contributed to the increase in proposals. These outreach initiatives included engagement with City Councilmembers, culturally relevant media, the WA State African American Council, and the Mayor’s Inaugural Native Summit. A particular focus was made to involve Native and Indigenous community organizations, with the assistance of the City’s Indigenous Advisory Council Liaison.
The selection process involved a 13-member rating panel that evaluated proposals and recommended funding in line with the RFP’s goals. This panel consisted of community members, parents, agency staff, Seattle Public Schools representatives, University of Washington graduate students, and former City staff. The diverse backgrounds of the raters ensured a comprehensive assessment combining lived experience, professional expertise, and academic qualifications.
The funding awards have been granted to a diverse array of agencies, each contributing to the goal of strengthening Seattle’s support system for families in need. The comprehensive approach taken by HSD aims to address a range of challenges faced by these communities, ultimately fostering stronger connections and resilience.
