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1. What is the role of the City of Issaquah in Human Services?

The City focuses on providing resources and caring for the well-being of the most vulnerable community members, including residents with low-incomes, disabilities, individuals who are homeless, immigrants, refugees, and other groups historically marginalized based on their race, age, sexual orientation, emotional, physical ability, or other factors. To help accomplish Human Services initiatives in the community, the City of Issaquah takes on the following roles in the community: policy framer, funder, connector, advocate, and supporter.

2. What is the Human Services Commission and what is its role?

The Human Services Commission is an official entity whose primarily function is to advise the Mayor and City Council on matters concerning human services planning and funding. The Commission is comprised of Issaquah resident-volunteers who are appointed by the Mayor and subject to confirmation by the City Council.

The Human Services Commission is comprised of seven regular members, with four-year terms; and two alternates, with two-year terms. Recruitment for boards and commissions is advertised on the city’s website each January.

3. What are the Human Services Grants and how can I apply?

The Human Services Grants are provided by the City for organizations who have a 501c3 status and are working to solve pressing human services needs in our community. Grants are awarded on a biennial basis and applications open in March prior to the start of the next funding cycle.

View 2023-2024 Human Services Grants

You can learn more about how to apply here.

4. What is the process of selection for the Human Services Grants?

The selection process is led by the Human Services Commission and follows a rigorous scoring criterion that involves demonstration of need, level and quality of service provided, accessibility, partnerships, commitment to equity and services that address priority areas in the Human Services Strategic Plan.

5. What is the purpose of the Human Services Strategic Plan?

The purpose of the City’s Human Services Strategic Plan is to help inform the community priorities in human services for the next five years, and to help accomplish the City’s roles in human services, by providing a roadmap for policy decisions, investments & allocation of funds, advocacy, and technical assistance needs. Throughout this plan, information gathered through community engagement is presented to illustrate both, the existing resources, and the barriers faced by specific populations in Issaquah. For more information on the development, vision and process of the Human Service Strategic Plan, view here. 

6. Where can I find resources in the community?

The City maintains a list of resources available for the community members. They can be found here.

7. How can I be involved?

Residents may be involved by serving on the Human Services Commission or by volunteering with one of the Human Services Organizations. Occasionally the City is recruiting for interns or volunteers for special occasion, contact Human Services Staff for more information. Paid opportunities are advertised through our jobs webpage.