About Us
The Office of the Ombuds is dedicated to improving the quality of services for people experiencing homelessness by helping community members navigate the homeless system, resolve issues, escalate emergency calls, and proactively engage with the community to gather system feedback.
The Office of the Ombuds reports directly to the CEO and acts independently, with sole discretion to initiate and pursue complaints and inquiries.
Please note that the Ombuds is not designed to resolve complaints about encampments or from housed neighbors.
People Served
The Ombuds serves the following groups:
- Community members using services overseen or funded by the KCRHA
- Employees, funders, and contractors of the KCRHA
- Providers who implement services overseen or funded by the KCRHA
What We Do
The KCRHA Ombuds Office is not a direct service provider. Referrals to housing are managed through the Coordinated Entry System. The Ombuds Office does not provide rental assistance, eviction assistance, emergency housing vouchers, housing choice vouchers, or hotel vouchers.
How can the Ombuds Office help?
We can provide:
- Information about community resources and how to navigate the homeless response system
- Educate, inform, and provide referrals to homeless resources in King County
- Respond to inquiries and concerns about homeless services and work to problem-solve them informally
- Investigate complaints
- Receive feedback from KCRHA constituents regarding homeless system services
- Report community concerns to KCRHA leadership, staff, and governance
Reports
Annual Reports
Ombuds Office Annual Report 2023
Quarterly Reports
Ombuds Office Quarterly Report: Q1 2024
Contact the Ombuds Office
Ombuds Message Line: (206) 639-4601
Email: ombuds@kcrha.org.
If you call or email the office without completing the form, please be prepared to answer the questions that are listed on the complaint and inquiry form.
We also accept complaints by mail. Please address to:
KCRHA Ombuds, 400 Yesler Way, Suite 600, Seattle, WA, 98104
Download the KCRHA Ombuds Office Brochure
Download the KCRHA Ombuds Office Primer