OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bellevue Human Services Commission Public Hearing and Officer Elections - July 14, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BodyBellevue, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:40:55

Transcript — Verbatim
1:30

I second.

1:31

All those in favor say aye.

1:35

All those opposed say nay.

1:37

The May 18th minutes are approved.

1:41

Okay.

1:42

Now, the reason why we're all here.

1:45

Staff will call the names of people in the order they have signed up either online or in person for oral and written communications.

1:52

Members of the public may speak during one of tonight's oral communications for up to three minutes per person or agency program.

2:00

After everyone who has signed up to speak has been called, staff will ask if there is anyone else who would like to speak.

2:07

Giselle, can you please call speakers for oral communication?

2:13

Thank you, Chair.

2:15

One moment, we had a quick change.

2:19

So let me make sure I have that correct.

2:25

Okay, our first speaker.

2:27

Or actually, we don't have anyone signed up for regular oral communications.

2:34

Hearing, but if anyone wants to speak for oral communications and was not here for the public hearing, you can raise your hand or come up and speak now.

2:43

Okay, I'll check online.

2:47

Okay.

2:48

And we're good to go.

2:52

Awesome.

2:53

All right.

2:53

So we'll just get to the public hearing.

2:55

The commission will be hearing from the community on human service needs in Bellevue.

3:00

The information and input will be used to inform human services funding recommendations in the CDBG annual action plan and funding recommendations.

3:09

During the course of the public hearing, there is no interaction between the commissioners and those testifying.

3:28

Is there a motion to open the public hearing?

3:30

So move.

3:32

Second?

3:33

I second.

3:34

All those in favor say aye.

3:35

Aye.

3:37

All those opposed say nay.

3:38

The motion has passed.

3:40

And now we can start calling speakers from the sign-up list.

3:45

Perfect.

3:46

Our first speaker is Anthony Myers from Boys and Girls Club.

4:00

My name is Anthony Myers.

4:01

I'm the program director of the Boys and Girls Clubs with Bellevue.

4:09

And through those years, I was a boys and girls club kid as well.

4:18

Our mission is simple, but it's powerful.

4:20

It's to enable and uh enable all youth, especially those who need us most, uh, to reach their full potential potential as caring uh responsible and productive citizens.

4:30

Um, but also too, we get the opportunity to grow uh young youth uh and have them learn in front of our program in a safe area.

4:38

Uh for many of our youth that we serve, um, especially those low-income and moderate uh mid-income uh families, uh, the boys and girls club is a place where this is the first time they're able to uh potentially be on a sports team, um, to go on a field trip or to even uh find a passion or interest that they uh uh that they did not know they had inside of our boys and girls clubs.

5:02

Uh and we get to see that every single day in our boys and girls clubs.

5:05

Uh, one of our boys and girls club locations, we have um uh all girls uh flag football team that that was uh formed through uh our intermaral sports program.

5:17

Um, and with uh encouragement from the staff members, um, the girls came together, played, and then their friends also joined and now make up about 80% of that team.

5:32

That kind of group doesn't happen accidentally.

5:34

It's it it happens because our staff members uh engage, um they give them the opportunity.

5:41

Um they they they they push them to try new things.

5:46

Um I recently worked with two youth members uh at the middle school and high school level two that were having a conflict and um with with me being able to engage with them about the conflict, they were able to kind of come together instead of uh doing this out on the streets or at school, come together uh and talk about the situation.

6:10

Um, and the most beautiful thing that came from it was that the older kid told the younger kid Um we were friends before this, um, and we're still gonna be friends.

6:21

Um that's a life skill, that's an action, um, finding empathy for each other, um, understanding, hey, we're we are we shouldn't be going through people's stuff, right?

6:30

And learning those kind of things.

6:32

That's why the club matters.

6:33

Um, if I didn't have the club when I was a kid, I probably wouldn't be where I am today, um, also giving back uh to my to the kids.

6:41

Um at the boys and girls club, we partner with families, um, schools, um, other community members to support youth to kind of give them what it is that they need uh in the boys and girls club.

6:53

Um, and through your work in the commission shows up in every moment like this and every single day.

6:58

It helps youth build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills that need success.

7:03

Uh, thank you for your consideration.

7:11

Thank you, Tim.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Miscellaneous█████████████████████████████████████████████52%
Homelessness███████████13%
Youth Programs███████8%
Procedural█████6%
Mental Health Awareness███4%
Racial Equity███4%
Workforce Development███4%
Human Services███3%
Child Care███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Bellevue Human Services Commission Meeting – July 14, 2026

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting minutes and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on June 1, 2026. However, the meeting date was specified as July 14, 2026 by the user; this summary uses that date but notes the conflict.

The Bellevue Human Services Commission held a public hearing to gather community input on human services needs in Bellevue, to inform funding recommendations for the CDBG annual action plan. The hearing featured testimony from 26 representatives of nonprofit organizations serving Bellevue residents. Following the hearing, the commission held officer elections and set a date for funding deliberations.

Consent Calendar

  • The draft minutes from the May 18, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Anthony Myers, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue – Shared personal experience as a former club kid, described the club’s impact on youth development, including an all-girls flag football team and conflict resolution success. Emphasized the importance of safe spaces and life skills.
  • Tim Motz, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (President & CEO) – Noted the organization serves 18,000 youth annually. Announced a partnership with Bellevue School District to be the sole provider of on-site child care, adding 10 elementary sites and 14 preschools (2,400 new slots). Reported 60% of grade school slots and 48% of preschool slots are filled. Stated 27% of district students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Invested $1.15 million in the expansion. Thanked the commission for support.
  • Rahima Sanji, Bellevue Life Spring – Represented board, staff, and families. Requested support for nutrition (Break Time Meal Time program providing grocery vouchers during school breaks to 4,726 students, up 10% from last year and 89% over five years), emergency rental assistance (up to $3,000 per family), and a new family support program (voluntary, individualized case management). Reported rental assistance requests have tripled in the past six months.
  • Bhavna Pawa, Bellevue Network on Aging – Advocated for older adults. Noted nearly 25% of Bellevue residents are 55+, and one-third of senior renters are severely cost-burdened. Asked the commission to prioritize: integrated behavioral health in housing, targeted mental health outreach (only 43% success accessing culturally relevant care), homelessness prevention for seniors, and funding for community-based programs to combat loneliness. Submitted a written letter signed by the Network.
  • Katya Woshik, Project Be Free – Co-founder and executive director. Serves full spectrum of domestic violence. Reported that in 2024, first-year funding from the city helped surpass advocacy goals by 275%. Staff collectively speaks 23 languages. Applied for funding for youth programming (Project Be Fit). Emphasized need for capacity building, not new programs.
  • Troy Christensen, Porch Light – Executive director. Provides men’s shelter (150 beds/night, 450 meals/day), day center, case management, behavioral health, outreach, and 100 units of supportive housing. More than half of clients originated from Bellevue. In 2025, helped nearly 100 men secure housing and employment. Requested increased funding to offset $500,000 federal cuts.
  • Miriam Clothera, Mary’s Place Seattle – Represented family homelessness services. Described three-prong approach: emergency shelter, mobile outreach, prevention. Although the Bellevue shelter closed, Mary’s Place continues serving Bellevue families through outreach and prevention. Urged investment in family-centered crisis response and eviction prevention.
  • Rachel Bergman, Friends of Youth – Director of government and community grants. Noted operations include the only youth-specific shelters in East King County. Reported between 2024 and 2025, the Willows Youth Services Center saw a 13% increase in shelter bed utilization and a 27% increase in drop-in visits. Requested renewed support for the 2027-2028 biennium.
  • Gina Finley, Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) – Executive director. Serves over 1,600 survivors annually, receives 4,300 crisis calls. Bellevue is the highest source of referrals in King County. Expanded presence with on-site advocacy at Bellevue College. Shared a story of a client who found trauma-informed therapy through DAWN. Requested continued and growing support.
  • Jack Edgerton, KidVantage – Executive director. Provides basic needs (diapers, wipes, clothing, car seats, hygiene, school supplies) to 19,000 children annually. Reports 18% increase in children served Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025; diaper distribution up 10%, wipes and formula up 12%. Works with 80 partner organizations and 5,600 volunteers. Thanked the city for past support.
  • Deatra McCormick Martin, Family La Casa of King County – Executive director. Provides free advocacy for children in family law cases. Currently serves 15 residents in 6 cases in Bellevue (including 9 children). Described a case with domestic violence allegations where the court adopted their recommendations. Requested continued funding for 2027-2028.
  • Vijay McAllister, The Sophia Way – Board member. Serves women experiencing homelessness. In the past year, served over 500 women, moved 140 into stable housing. Operates emergency shelter, resource center, vehicle outreach, transitional and permanent supportive housing. Approximately 25% of clients are from Bellevue. Requested continued support.
  • Dr. Janice Clark, Safe Homes – Women Veterans Division – Founder and visionary. Celebrated organization’s 31st birthday. Advocated for women veterans who face higher rates of homelessness, trauma, and economic instability. Provides trauma-informed continuum of care. Asked the commission to recognize women veterans as a priority population.
  • Mark Omen, NAMI Eastside – Executive director. Served over 1,000 Bellevue residents last year through youth/education programs and support groups. More than half of 8th and 10th graders reported anxiety; one in eight considered suicide. Programs use peer-led support. Requested continued investment in mental health prevention and training.
  • Debbie Halila, Youth Eastside Services (YES) – Director of agency-based counseling. Provides behavioral health to youth and families. 57% of direct service staff speak a second language; services in 12 languages. Recently hired a bilingual Spanish cultural navigator. Uses evidence-based therapies. Thanked the city for partnership.
  • Sierra Madden, Plymouth Housing – External engagement coordinator. Provides permanent supportive housing (1,500 residents across 18 buildings). Plymouth Crossing in Bellevue has 92 residents. Noted nearly a quarter of Bellevue households are low-to-moderate income, one-third are housing cost-burdened. Urged the commission to prioritize housing and homelessness in funding recommendations, including safe parking, shelter, and permanent supportive housing.
  • Nock Newen, Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) – Chief of staff. Offers 30 legal clinics per month covering family law, housing, employment, immigration, etc. In the past year, Bellevue residents received 578 hours of housing stability services and 304 hours of clinic services (over 200 residents served). Provides interpretation in 35 languages. Requested continued support.
  • Dawn McGeorge, Family La Casa of King County – Board member. Echoed Deatra’s remarks. Reported a 25% increase in Bellevue cases in 2026. Emphasized the importance of child advocacy in high-risk custody cases.
  • Liz Aggie, International Community Health Services (ICHS) – Policy & advocacy administrator. Serves 36,000 patients regionally; 4,500 Bellevue residents. Operates a school-based health center and mobile clinics. Became a licensed behavioral health agency last year. Cited Medicaid cuts, rising insurance premiums, and immigration fears as barriers. Requested continued funding for behavioral health and dental, and new funding for medical services.
  • Armando Estrada, Rainier Athletes – Mentor development manager. Serves students from low-income backgrounds in 15 Bellevue schools; 100% qualify for free/reduced lunch, 80% speak a language other than English at home, 70% identify as Hispanic/Latino. Uses culturally responsive mentoring with Latino mentors. Requested support for the organization’s application.
  • Amanda Lopez Castañon, Hopelink – Director of food programs. In 2025, served 74,000 people across programs; 36,500 in community services including 6,000 Bellevue residents. Food markets serve 10,000 people/month (2,700 Bellevue residents). Financial resiliency programs turn away 14 households for every one served. City funding covers 25% of program costs. Requested continued support.
  • Samara Mirfayez, New American Alliance for Policy and Research – Former executive director of Refugee Women’s Alliance. Described challenges for refugees: language barriers, stigma, trauma, difficulty finding employment. Asked for support to help refugees achieve prosperity and inclusion.
  • Tia Kennebrew, New Bethlehem Programs – Program director. Runs a family shelter in Kirkland with 24/7 wraparound services. Housed 32 families (132 children) in the past year. Provides meals, case management, and day center access. Requested continued support to serve Eastside families.
  • Matthew Rowan, Hero House Bellevue – Member and speaker. Described supportive housing and employment programs. Hero House uses a Clubhouse model for psychosocial rehabilitation. Stated that without the support, he would not be where he is today. Asked for continued funding, noting cuts to Medicaid and federal funding have reduced housing support.
  • Derek Sheba, Vision House – CEO. Serves families experiencing homelessness with transitional housing, diversion services, and child care. 90% of families move to permanent housing. Served 54 Bellevue families last year. Applications up 60% May 2026 vs May 2025. Requested funding consideration.
  • Melanie Fower, Upwards Care – Represented the Boost Program for in-home child care providers. Reported that with past support, the program supported 6 Bellevue providers, created 2 teaching assistant positions, and added 21 child care slots. Nearly 25% of children under 6 lack licensed care. Home-based providers earn less than $20/hour. Requested continued support for the expanded Boost and Learn program.
  • Dan Fai, Bellevue College Center for Career Connections – Associate dean. Offers free job placement services (resume, interview prep, mock interviews, headshots, job club) to all Eastside job seekers, thanks to city funding. Serves 4,000 job seekers annually. Without city support, services would be limited to enrolled students. Noted that the Worksource Redmond closed, leaving a gap. Requested continued support.

Discussion Items

  • Officer Elections: The commission held elections for chair and vice chair in accordance with newly approved bylaws, moving to June elections. Angela Fan was nominated and elected chair by voice vote (all in favor). Hayes was nominated and elected vice chair by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved: Minutes of May 18, 2026 meeting.
  • Public Hearing: Opened and closed. All written and oral testimony will be considered in funding deliberations.
  • Elected: Angela Fan as Chair, Hayes as Vice Chair for the coming year.
  • Next Meeting: Special meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, in person at Room 1E-121, with no remote option, for the first night of funding deliberations. (Note: This date conflicts with the user-provided meeting date of July 14, 2026.)

Meeting Transcript

I second. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The May 18th minutes are approved. Okay. Now, the reason why we're all here. Staff will call the names of people in the order they have signed up either online or in person for oral and written communications. Members of the public may speak during one of tonight's oral communications for up to three minutes per person or agency program. After everyone who has signed up to speak has been called, staff will ask if there is anyone else who would like to speak. Giselle, can you please call speakers for oral communication? Thank you, Chair. One moment, we had a quick change. So let me make sure I have that correct. Okay, our first speaker. Or actually, we don't have anyone signed up for regular oral communications. Hearing, but if anyone wants to speak for oral communications and was not here for the public hearing, you can raise your hand or come up and speak now. Okay, I'll check online. Okay. And we're good to go. Awesome. All right. So we'll just get to the public hearing. The commission will be hearing from the community on human service needs in Bellevue. The information and input will be used to inform human services funding recommendations in the CDBG annual action plan and funding recommendations. During the course of the public hearing, there is no interaction between the commissioners and those testifying. Is there a motion to open the public hearing? So move. Second? I second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed say nay. The motion has passed. And now we can start calling speakers from the sign-up list. Perfect. Our first speaker is Anthony Myers from Boys and Girls Club. My name is Anthony Myers. I'm the program director of the Boys and Girls Clubs with Bellevue. And through those years, I was a boys and girls club kid as well. Our mission is simple, but it's powerful. It's to enable and uh enable all youth, especially those who need us most, uh, to reach their full potential potential as caring uh responsible and productive citizens. Um, but also too, we get the opportunity to grow uh young youth uh and have them learn in front of our program in a safe area. Uh for many of our youth that we serve, um, especially those low-income and moderate uh mid-income uh families, uh, the boys and girls club is a place where this is the first time they're able to uh potentially be on a sports team, um, to go on a field trip or to even uh find a passion or interest that they uh uh that they did not know they had inside of our boys and girls clubs. Uh and we get to see that every single day in our boys and girls clubs. Uh, one of our boys and girls club locations, we have um uh all girls uh flag football team that that was uh formed through uh our intermaral sports program. Um, and with uh encouragement from the staff members, um, the girls came together, played, and then their friends also joined and now make up about 80% of that team. That kind of group doesn't happen accidentally. It's it it happens because our staff members uh engage, um they give them the opportunity. Um they they they they push them to try new things. Um I recently worked with two youth members uh at the middle school and high school level two that were having a conflict and um with with me being able to engage with them about the conflict, they were able to kind of come together instead of uh doing this out on the streets or at school, come together uh and talk about the situation.

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