United Way of King County today has received a $1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness in King County.

The United Way initiative — in partnership with the City of Seattle, King County, the Seattle Housing Authority and the King County Housing Authority — will focus on 1,000 individuals in King County who have both experienced long-term homelessness and been intensive users of publicly-funded support systems.

These 1,000 individuals will gain permanent housing with onsite, wrap-around supportive services. Research has shown that such “supportive housing” — combining permanent housing with services such as mental health care, drug and alcohol counseling and job training — can help in stabilizing the lives of those emerging from long-term homelessness.

“We are very excited to have the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation support for our work to end chronic homelessness,” said Jon Fine, President and CEO of United Way of King County. “The foundation is a highly focused organization that is making a significant impact across the globe, and we here at United Way share that focus to achieve fundamental change here in King County.”

United Way is raising $25 million over two years for its Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness. The money dollars will leverage additional investments of more than $200 million from partners in the public sector.