Rep. Jayapal visits Kerner-Scott House

Posted on by Claire Tuohy-Morgan
A woman extends her hands as she explains something, while another woman listens intently.
A DESC Senior Program Manager for Housing talks about DESC’s work as Rep. Jayapal listens.

We welcomed U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) to Kerner-Scott House on Feb. 22. Rep. Jayapal secured $985,000 for Safety, Health, and Hygiene Upgrades at Kerner-Scott House, and we wanted to show her how that funding will improve the 26-year-old building for our clients.

Before visiting Kerner-Scott and showing an apartment unit to the representative, we met at Canaday House to talk about DESC’s work, the pandemic’s effect on keeping people connected and Housing First.

KSH was DESC’s first purpose-built site for Housing First, offering 40 Permanent Supportive Housing units and 25 shelter beds (lowered to 12 for social distancing during the pandemic). Exterior renovations are underway. With the funding that Rep. Jayapal secured, DESC will:

  • install a sink and locked cabinetry in the nurses office to improve medical services
  • install a second sink, toilet and shower in the women’s shelter to improve shelter services
  • redesign the front entrance of the building and upgrade fencing for improved security
  • improve the front office, flooring, ceiling and back patio to create a more welcoming and cozier environment, and a nice space where tenants can enjoy the outdoors.

  • Three people stand in an empty apartment listening to a man describe something.
    In one of the apartments, the Project Engineer for Facilities, Asset Management, and Property Development, tells the congresswoman about the planned patio.
  • Four people stand outside a building, smiling at the camera.
    DESC staff members stand with Rep. Jayapal.
  • Three people stand outside a building smiling at the camera.
    DESC staff members in front of KSH.