Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine issued the following statement regarding the passing of Bill Hobson, the former longtime Executive Director of the Downtown Emergency Service Center.

Story

“This loss hits hard. Few advocates have been able to do so much for so many who have so little. He was kind, but unwavering, unapologetic and unafraid to speak up for those who have no voice.

“Bill’s once revolutionary approach of getting homeless people into safe housing first, and then helping them take on their underlying challenges, is today the preferred national model. He partnered with King County to create the Crisis Diversion Center, seeking to de-criminalize homelessness.

“He proved that strategies to help those who are homeless can be both humane and effective. Our community, and thousands of people here and across the country who likely never heard his name, will continue to benefit from the life's work of Bill Hobson.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Chad Lewis, Executive Office, 206-263-1250