The benefits of Auburn Senior Activity Center Resource Navigation Program

Published 5:30 am Saturday, May 2, 2026

The elderly homeless woman had nowhere to go — her grown children were squatting in her home.

It was, said Min Feng, perhaps her toughest day working at the Auburn Senior Activity Center Resource Navigation Program.

Resource Navigators like her connect seniors and veterans to essential community resources that support stability, independence and well-being. Through individualized, client-centered support, they help participants access services such as basic needs, healthcare, housing and social supports.

When the program launched in 2005, it was aimed at veterans. It continues today with ongoing voter support from the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy that funds the program. Expanded in 2017 to include services for seniors and their families, voters renewed it in August 2023 with 71% voter approval, the highest in levy history.

Levy funding supports affordable housing, employment services, behavioral health treatment, and other essential services for veterans, seniors, and families across King County.

• In 2024, the first year of the renewed levy that will continue until 2029, the levy delivered services to more than 63,400 people throughout King County, among them 7,692 veterans, military service members and their respective families.

• 43,800 seniors and their caregivers served.

• 41 senior centers funded.

• 208 contracted community partners.

• Provide direct client support and system navigation.

• Support individuals facing housing, health, financial, and social barriers.

• Connect clients to county funded and community-based services.

Auburn Resource Navigator program highlights

• Served 164 clients, including 116 new and 48 returning clients.

• Expanded access to individual mental health counseling through a licensed provider.

• Hosted a bi-weekly mindfulness-based anxiety support group (April–June).

• Launched the Better Age pilot program to strengthen staff capacity in serving older adults.

• Sustained Friday congregate lunch services, reducing meal disruptions for seniors.

• Assisted older adults with online enrollment in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

• Distributed 64 food boxes, supporting 82 individuals with essential nutrition.

What does a Resource Navigator do?

• Basic needs assistance.

• Healthcare and medical support.

• Mental health services.

• Aging, caregiver, and protection services.

• Housing and home services.

• Legal, benefits, and paperwork assistance.

• Employment and vocational services.

• Transportation.

• Technology and accessibility.

• Community support.

• Food resources, hygiene supplies, and basic needs support.

• Emergency financial assistance.

• Medical care navigation and care coordination.

• In-home support, caregiver resources, and aging-related resources.

• Adult protective services and elder safety supports.

• Eviction prevention and housing referrals.

• Employment and job search support.

• Transportation assistance, transit access, and ride programs.

• Digital access support (online applications and digital literacy).

• Cross-agency service coordination.