Port Townsend, WA – The Department of Social and Health Services’ Port Townsend offices are relocating on Aug. 29 and 30 from Sheridan Street to Evergreen Plaza at 2507 Evans Vista, Port Townsend, WA 98368. The new office is easy to find, energy efficient and features a welcoming lobby to serve Jefferson County clients as well as day lighting for all workspaces and collaboration spaces. The agency expects to be open for business at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.
DSHS serves a variety of customers from this location, including through its Community Services Office, which offers public benefits such as food, cash and medical assistance. Beginning Thursday, Aug. 29, the Mobile Community Services Office will be on-site at the current location to help provide seamless services during the move.
Other offices moving to the Evans Vista location are the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Administration and Home and Community Services, none of whose clients should expect a disruption in service. The state’s Department of Children, Youth & Families is also relocating to the new site. The Employment Security Department is relocating to a different building in Port Townsend.
Jefferson County Health Care owns the building DSHS is currently leasing and is not renewing that lease. It intends to use the building for low-cost dental services as well as its administrative headquarters.
“Although we are relocating, we are pleased DSHS will still have a presence in the Port Townsend community and we’ll continue to provide people with much-needed services,” said Judy Fitzgerald, assistant secretary of DSHS’ Facilities, Finance and Analytics Administration. “We are happy we could collaborate with Jefferson County Health Care to create a win-win for rural residents in the county.”
DSHS searched for an existing state-owned building in the area but none was available that could accommodate its needs, so it is leasing from a private developer. The new space is smaller at 9,946 square feet compared to the current 11,106, and uses modernization techniques including focus rooms and shared collaboration areas.
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