Kennewick DSHS offices move to new location in April
Contact: Norah West, DSHS Media Relations, 360–489–5587
Kennewick, WA — The Department of Social and Health Services’ Kennewick offices are relocating on April 5, 2021 from N Edison Street to 6909 Crosswind Blvd., Kennewick, WA 99336–7848. The old office will close permanently on April 2. The vast majority of DSHS services moved online and via telephone in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Currently in-person essential services are provided by appointment for people who have a general delivery address to pick up EBT cards and emergency supports. Offices moving to the new location are the Community Services Office, Division of Child Support and the Office of Fraud and Accountability, none of whose clients should expect a disruption in service.
The relocation was planned about four years ago to find a building that better met the needs of staff and clients. DSHS searched for an existing state-owned building in the area but none was available that could accommodate its needs, including enough lobby space to accommodate all customers once it is safe to reopen, and enough parking for customers and staff, including up to six electric vehicle stalls.
The building includes several features that protect the environment and provide savings through the addition of 75 solar panels, estimated to produce 36,000 KWH per year as well as LED lighting installed throughout the interior and exterior of the building. The new building and grounds also feature a six-loop bike rack, bench and picnic table; increased exterior glazing by 3.86%, which translates to decreased lighting costs and healthier work environment; and landscaping designed to promote energy efficiency — deciduous trees on the east, south and west sides of building for summer solar gain shading and natural light in the winter.
“Although we are relocating, we are pleased DSHS will still have a presence in Kennewick and we’ll continue to provide people with much-needed services,” said David Stillman, assistant secretary of DSHS’ Economic Services Administration. “We expect that our staff and clients will enjoy the new location for many years to come.”