Fighting Poverty, One Paycheck at a Time: How EcSA is Changing Lives in King County
King County is a hub of innovation and economic opportunity, yet many of our neighbors face significant challenges in achieving financial stability. In fact, 27% of Washington's struggling households are located here. With rising costs of living and systemic barriers to employment, traditional solutions alone aren’t enough. That’s why the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) proudly supports the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program—a transformative initiative helping individuals move from poverty to self-sufficiency.
Since its inception, EcSA has made a measurable impact in King County, serving over 1,000 individuals—80% of whom identify as part of marginalized communities, including BIPOC, immigrant, and justice-involved populations; 40% are under the age of 35, and 25% face language barriers. Among participants:
70% enter the program with no income.
78% are unemployed or recently laid off.
Median wages at entry are just $17.26, but by completion, they rise to $23.55, with a 60% increase in employment and a 32% increase in self-sufficiency—meaning participants can leave public benefits behind.
Addressing the “Benefits Cliff”
These outcomes demonstrate EcSA’s ability to address one of the most significant barriers to economic mobility: the “benefits cliff.” This occurs when small income increases result in the loss of critical public benefits—like housing, childcare, and healthcare—leaving families worse off despite earning more.
EcSA bridges this gap by offsetting financial losses and equipping participants with the skills and resources needed to achieve true independence. By tackling the disconnect between outdated federal poverty measures and the actual cost of living, EcSA provides a lifeline for families striving to build a stable future.
Tailored Solutions with Tangible Benefits
EcSA’s success lies in its ability to deliver flexible, tailored support:
Career and Financial Planning Assistance: Individualized services, financial literacy training, and work-based learning set participants on the path to sustainable careers.
Monthly Incentive Payments: Participants receive up to $1,000 monthly, reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus on training, education, and job readiness.
Through a partnership with the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS), participants in network technician apprenticeships benefited from these payments, enabling them to prepare for careers in network engineering and solar installation.
Employment among participants in a recent financial assistance pilot nearly doubled, rising from 37% to 66%, while participants reported significant improvements in quality of life, health, and job satisfaction.
One participant shared: "This funding allowed me to reduce, and eventually quit, working late nights to focus on school and internships."
In addition to individual support, EcSA strengthens communities. The Community Reinvestment Project has distributed $500,000 in grants to 40 small businesses, primarily owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs, boosting their capacity and long-term sustainability.
The Need for Continued Investment
Despite its success, the demand for EcSA far exceeds current resources.
27% of Washington’s struggling households live in King County, and 24% of King County households fall below the Self-Sufficiency Standard.
Enrollment has doubled since EcSA’s launch, with 600 active participants today—and many more on waitlists due to limited funding.
Without additional funding, EcSA services in King County will only continue through June 2025.
Call to Action
State support ensures that EcSA can continue breaking down barriers to opportunity, reaching underserved populations, and building a stronger, more resilient King County.
We urge you to support the upcoming EcSA decision package included in the Employment Security Department’s (ESD) budget request to the Governor during the upcoming legislative session.
Additionally, we invite you to join us for the 2025 Hill Day with the Washington Workforce Association on February 5th in Olympia. Please RSVP by Friday, January 10, 2025.
Together, we can continue to fight poverty—one paycheck at a time.