Staff from the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) held an open house celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to mark the completion of renovations to their new office, located at 2025 NE Kresky Ave. in Chehalis.
The open house marks the completion of the office’s relocation from Harrison Avenue in Centralia, which started in September, as previously reported by The Chronicle. DSHS staff ended up at the Harrison Avenue office after the lease at their previous Hampe Way location expired in June 2025.
Now back on Kresky Avenue, the office is located next door to the local Salvation Army night-by-night shelter.
Among the many attendees, including some Lewis County officials, was Washington state Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama.
DSHS Community Service Office Administrator Yvonne Rivera spoke to welcome attendees.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and to be part of a team that works hard every day to help individuals and families access the benefits and services that they need,” Rivera said.
The newly renovated office will continue to offer access to the same public benefits and programs — such as basic food, cash and medical assistance.
DSHS’s Adult Protective Services, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Home and Community Services and WA Cares Fund offices are also located inside the office space, and the DSHS mobile office will also continue to operate throughout Lewis County, Rivera told The Chronicle.
For more information on the Chehalis office, visit the DSHS’ website at https://tinyurl.com/32dfdjmk.
