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April 13, 2017
Since 2006, there has been a net decrease in homelessness of approximately 17%. The primary contributor of this decrease has been the funding source from the homeless housing and assistance document surcharge fees. These funds have been successful in providing services including youth services, respite care, shelter for unsheltered persons with mental illness, and support and safety to victims of domestic violence and their children.
Although homelessness is still lower than it was in 2006, since 2013 there has been a significant increase in homelessness in Washington, much of which is due to the increased cost of housing. Stagnant incomes and low vacancy rates have also contributed to the increase. The need for additional support for people who are homeless because of mental health needs, medical needs, and domestic violence continues to grow. However, an increase in funding and flexibility is needed to sustain and provide much needed additional services. It is not expected that federal funding will increase in the coming years, so it is important that the state provide a means to fund the many programs that are benefiting the homeless people around the state. For many, having these resources is a matter of life and death.
HB 1570, the Washington Opportunities Act, needs to move forward in the legislative process. HB 1570 will make the $40 local document recording surcharge that funds housing and homeless services permanent. It will allow cities or counties to charge and keep an additional surcharge for homelss housing and assistance.
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