Washington State Faces Funding Challenges For Homeless

State funds for homelessness services in Washington are running low, and the Legislature may need to secure additional funding to prevent program cuts. It is disheartening to see that the help promised by the state is not materializing as expected.

The Department of Commerce is expecting a deficit of approximately $403 million in fee revenue. This revenue is crucial for emergency shelter grants, temporary rent assistance, and support for homeless youth. It is generated from document recording fees that individuals pay when they file real estate deeds and other paperwork with county auditors.

The department is urging the Legislature to allocate general funds in order to maintain the current service levels, tackle inflation, and provide assistance to local governments that have seen a decrease in funding for homelessness.

Michele Thomas, director of policy and advocacy at the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, expressed concern over the lack of funding for homelessness, emphasizing the urgent need for more resources. According to Thomas, “We are facing a substantial deficit in funding, and the situation has become critical.”

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