Tell The Washington State Legislature to Prioritize Ending Homelessness in the Upcoming Budget
Washington State Legislature
On January 10th, 2022, the Washington State Legislature will begin its new Legislative session. There, elected leaders will decide the fate of the remaining federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and other increased state revenue. It's critical that they allocate a significant portion of the upcoming budget to fight homelessness. That's where we need you to take action.
Sign our petition to urge the Washington State Legislature to prioritize ending homelessness not only in King County, but across the state.
These past few years have taught us a lot about managing during a crisis and one thing is clear – when we work together, we can solve major problems. With 2021 in the rearview mirror, we can make 2022 a year where we come together as a community to help our unhoused neighbors find homes and end homelessness in King County.
Tell the Washington State Legislature that Governor Inslee's proposed budget to the issue is a great step towards reaching that goal.
While communities have been working to address and solve the issue for many years, the pandemic has caused considerable increases in homelessness and housing instability. With the support of all Washingtonians, including our local elected officials, we can help our unhoused neighbors with the supports and services they need.
SIGN OUR PETITION HERE.
Sponsored by
To:
Washington State Legislature
From:
Mary Jane Francis
First, thank you for your service during this challenging time and for the historic investments made in affordable housing during the 2021 Legislative Session. The past few years have taught us a lot about managing through crisis and one thing is clear – when we work together, we can solve major problems to help the people of Washington State. Because of the leadership of so many – state and local elected officials, business, non-profits, and community leaders, our health care workers and Washingtonians from across the state – we continue to manage our way through the COVID pandemic better than most places in the country.
Now it’s time to work together to solve another crisis facing our state – homelessness. Every day thousands of Washingtonians are living unhoused and we know that the pandemic has made the problem worse. We see it in our communities throughout the state. We know the underlying reasons for this crisis are complex and that there are no easy solutions. That’s why we are encouraged by Governor Inslee’s comprehensive proposal to address this challenge.
Recently, a statewide poll was conducted to ask Washington voters their views of homelessness. In overwhelming numbers, voters said that addressing the crisis should be a top priority of state lawmakers (92%). Voters also told us that we need to focus on the causes including better healthcare, mental health services and substance abuse treatment (90%); we need to invest in housing (85%); and that state government should lead in responding to the homelessness crisis and use available federal funding (9 out of 10). We agree.
As the Legislature gets ready for the 2022 Legislative session and how to prioritize the remaining federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act as well as the increased state revenues, we urge you to make addressing homelessness and affordable housing a top priority.
We are encouraged and supportive of the Governor’s approach that prioritizes funds for emergency and affordable housing through increased funding for the Rapid Housing Acquisition Fund and the Housing Trust Fund and increases in funding for behavioral and mental health services.
Local communities have been working to address homelessness for many years. We have had some successes, but the COVID pandemic, lack of affordable housing, health care and services have made the problem much worse, particularly for those who are considered chronically homeless. As local elected officials, business leaders, community leaders and housing advocates, we stand ready to build a statewide partnership with all Washingtonians working together to help our community members move into housing and receive the support and services to provide them the stability they need.
We look forward to working together to make progress on this critical issue.