Influencing Change Through Advocacy at the State

Level2006 National Alliance to End Homelessness

ConferenceEnding Homelessness: Plan, Act, Succeed

Washington State Demographics

WA State Population: 6,287,759

Number of homeless persons in WA

State: 20,774Median single-family home in Seattle: $338,600 (requires an average family income of more than $80,000 per year)

Median single-family home in King

County: $434,950

Washington State Population Density

Housing Trust Fund Federal funds Seattle Housing Levy Combined capital funding application

process Tax credit application with

homelessness priority

Capital Resources in Washington State

Sound Families - Three Puget Sound Counties

• Funds housing & support services for homeless families in the Puget Sound Region

• $40 million challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Seven regional housing authorities committed project-based Section 8 vouchers & project-based exit vouchers

• Steering Committee includes representatives from 3 counties, government jurisdictions, public housing authorities, & Washington State

A Sea Change Began in 2000 . . .

Taking Sound Families StatewideBuilding on evaluation and experience of Sound Families:

Legislative champions Statewide advocates Housing and homeless coalitions and

providers Public housing authorities Local governments Business Philanthropy

The Fund was authorized by the Washington State Legislature. It received an initial appropriation of $2 million, plus an additional $4 million in 2006.

The purpose of the Fund is to expand the availability of supportive housing - an effective model for helping homeless families - by providing stable long-term funding for housing-based services across Washington State.

Authorization and Purpose:

Washington Families Fund (2004)

• WFF provides 10 years of service funding• Is a public-private partnership that leverages

and increases funding for services statewide. • The initial $2 million investment of State funds

required matching private contributions. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $2 million, and established their second $1 million as a challenge grant.

• Eleven local foundations/corporations and more than 100 individuals made the $1million match.

• Housing operations costs are covered by Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or other rental subsidies.

Washington Families Fund (WFF)

Sound Families-Washington Families FundSuccessful Philanthropic Collaborations Require:

Strong philanthropic leadership Key partnerships Educating other potential funders Leveraging public and other

philanthropic funds A nonprofit intermediary with a solid

track record

State Operating Funds for Low-Income Housing (2002)Funded by a $10 document recording fee on real estate transactions in all counties (HB2060)

Counties keep 60% of revenue; 40% goes to the State housing agency for a statewide grant

program

Provides capital and operations support Includes up to 5 years of rental subsidy

to buy down rent levels from 80% - 15% of Area Median Income

An additional $10 document recording fee (HB2163)

Commitment from all sectors is necessary to end homelessness in Washington Housing and services administered at the local level, with counties as the lead Counties and State must complete and implement a plan to reduce homelessness by 50% by 2015

Homelessness, Housing & Assistance Act (2005)

Funding:• Anticipates $12-16 million per year for

homeless housing and services

• Essentially any activity that leads to reducing homelessness is eligible, if it complies with the State and local plan priorities, including technical assistance and capacity building

• Complements HB2060 operating funds

Homelessness, Housing & Assistance Act

The Veterans and Human Services Levy (2005) Approved in King County (greater Seattle) Provides $13.3 million per year for next 6

years First year focused on capital improvements, information systems, training, equipment and

one- time needs After first year, $1million each year for capital improvements Funds are split between veterans and their families, and other low-income populations in need

Goals of Veterans and Human Services Levy Reduce homelessness and emergency medical costs Reduce criminal justice system involvement at

client & systems levels Increase self-sufficiency and independence by

means of employment

State Housing Trust Fund increase of $80 million to $100 million, biennium

2006

Planning strategically . . .

Washington State Budget Surplus

• Statewide affordable housing for all Voters for Affordable Housing PAC seeks to recognize housing leaders, strengthen emerging leaders, and impact key races, making the connection for legislators, business, philanthropy and government• Homelessness and the availability of affordable housing become a part of the Governor’s priorities• Building and sustaining multi-year service funding for single adults & families• Develop bi-partisan support

The Future: 2006-2007

To receive a copy of this presentation, please contact:

Betsy Lieberman - betsy@aidshousing.org

AIDS Housing of Washington2014 East Madison, Suite 200

Seattle, WA 98122206-322-9444

www.aidshousing.org