HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-15 YPC Packet129 �iforlh Second Shvet, 2nd Floor Yakinia, 98901
City of Yakima Planning Commission
PUBLIC MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday March 11, 2015
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
YPC Members:
Chairman Dave Fonfara, Vice -Chair Scott Clark, Al Rose,
Paul Stelzer, Bill Cook, Patricia Byers, Ron Anderson
FIOR THE
El -'(11111 ^ i) / IlFl I E,
!Qlty Planning Staff:
Joan Davenport (Community Development Director/Planning Manager); Jeff Peters (Supervising
Planner); Valerie Smith (Senior Planner); Robbie Aaron and Trevor Martin (Assistant Planners); and
Rosalinda Ibarra (Administrative Assistant)
Agenda
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Staff Announcements
IV. Audience Participation
V. Approval of Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
January 14, 2015, January 28, 2015, and February 11, 2015
VI. Continue Review of the Public Participation Plan for the Comprehensive Plan Update
2040
VII. Other Business
VIII. Adjourn
Next Meeting. March 18, 2015
City of Yakima Planning Commission
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday March 11, 2015
Beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Meeting
PLEASE WRITE LEGIBLY
Page 1 03/11/2015 YPC Meeting
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1iOR °I IIIA°,
U.�tt t.)RD / FILE
City Planning Commission
Mission Use Study Session
City of Yakima Planning Commission is currently engaged in review of land use categories and
classifications related to services and shelter to our community's homeless population. Our
community has actively addressed needs and services for the homeless over the past three decades.
This effort has engaged local government, public agencies, private and nonprofit organizations
and the citizens. The planning process should be guided by the Urban Area Comprehensive Plan
2025 and Homeless Network Ten Year Plan. City Council has placed a moratorium on homeless
shelters in the Small Convenience Center (SCC) zoning district and directed The Planning
Commission to study the use classifications and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
City Staff has prepared and submitted a proposed ordinance based upon a 1992 Hearing Examiner
Decision for a "Mission" use classification. The potential uses, however, are more complicated
and nuanced than a single category. This is not a "one size fits all issue.
City Staff has proposed codification of "two interpretations" regarding the appropriate land use
definition and designation associated with uses proposed by Union Gospel Mission.' UGM
proposed a large and diverse facility providing services to the homeless. The Hearing Examiner
developed a definition known as "mission" which was as follows:
Mission means a facility typically owned or operated by a public
agency or non-profit corporation, providing a variety of services
for the disadvantaged, typically including but not limited to
temporary housing for the homeless, dining facilities, health and
counseling activities, whether or not of a spiritual nature, with
such services being generally provided to the public at large.
It is proposed that a "Mission" be allowed as a Class 2 Use in the Central Business District
(CBD), General Commercial (GC) and Light Industrial (M-1) Zoning Districts. We will provide
comments on the proposal at time of public hearing.
The manner of providing services, assistance and shelter to the homeless has evolved and been
refined over the past fifteen (15) years. The delivery of services has changed and the zoning
ordinance should reflect and allow alternative services. Our community has developed a
continuum of'care approach which focuses on a single point of contact for accessing services
across the multitude of service providers, The facility is designed primarily for provision of
A careful review of Examiner's Interpretation with respect to the Union Gospel Mission is critical for a clear
understanding of the issues presented in the context of the interpretation. The City of Yakima and Yakima County
had historically characterized homeless shelters as "Corn mLill ity Centers" under the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance
(UAZO) and processed to prior applications based upon that interpretation. Subsequent to the earlier interpretations,
Yakima County and City of Yakima amended the UAZO and made Community Centers a Class I use within the
Central Business District (CBD) and Central Business District Support (CBDS) zoning districts.
assistance, resources, outreach and integration of service providers. An incidental or ancillary
component provides overnight emergency shelter. We would propose a second use classification
as follows:
"Resource Service Center" means a mixed use facility providing
programs, resources, assistance and temporary shelter to homeless and
pre -homeless populations of the immediate community.
The facility would serve the immediate needs of the neighborhood and local community. The
facility would be much smaller than the "Mission" and have an emergency shelter limit of 50
beds. The primary use of the facility would be to provide programs, resources and assistance to
pre -homeless and homeless individuals and would not include medical or dental clinics, in-
patient mental health or chemical dependency programs, religious activities or other similar uses.
The Community Resource Service Center would be allowed as a Class 2 Use in the CBD, GC,
M-1, SCC and LCC Zoning Districts. The placement would require, however, that a need be
established with respect to the immediate neighborhood and service area.
NARRATIVE DISCUSSION
Introduction
Any discussion of homeless housing and services evokes a range of emotions, biases, prejudices,
and stereotypes. It is important to separate facts from unsubstantiated fears and prejudices. A
simple and fundamental beginning proposition is that this is a matter of land use — not who uses
the land. An integral component of the assessment is a recognition that the focus is on the use of
the land and not the identity of the users. Phillips Supply Co., v. Cincinnati Zoning Bd. Of
Appeal, 17 NE 3`d 1 (Ohio 2014) ("this is a zoning case, generally, zoning laws may regulate the
use of the land, not the identity of the users"). This state has emphasized that stereotypes and
popular prejudices may not form the basis for zoning decisions. Sunderland Family Treatment
Services v. City of Pasco, 127 Wn.2d 782, 794 (1995). Planning for services and assistance to
homeless are challenging because of stereotypes, prejudices and unsubstantiated biases. The
focus is on land use and not the individual using the land.
Background on Planning for Homeless Services.
Yakima County and City of Yakima have collectively began a coordinated approach to
addressing needs of the homeless in our community. The Homeless Network of Yakima County
is an association of housing providers, service providers, community leaders, and other interested
persons and entities concerned about addressing the chronic, transitional and permanent needs of
the homeless. The partners of the Homeless Network of Yakima County developed "a 10 -year
Plan to End Homelessness in Yakima County." ("Homeless Network Ten -Year Plan")
Attachment A.
Yakima County (BOCC Resolution No. 66-2005) and City of Yakima (Proclamation of February
15, 2005) endorsed the Homeless Network Ten Year Plan. The Plan established the following
four objectives.
• Reduce the number of homeless families
• Reduce the number of non -chronically homeless individuals
• Reduce the number of chronically homeless individuals
• Reduce the number of homeless youth
The four objectives were supported by both long-term and short-term strategies. The plan
sought to promote coordination and linkage of resources to "...build a comprehensive system to
end homelessness and prevent return to homelessness and moving homeless individuals and
families beyond shelter to permanent housing and self-sufficiency." Homeless Network has
proceeded to implement the plan through its partners.
At the center of the Homeless Network 10 -Year Plan is an integral component of the continuum
of care structure directed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The plan
provides:
This continuum of care approach will streamline the current
system so homeless people can move back into society through a
coordinated housing and service system that addresses all of their
immediate needs.
Homeless Network 10 -Year Plan — 5. The structure contemplates a comprehensive system
which includes the following:
• Outreach, intake and assessment to identify an individual's or
families service and housing needs, and link them to appropriate
housing and/or service resource.
Emergency shelter and safe, decent alternatives to the streets..
• Transitional housing with supportive services to help people
develop the skills necessary for permanent housing.
• Permanent housing and permanent supportive housing.
Homeless Network 10 -Year Plan —10.
A critical component in the continuum of care approach is the concept that there be a single
point of contact for accessing services. This single point of contact has come to be known as a
"Resource Center". The system includes necessary linkages and referral mechanisms designed
to facilitate the movement of individuals and families toward permanent housing and self-
sufficiency. Homeless Network Ten -Year Plan states:
In this methodology case management plays a multi -faceted role.
It is the primary means of linking the individual/family in need of
services with those services through outreach. It provides
continuity to the individual/family throughout the continuum of
care process.
During this process case managers act as a single point of contact
for accessing services across the multitude of service providers.
In this role, case managers prevent the duplication of services and
identify resources to fill potential gaps in the service continuum.
There must be a facility located geographically to address the
identified needs.
The continuum of care model recognizes that services are a critical element at each stage in the
continuum process. Homeless Network 10 -Year Plan —11. Yakima Neighborhood Health
Services currently operates two Resource Centers — one in Yakima and one in Sunnyside. The
service centers, however, do not currently provide emergency shelters.
0
Emergency Services and shelter acre an integral component of the continuum of care. The
provision of emergency services is not, however, an end in itself but rather a vehicle that
facilitates the broader services available through the network.
Three characteristics must be present in order for emergency
services — including emergency shelters — to be effective in this
continuum. First, emergency services must be coordinated and
integrated with all other homeless services in the continuum. This
requires that emergency service providers share resources, not
duplicate them. Secondly, the transition from one service to
another needs to be seamless and have minimal barriers. This will
ensure that a person or family in need of a specific service will not
"fall through the gaps." The third and final characteristic is that
emergency services — including emergency shelters — must be
readily available and assessable by the individual and family in
need and by the "continuum of care" service providers.
Homeless Network 10 -Year Plan —11. City of Yakima and Yakima County have endorsed this
plan and land use policy should seek to develop and accommodate facilities to carry forward
this important work. Yakima Neighborhood Services (YNHS) has proposed a land use
classification for "Community Resource Service Center" which is designed to implement the
continuum of care facility contemplated by the Homeless Network 10 -Year Plan. The definition
is as follows:
"Community Resource Service Center" means a mixed use
facility providing programs, resources, assistance and temporary
shelter to homeless and pre -homeless populations of the
immediate community.
Mainstream services need to be provided at the place of need. That is the reason that there must
be a determination that the facility serve the needs of the immediate community. This concept
also avoids the fear that shelter and resource facilities will proliferate and be located in areas
where there is no established need.
Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025.
Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2025 ("Plan 2025') specifically addresses affordable housing
and homeless issues. Plan 2025 specifically comments:
As an "economically distressed" community, Yakima County has
experienced a rapid increase in the numbers of homeless individuals and
families as well as a number of those at risk of becoming homeless. These
increases are due to above average per capita rates of unemployment,
chemical dependency, mental illness, and domestic discord combined with
low wages, insufficient incomes and possibly the weather.
Plan 2025 Chapter 5 — Housing. The Homeless Network is specifically identified as an association of
"...emergency housing providers, service providers, community leaders and other interested persons or
entities concerned about addressing the emergency, transitional and permanent housing needs of the
homeless persons and families." Id. Plan 2025 then provides:
The Homeless Network is focused on reducing homelessness in Yakima
County by 2014 through fundamental changes in both services to the
homeless and delivery of needed services to the homeless. This goal will
require the coordination of services throughout a countywide integrated
system and multi -disciplinary services structure. The Homeless Network
currently has a membership of over forty-five local agencies.
The proposed definition is designed to implement community planning with respect to provision of
resources, services and emergency shelter to the homeless of the community. Plan 2025 Goal 5.1 guides
affordable housing choices and adopts the following policies:
5.1.1 Continually monitor affordable housing needs and assist in providing
locations for affordable housing as necessary to meet this need.
5.1.2 Support and inventory potential sites for affordable housing
development and redevelopment.
5.1.3 Encourage affordable housing development.
5.1.5 Encourage the provision of fair share housing opportunities to all
economic segments and mixed uses for infill developments.
5.1.7 Encourage good faith efforts that the City of Yakima and other local
governments not impose regulations that may constitute barriers to
affordable housing availability, and appropriate compatible residential
densities.
These goals and policies support development of emergency and transitional housing in the context of the
homeless population.
American Planning Association — Policy Guide on Homelessness.
American Planning Association ("APA") has published a policy guide addressing issues, planning
and legal considerations relating to policies addressing homelessness. American Planning Association,
Policy Guide on Homelessness (2003). Attachment B. APA recognizes the need for comprehensive
planning and zoning ordinances that recognize the integrated web of services and shelter. The findings
adopt the continuum of care planning process mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development. APA commented:
Further, a more coordinated approach to provide housing and services for
homeless people offers a good framework for increasing communication
and information sharing among key stakeholders including mainstream
agencies and broadens the base for financial support in the homeless
assistance network. Note: The seven components, of a full Continuum of
Care, are: prevention, outreach and assessment, emergency shelter,
transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, permanent affordable
housing, and supportive services.
APA Finding II.6. Homeless Network adopted this process as reflected in Municipal actions related to both
Plan 2025 and Homeless Network Ten Year Plan. The coordination of services is recognized as a planning
component:
Coordination promotes the efficient use of public funds. The coordination
of planning efforts provides a platform for addressing housing needs
strategically, with an integrated vision that guides, connects, and
communicates a more comprehensive effort. This effort may promote
equity by offering a continuum of supportive housing options.
APA further recognizes that emergency shelters are essential components in the continuum of care.
Shelter should be considered a basic community service. In the wealthiest
nation on earth, there is no excuse for people to parish from exposure, but it
happens across the nation every day. Short-term shelters get people off the
streets and offer the opportunity to access supportive services that can help
them to overcome the circumstances and barriers in their lives that prevent
them from securing and maintaining permanent housing situations. A
shelter is not intended to become, nor should it be a long-term solution to
homelessness, but a humanitarian measure that in the interest of public
health offers basic protection from harm.
It is recognized that the APA "...should oppose neighborhood efforts to thwart housing for the homeless
and non -homeless special needs populations on the basis of prejudices and fears concerning property values.
It is also recognized that Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act ("ADA") states "no qualified
individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied
the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by
any such entity." The court in Olmstad v. L. C, 138 F.3d 893 recognized that regulations ban "separate but
equal" approach to accommodating the disabled. Local governments can violate the Fair Housing Act if
they deny a reasonable accommodation due to neighborhood fears and prejudices about the homeless and
disabled persons.
Hearing Examiner "Mission" Use Interpretation.
In 1992, John Puccinelli, owner of a downtown restaurant and subsequent member of the Yakima City
Council, requested an interpretation regarding land use classification for the Union Gospel Mission. (City
No. UAZO-Inter#1-92). Interpretation was undertaken in the context of relocation of the Union Gospel
Mission to North First Street, Yakima, Washington. The proposed facility drew considerable public
comment and was controversial at the time. The project proposal also contemplated a very large facility
with a diverse range of uses, services and housing.
City of Yakima and Yakima County had reviewed prior application submitted by Union Gospel Mission
for large facilities located both inside and outside the municipal boundaries. Both jurisdictions interpreted
and processed the applications as a "Community Center" under the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (UAZO).
The earlier processes provided for Class (2) review of the application. Subsequent to the time of the earlier
applications, the jurisdictions amended the review process and reclassified "Community Center" from a
Class (2) use to a Class (1) use within the Central Business District (CBD) and Central Business District
Support (CBDS) Zoning Districts. Hearing Examiner recognized the historic interpretations but recognized
a need for public comment and review of the application.
Following public hearing, Hearing Examiner established a new land use category called "Mission" which
was defined as follows:
Mission means a facility typically owned or operated by a public agency
or a non-profit corporation, providing a variety of services for the
disadvantaged, typically including but not limited to temporary housing
for the homeless, dining facilities, health and counseling services, whether
or not of a spiritual nature, with such services being generally provided to
the public at large.
It is important to review the proposed use that gave rise to the zoning interpretation. Hearing Examiner
summarized a number of activities as follows:
The Mission's primary purpose is the provision of spiritual and material
support for those in need. In the past year it has served over 140,000 meals
in-house, provided nearly 2,000 boxes of food to the community; provided
clothing and other staples, as well as operating two dental clinics, a foot
clinic and providing showers in similar facilities. These services are all
provided on a non-residential basis and constitute a substantial portion of
the services provided by the Mission. The Mission also provides
residential facilities. Within the existing facility typically 20 to 30 men
and women are provided shelter at times of need. The Mission also
provides spiritually oriented assistance to those having difficulty in coping
with difficult situations, such as divorce, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Information in other applications for relocation submitted by the Mission
describe the proposed use as providing food and lodging facilities for
homeless men and families; drug and alcohol rehabilitation; ministry and
related services. Proposed facilities have included a dormitory and family
shelter, dining and kitchen facilities, auditoriums, gymnasiums, and
maintenance/repair shops.
Depending upon its perspective location, the residential aspect of the
program could be significantly increased, as reflected in the evidence
concerning the proposed Terrace Heights location, in which temporary
residential facilities for perhaps 200 individuals were contemplated. As in
any business, the current facilities obviously constrain the scope and extent
of services which can be provided.
One of the Mission's primary objectives is to provide spiritually orientated
assistance to help others help themselves. Accordingly, those receiving the
benefit of temporary housing at the Mission are not allowed to say in the
Mission during the day, and are expected to use that time to seek
employment and other assistance.
Examiner's Interpretation 2-3. Hearing Examiner discussed a variety of land classifications (e.g.
community center, half -way house, group homes, multi -family dwelling units and boarding houses). It was
specifically noted that "...[h]otels, for instance, have almost identical activities to the Mission, and are
treated as a Class 1 Use.
After reviewing the evidence and ordinance provisions, Hearing Examiner issued the following decision:
The activities encompassed by the Mission are consistent with the intent and
development standards of both the Central Business District and Central
Business District Support zones. Class 2 review is appropriate in order to
determine, based upon a specific factual circumstance, if there are any issues
which present compatibility concerns. Defining the Mission as a Class 2
Use has the effect of creating a presumption that the use is permitted, but
permits some public review.
Examiner's Interpretation 10-11.
Community Resource Service Center is a much less intensive land use. The smaller scale would dictate
review on a Class 1 or Class 2 basis.
U:\DebbieG\Yakima Neighborhood Health\City Planning Commission.docx
ATTACHMENT A
BOARD OF YAKIMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
IN THE MATTER OF ENDORSING )
TEN-YEAR PLAN TO REDUCE ) RESOLUTION NO. 2005
HOMELESSNESS IN YAKIMA COUNTY)
WHEREAS, an estimated 4,500 Yakima County residents are without safe, permanent
housing; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Network of Yakima County is a consortium of 37 providers
and consumers focused on reducing homelessness in Yakima County by 2014; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Network of Yakima County believes that a community
commitment to carrying out these approaches and strategies will positively impact those who are
already homeless as well as those at risk of becoming homeless and by doing so the quality of
life can and will be enhanced for individuals, families, and Yakima County as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Network of Yakima County Plan to Reduce Homelessness in
Yakima County by 2014 promotes coordinating and linking resources to build a comprehensive
system to end homelessness and prevent return to homelessness and moving homeless
individuals and families beyond shelter to permanent housing and self-sufficiency;
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Yakima County Commissioners that
they have read the aforementioned plan and find it to be sound and viable.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board endorses the plan and hereby authorizes
the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners to sign.
Done this day of
t 2005.
Ronald F Gamache, Chairman
Attest: Sandra J. Acosta
Deputy Clerk o6liv Board
t
o
OD. 0
,y $
isseneiaos,Commissioner
MIM ael. D, Leita, Commissioner
Constituting the Board of County Commissioners
for Yakima County, Washington
H 4.1500d
R COP C L,:,,, $1 Wf, A T 10
an estimated4,500 Yakima County residents are without safe, decent,
and affordable permanent housing; and
homelessness is a substantial and pervasive problem that has a powe fid
negative impact on our community and our citizens; and
it is in the best interest of all Yakima residents to see a reduction in the
level of homelessness within the City of Takima; and
the 916meless Wetworko f Takima County is a consortium of 37 service
providers and consumers focused on reducing chronic homelessness in Yakima County by 2014;
and
MR1 the Yfomeless Xetworkof Takima County has a Ten Tear Elan to End
ChroniciMomelessness in Yakima County by 2014 by coordinating and linking resources to
build a comprehensive system that wiffl. end chronic homelessness, and 2. prevent return to
homelessness, and 3. move homeless individuals and families 6eyond short-term shelter to
permanent housing and self-sufficiency; and
the Yakima City Counciland the Ifomeless Networkof Takima County
have determined that a united community commitment to carrying out these approaches and
strategies wiffpositivefy impact those who are already homeless, as well as those a riskof
becoming homeless, and that by doing so the quality of life of individuals andfamifies, as well
as that of the Citizens of the City of Takima and Yakima County as a whole, can and wiffbe
enhanced
WaUV9m O"I'VIZI, 0 ; I, TaufP- George, mayor of the City of Takima, and on behalf
of the City Councifdo hereby proclaim our support of the goats and strategies expressed in the
Yfomefess Network of Takima County Ten Year Pfan to End Chronic Ylomefessness, and urge
affto support their efforts insofar as they are a6fe.
!Dated this 15th day of (February, 2005
Tauf1r'. George, %ayor
i ot
Dvvvl,orvr) m'' 9 G I t, I I ri I o'N'll',kESS P"4ANVORK04, VAKINIA, COUNTY
PARTL-
HoMELEss NETWORK
YAKJMA COUNTY PROFILE
PARTH.
SECTION I — EM ERAIENCY SERVICES
-SIXTION2, — MAUNS111,11"WN4 Slllt'�,,,ICCESS,
SECTION 3 — DATA
S EC"110, W. O 1 r'[Yt LAC1, I
SECTION 5 — SHORTi-,-N Homr-ussNESS
SECTION 6 — RAPID lW- 40USING
SECT90N 7 -- PERMMENT HOUSTING
Scum 8 — SYSTE%MS PREVENTMN
S ECTION 9 -- INCOMF
PA R T III:
TEN YEAR PLAN
1. HomlEIL,ESS F.:'MMLIES
111. NON-CHROW Fl0.",1LLESS
(,'flR0,'fl(l'ALLY 1](AH"I.S."SS
V., 1XVIF,"l, COLLECTION & PLANNING
(1-1,41EN T,5:
ATTACI V011`1�jl'l [)��'HNITIONS
The 111issiorl ofthe 1-lon"ieless Network ofYakinia County
MISSION (Network) is to advocate for the homeless people ofYakima
County in order to 4nprove the quality of life, increase public
awareness of issues of homelessness, impact public policy,
and to prevent and end homelessness.
The Homeless Network will focus on realizable strategies to
VISION move homeless individuals and families beyond shelter to
permanent housing and self-sufficiency by looking at a
comprehensive range of needs and develop the local capacity
to meet these needs. The Network will identil ways; of
coordinating and linking resources to avoid duplication by
involviiag agencies and individuals currently involved with.
homeless and involve stakeholders outside of the traditional
homeless system with a shared goal of building a
comprehensive system to end homelessness and prevent
return to homelessness.
The .iw oinele,ss Network is an association ofenaergency
OPERATING housing providers, service providers, community leaders, and
PRINCIPLES any other interested person or entity who are concerned about
addressing the emergency, transitional and permanent needs
of the homeless. The purpose of the Network is:
1. Provide a place to share ideas, concerns and resources
applicable to homeless issues and foster collaboration
in addressing needs of the homeless.
2. Increase community awareness related to the causes of
homelessness, the needs of homeless people and ways
to end homelessness through a program of public
education and advocacy.
3. Participate in developing and supporting public policy
to assist homeless people and work toward ending
homelessness.
4. Research and develop resources to support Network
and Continuum of Care projects.
5. Develop, implement and annually review county -wide
plans to end homelessness.
0 ESUS NE'rWORK OF 'AIUC" A COUNIA
,urra,�.0 �uiwvi ne ta::,ln earANWa�uA«w.w.w.�.r,WeoY xw:wmwa�wsa�m!� oonuuOtlW: .�HdbdiWiuvM.ur �ri k�Auc rn �m'„ua�w � art v�lrem� dN6nwP u�,r�uxrtm
HOMELESS NETWORK MEMBERSHIP
Campbell Farm
Care Bearers
W 'Its Family Por ins
Center for Change
Central Washington
Ctarwhensive Mental Health
Cit of Yakima Office .o._..
City of
Nt ig,j borhood Develo��jnent
Community Residential Services
Association
'ontn�tr _..�...�_�.....
wwwww pity Volunteers
Consumer Credit Counseling
Services of
ima
lley
Diocese of Yakkma Hoastng
_Services _ g
DSHS Region 2 Dept. of Child andd
Family Services _
DSHS Region 2 Juvenile
Rehabilitation Administration
Elmview
EPIC
............. _...................w�......
Far A Better Tomorrow
Homeless_..--._... �.............�.� .���__...
and Formally Homeless
Volunteers
Next Step Housing
Northwest Justice Prod c l
Office of Rural & Farm Worker
Oxford House Inca
Parent Trust for Washington
Children
Providence Health
Syte,L,/'royidence House
River Rock
Consulting .._
St Vincent de Paul
State of Department Washington De
g p ent of
Corrections
The Salvation Army of Yakima
Triumph Treatment Services
Union Gospel Mission Ministries
United Way of Yakima Co'u
Yakima Association of Churches
Yakima County Coalition for the
Homeless
Yakima Count of Comm
...
y De t. p unity
Services
Yakima Family YMCA
Yakima Federal Savings & Loan
_ Association _
Yakima Health District �
- Yakima Housin
. �.Autlaoart
Yakima Interfaith Coalition/La Casa
Yakima NeighborhooduHealth
Services
_ _Yakima PublicSchoo
I s
Yakima �....w.____.... -- _....._ ...�
Valle Farm Workers Clinic
—_N.C.A.C.
Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for
Humanit.v
4
YWCA of Yakima
HOMELESS NETMIORK OF VAKINIA . J11IN
PLANNING
This ten-year plan to end homelessness in Yakima County by 2015 is the end result of a
communitywide concern at the growing number of those at risk of becoming homeless as
well as actual homeless individuals and families in the county. Towards the goal of
ending homelessness, a coalition of over 40 local homeless service providers and
involved individuals formed the Homeless Network of Yakima County (Network).
Members include:
Mental health providers
Local government representatives
Health care providers
Affordable housing providers
Shelter providers
Substance abuse providers
Domestic violence services providers
Homeless individuals
Correctional representatives
Funders
Housing finance services
Child abuse/neglect service providers
Foster care services providers
Community developers
Veterans services providers
Legal services providers
As part of the planning process the Network conducted "Point in Time" homeless counts
which have provided base -line measurement data on the homeless population. The "Point
in Time" data has been used to identify areas of emphasis. Based on these areas, the
Network established the following four objectives:
Reduce the number of homeless families
Reduce the number of non -chronically homeless individuals
Reduce the number of chronically homeless individuals
Reduce the number of homeless youth
Under each of these four objectives the Homeless Network has established four strategies:
Housing
Prevention
Income
Health
To address each of the four objectives and strategies under the 10 -year plan the Network
has identified several activities both long-term and short-term that can be implemented to
achieve the goal of reducing homelessness in Yakima County.
This continuum of'care approach will streamline the current systern so homeless people
can move back into society through a coordinated housing and service system that
addresses all of their immediate needs.
The Homeless Network believes that a community commitment to carrying out these
approaches and strategies will positively impact those who are already homeless as well
as those at risk of becoming homeless. By doing so the quality of life can and will be
enhanced for individuals, families, and Yakima County as a whole.
. ...........
H0MEi-,,iF,ss N'E,rwORK OF VAKD11A COUN'ry
Community Service
Providers
Identify Gaps in
Resources
.. .. ...... I
Point in Time
Study
Determine Needs
V
Local Governments
HOMELESS NETWORK OF
YAKIMA COUNTY 4== Public Input
Executive Committee
Legislative Committee
IBIS Committee
Planning & Resource
Committee
Homeless Youth
Committee
Communications
Public Education
Committee
Prioritize Needs
Deve lopmentoflO year Plan
Implement 10 -year Plan
6
Yalcima County, Washington
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7
YAK MA COUNTY
Yakima County is the state's second largest county in terms of square miles (4,296 miles)
and has the seventh largest population (226,727). It is unique in the State in having the
largest concentration of minority populations in the state; over 50 percent of Yakima
County's population is individuals of Hispanic background. According to the Office of
Financial Management, one-half of the entire state's Native American population lives in
the County. Yakima County is also home to the largest population of migrant and
seasonal farm workers in the State. According to the Washington Migrant and Seasonal
Farm Workers (MSFW) Enumeration Study for Washington State, there are 81,175
migrant and seasonal farm workers, including family members, temporarily resident in
Yakima County.
The area's economic basis — agriculture and service industries — employs over 60 percent
of the working population. Work in these sectors is traditionally low paying, is subject to
seasonal employment, and offers little or no opportunities for upward advancement. Full-
time occupations that pay more than minimum wage account for less than 13 percent of
the work force.
Yakima County has been designated an "economically distressed" county by the
Washington State Legislature due to the county's chronically depressed economy. Only
22 percent of the land surface is taxable because of a Federal Military Training Center
and the Yakama Indian Reservation. Despite the injection of millions of State and Federal
dollars in the form of employment and training programs annually for the past 20 years,
the county continues to experience severe economic hardships. Nearly 40 percent of the
county's population over the age of 16 is not in the work force. Chronic unemployment in
the county — which averages between 9 — 11 percent annually - continues to be twice the
state average.
Unemployment, low wages, chemical dependency, mental illness and insufficient income
are established precursors to homelessness. On this basis, all available indicators show
that Yakima County has the potential of having a large pool of individuals and families
who are at risk of becoming homeless.
lt�a d.LLJ'cr� c a q - Nearly a quarter of Yakima County's population live at or
below poverty level. Even among those not in poverty, 42
percent are forced to seek some form of public assistance
some time during the year. This is due, in part, to the
County's median household income; Yakima County ranks
24"' among the state's 39 counties with an annual median
household income of $39,022; almost 25 percent below the
state average of $51,794. The number of individuals
visiting area food banks per 1,000 population in Yakima
County is 80 percent greater than the state average (1,897
versus 1,05 1). Similarly, families receiving Temporary
YAKIMA COUNTY
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is 123.65 per 1,000
in Yakima County compared with the state average of
63.92.
.•wl ?ical ml , i cdqark°1? - Among youth aged 10- 17, 23.7 per 1,000 are clients of
state-fimded chemical dependency programs; this exceeds
the state average of 11.09. Among adults this rate is 23.11
per 1,000 compared with the state average of 11.83.
Mental Illness - The Washington State Mental Health Division calculates
there are in excess of 7,000 Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI)
individuals in Yakima County. Of this population 160 have
been identified as homeless.
G
A shortage of affordable housing plays a significant role in homelessness. Less than 1
percent of all housing in the County has been built over the past 10 years despite a
population increase of 5 percent. There are 358 housing units available per 1,000
Population which, is 20 percent lower than the state average. The current homeownership
rate in Yakima (-.county is 62.8percent. OIC"the available housing units in the County 36
percent are renter occupied units with, an average vacancy rate of only 5.5 percent. As a
result, housing in the County is in short supply. The lack of housing is most pronounced
outside of the county's urban areas. In townships such as Parker and Outlook no new
homes have been built in nearly 20 years.
This shortage of available housing has put a premium on what housing is available. The
average price per home is $125;700 which represents an increase of 33.7 percent over the
past ten years. The average monthly rent for a two bedroom home is $596. It requires a
median income family to pay over half (55%) of their available income to rent a two
bedroom home. Nearly 36 percent of renter occupied households in Yakima County
spend 30 percent or more of their available income on rent. As a result, many families
live in substandard homes or share a residence with other families. Others, however,
become homeless. In Yakima County there are over 450 individuals in emergency or
transitional shelters.
The need for a community wide approach to reducing homeless is demonstrated by a
Point -in -Time survey of Yakima County's homeless population conducted in January
2006. In this survey 1,190 individuals and 801 households were identified as being
homeless. 355 were identified as children age 0-17, 800 were between the ages of 18-64,
90 individuals reported that they were either living on the streets or in a car, 92 reported
being homeless more than one year. Reasons included 213 unable to pay rent or
mortgage, 187 lack ofjob skills, 175 drug or alcohol use, 147 mental illness, 143 job loss.
In most instances emergency services are the first
point of contact between those at risk of becoming
homeless or who are already homeless, and a
community's social service network. Emergency
services by themselves, however, can do little more
than alleviate a crisis or emergency situation. Instead,
they must be part of a broader scheme to address
homelessness.
A MODEL FOR SUCCESS
HUD has identified the fundamental components of a comprehensive continuum of care
system to be:
Outreach, intake, and assessment to identify an individual's or family's service and
housing needs, and link them to appropriate housing and/or service resource
Emergency shelter and safe, decent alternatives to the streets
Transitional housing with supportive services to help people develop the skills
necessary for permanent housing
Permanent housing and permanent supportive housing
COMPONENTS OF A CONTINUUM OF CARE HOMELESS SYSTEM
Outreach Intahe
Assessment
Emergency
Services/Shelter
Transitional
Housing
H
Supportive
Services
Permanent
Housing
Permanent
Supportive Dousing
SECTION I
-' �tmar�wa Pyr ar u.ua2�iwr�r.��rwmr��iw.vw v ra a'ti°imw e
i �7
i 0aag1a a7
""arra�rra��fra"ra.�ra�a� rarrra"ra��
�.��P"CY SERVICES CES
An, C"Ff4tavc `ogWtrraa.rarara otoarra,"�y'sle 3'� N�1 k'�GM� y
cnacrcr�ac services - is cocar°clarraatccl. It riot r�r�f �����;�
tfalej
��
t femna ,nary lin � c�anPorlents identified y FILM, brit arfso
kacs gncf ref'crral naccfijra.lsnas �r�aora
tf"ac;sc crcaraal oracnts to l"crfrtaatc' tl c rnoN"caaront of indivi traal
aarrcl Faarllifi s t(M ref f)ca°rnaanc;aat housing and self
saaFl cioaac ft balances available capacity in each of its
key cora,p)oncnts and proviclos aW k"unewo'rkthat is both
'nanar
c and r°cIV "'aiVe to cf�raarat� rag needs over tittle.
cn areal n `icor taaaaaaaraa oFc rc"° model to dress honacicssalcss emergency .
critical cfcr rent of ea�cfa staa c it) the coratrraaaaana f�xoco s. "I'c�o c�(�cr� g ° w
"services
vicvvccf s iiia caarl ira tf�cr��asclvcs �-ltergerley are a�
situation there is rao longer as ""cr rsrsr� �n rtlacrc rs no racccl For c i a da services v res aarc
ser arrccs la�n��wrc nff"raQatcci � IaQaa•tfcarfar�
cc� ratirlaro�c�• f°his is not to sar , laowe " that tiler coarcfitioras tl�ant l�stc � �,
been resolved$ or that as similar c.rlsfs gaff not caocara at rfocr cryo s r�"aocs to be
a cel the crisis have
f'faa cc cl raactcristacs Must be Present in order° fear` orracr �crrrc !eater laorrat an time.
cnncr crrc shelters to c c°lfe coordinatedr." continararr v I�rrs cr acr xca c
y services rrr tf�r� �,
c services
- rracicrrlrra ;
aand integrated with all other @ ornelessaaaarst l�
services rr t:fac a �or1tfaaaraana. rhis require, that cr�cr• enc
" r rr c: r rrnt rra�r rrrr°ra service providers s �a.ac acsc�a,Wa ccs„ not cla�r �f"
a"err r� rc�rrr rrr t1le f icaatc them,
" cora�cil " tlac tr rasitroaa Itcar1a orae ser vice to ate
to rar r rrr�ir a crrrrr� rr r ra"rr t to I)c sSe analcss and faaavc aaaininatal l)aarricrs.
tact rrcrr't rfrr�rc� "her that as person or I"carni�l iia raced o�l`�a s �cci ` , r�cccls
r
art cr lr ;�raa°rr. � �r Wrrc> riot °`I .11 t,f rcaa�r.f� »" l has Will cr°asara,c,
r..rraia;cm ". I a tiac =da s. I fic" service will
ca9rrrtrrrra�rrr�,""'� cls rtactcra�tic rs tl� t cnr sr ll lac third arae! Fiaaaal
it:m r+ a G�" "��'lk iCe laa rlar fraa
, �nc slrcltcrs talaast be read ily Ivaarl�afrle
r
assessable tiln la f tlac rnCliVid real �ancf Faanarl in need,aajj�f bY'' the
"'°�caantararrarara od�'c�rrc"� service' laro"ricf'or�•s.
fray dais aractlrocicala�at.�' cKasc• rraarrr�r�",.
Oflinking the nr ivrclaabrf ,rrr Wly is
m ora�asIaararadrsl ° naarlti-
fkacctad rcde. i
t is the irrraaryrrccaofscavrc°cst Provides, contintrit ltot11c iracia/aclaaa wrtr tlrscscarrecs tirrotalfa aaWtrraca�cncr°aa
ollrroaghoar, dle contiMrarrrofccair aaf ia ssca'se araf;:aarc occss..
caass tlac
ra1aaftrtacc aaf scrvraccars frrrvaccrrra�„Wre
pi
_,s. Ia rd rrf nl ct
fW Gcccssra dtlplic"Ifed rFsavctics a this aaservicesra�
C(Altrntjuiar, s iderlilcis laa lPrevent tacrcsaustcfll aaaj.cWal.aa
f.Ilfll)s in the sc.r.wi�Ca,
SECTION ]EMERGENCY SERVICES
HOMELESS SERVICES IN YAKIMA COUNTY
There are two tunes of emergency shelter programs for the homeless available in Yakima
types 9 1
County. The first type is the "facility based shelter". There are currently three facilities
available to any individual/family needing shelter in the County'
all of which are located in the City of Yakima. These shelters can
accommodate 96 single adults and 166 families for various
lengths of time, depending on the provider. The second type of
shelter program is the "motel voucher" system. There are five Crewe as
voucher programs in the County; two in Yakima, one in
Grandview, one in Toppenish, and one in Sunnyside'
very limited emergency sliciter is avaijal"fle to several sIxcialized
110111eleSS l301,)Llladons, The Pro,je(,js for Assistance in Trarlsit')fl $ Ihat uill he
for 1--lorneless, (PATIA) has fiAll' CriSjS beds �available ror those %vith w1equaie io
li'lent"d health prol,flelm"'. I'he hwilefes.s vete'rans, whclter Call /lie )Iec(A
Boa
provide 12 bc(]s,, 00),CrUnderserved 110T)"Cless popu lat ions include
ind ividuals/farn i ties particip,
81JII�; in s1d stallce abuse treatment,
individuals avith WWAIDS, substance abusers who are not in
treatment, and homeless youth.
All shelter programs in Yakima County provide information and referrals when they are
unable to assist a homeless an individual 01- fill-nily. Providers in tipper county report a
shortfall of 170 shelter placements a week; in the IOWCF county approximately 60 requests
t6r emergency shelter go unmet weekly.
Thel-C is currently a limited COL111ty'XiCle network to share information among emergency
service providers. This is due, in part, to l)j-0\,iClej-S having g C
a" I I different funding SOLUCeS,
l?
TherC is Currently only olie health Care provider in Yakima County
that specifically targets the t"011'10CSSAI'le county is fortunate,
however, to have a number of ernergelicy services available to the
L,ack o , 11
horneless, Four hospitals — two in Yakima, one in Toppenish, and
COWWWalim, ajpjaj
one in Sunnyside — off r emergency medical care. The countywide
Mm"fing amt))�,g
County Designed Mental Health Professional (CDMFIP) systen,
provides Substance abuse or mental health intervention on a crisis
basis. Two toll-free bilingual crisis lines provide information about,
in
and make referrals to, critical services available to any caller around
(1111plictue
the clock. Numerous food and clothing banks are scattered across
A1,11ce"'s w1w.]
the county. A family crisis program in Yakinia covers the county
gtlps in sei-wlces
north of the City of Union Gap; all0ther filmily crisis prograrn in
Sunnyside serves families ill jjee(j South O:Ctlle City of Union Gal),
Both the Yakima and Sunnyside prograins have a limited capability
of providing teniporary emerge tic y/crisis housing to victims of
domestic violence and
connecting the victilTIS with other services (i e. counseling,
1�
medical care, etc) Normally, crisis housing for dornestic violence victims ranges fi-orn
three days to a week.
During, this time the individual or family's needs are assessed and
longer-term housing
is arranged is necessary.
There are two tunes of emergency shelter programs for the homeless available in Yakima
types 9 1
County. The first type is the "facility based shelter". There are currently three facilities
available to any individual/family needing shelter in the County'
all of which are located in the City of Yakima. These shelters can
accommodate 96 single adults and 166 families for various
lengths of time, depending on the provider. The second type of
shelter program is the "motel voucher" system. There are five Crewe as
voucher programs in the County; two in Yakima, one in
Grandview, one in Toppenish, and one in Sunnyside'
very limited emergency sliciter is avaijal"fle to several sIxcialized
110111eleSS l301,)Llladons, The Pro,je(,js for Assistance in Trarlsit')fl $ Ihat uill he
for 1--lorneless, (PATIA) has fiAll' CriSjS beds �available ror those %vith w1equaie io
li'lent"d health prol,flelm"'. I'he hwilefes.s vete'rans, whclter Call /lie )Iec(A
Boa
provide 12 bc(]s,, 00),CrUnderserved 110T)"Cless popu lat ions include
ind ividuals/farn i ties particip,
81JII�; in s1d stallce abuse treatment,
individuals avith WWAIDS, substance abusers who are not in
treatment, and homeless youth.
All shelter programs in Yakima County provide information and referrals when they are
unable to assist a homeless an individual 01- fill-nily. Providers in tipper county report a
shortfall of 170 shelter placements a week; in the IOWCF county approximately 60 requests
t6r emergency shelter go unmet weekly.
Thel-C is currently a limited COL111ty'XiCle network to share information among emergency
service providers. This is due, in part, to l)j-0\,iClej-S having g C
a" I I different funding SOLUCeS,
l?
o
SECTION
ES
different re ....... ..
porting requirements, and diverse target Populations. Information, therefore,
tends to be shared within agencies, not across them. As a result, some providers may not
utilize available resources. Similarly, due to the lack of coordination among providers,
services are often fragmented with little or not continuity. Consequently, a crisis situation
that threatens an individual's or family's housing stability may go unresolved.
13
SECTION 2 MAINSTREAM SERVICES
systems require realistic funding and good policies to address new challenges.
e public
Many mainstream service programs unintentionally work against homeless individuals
and families who attempt to negotiate these systems. Homelessness is often a function of
a mainstream system's inability to deal with issues such as lack of an address and
telephone, illiteracy, loss of documentation, and incomplete medical records. For
homeless people already beset with crises, navigating the system becomes yet another
obstacle to stability.
SPECIAL HOMELESS POPULATIONS
Special populations of homeless individuals and families or those
M risk oflaornelessaaess (i e. veterans, yOuth,, Iaaerataally ill -
"Street life is a chemically addicted: (MICA), individuals leaving institutions,
Culture unto domestic violence victims, etc.) t):ften require ealull:iple, otegraWd
fsex ' seaNceay. Without sueh se.p vices and tile ability to readily access
—Nemaork thean, the homeless will remain Without as I.aernlaloaent shelter and
Member those at risk will become homeless. Naatioraaal staIdies have showoa
that three types of services are most needed among the homeless
populations.
Mental health treatment is essential so that people with mental illness can earn
money and pay rent, and for those with the most severe illnesses, so they can meet
other responsibilities. A great deal of current chronic homelessness can be traced to
the lack of a system of community treatment, linked with housing, to replace the
system of decreasing beds available in state hospitals due to tlae closure of units at
both Western State Hospital and Eastern State Hospital. Over the last decade there
has been a 30 percent decline in the number of people cared for in state psychiatric
hospitals. In Yakima County there are over 100 bed units available for mentally ill
individuals who would be otherwise homeless.
The substance abuse treatment system is facing a severe treatment gap. The
National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors indicates that
50 percent of those who need treatment receive it. Waiting times for treatment at
publicly funded clinics often preclude effective help for those without stable
housing. Currently there are 55 beds in halfway or transition housing programs
14
SECTION 11
SECTION 2��o
AiNS IaA M SElIVICES
specifically identified for individuals leaving substance abuse treatment in theQ
County.
3. Childcare is another important service. As welfare becomes less available to low
income coMITIurlrties, single pra-rents must work in order to stay housed. Public
childcare is espccially important for those at risk of homelessness. Homeless parents
are less likely to have functioning networks ofsocial supPorts, such asfamily
ille'llber s or friends who could care for their children, than ar-e Poor parents in
general, Nationtrlly, only one out of ten children who are eligible f6i, child care
assistance tinder federal law, receives any help.
I;'t
f �J1➢J/hiw ll9
�iNla�
�,It;�ku i hf� (f
lr2u Q�f�r�
lit
g !rh
ATIOi
VAL LAW CENTER ON HO,YIELESSNESSAND
Homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS must confront several additional issues that
further complicate their situation such as access to transportation, medical management,
and discrimination. Individuals who are HIV positive or diagnosed with AIDS are
required to take medication at certain times with specific foods. Homeless patients
generally do not have available food or water to satisfy these requirements. Or,
medications may need to be mailed to a home address, further complicating the homeless
HIV/AIDS patient's treatment. In Yakima County there are 5 beds and 13 voucher rental
assistance slots reserved specifically homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS,
ACCESSING REGULAR SERVICES
Mainstream health and social service programs are important
Ipec��r/gyp '�` �'ifunding sources for promoting many services that can help
�°Ca"r11ec �' (11T ref en sc nt people transition from homelessness to stability. For thos
to �s� nler•r�us °��L��'�'ice who qualify Medicaid law defines required services and
/raczr°ac��r s OrrzCI� to lc�errra optional services states can add.,. Within federal guidelines,
(it eachslop that "we states have limited flexibility within Medicaid to
have racy firrrcly.f�r tl7crt define who
is eligible, what services they can receive, and how much is
paid for those services. For both eligibility and services in
P1 `rr.l�>r, some instances states can apply for waivers, subject to
"�rlwa'ryt°�� r���vyaa�y�=r°
Federal approval, to serve additional individuals or- t.r) provide
r.dditional services. 1�1`Ve n when mainstream services exist, either to prevent homelessness
or that can help people transition frorn homelessness to stable permanent housing these
services are not always accessed and utilized, Individuals/families in need of services
15
S""CrION II
SECTIO 2
MAINSTREAM SERVICES
must first know that a particular service exists; then they have to know where these
services are available.
f i Going fi-om one se"vice Provider to IM101h �r iii order to possibly
get the taecessary services may be a 66nnidable task; for some —
rer° arc 11cr especially those in rural ureas such asrlc,irtaa County where there
araastl'V rt,�°.�r.�,��sed is no public transportation to link out laying areas with urban
��
ytim > oirsn centers — it is an impossible task. The end result is to give up and
Pe0j)1e rxeeela"prg accept the inevitable — homelessness.
A variety of resources are <lvailable in Yakirria Corrtat to :
hrrrrtct"c xwr►c°s.� homelessness. These are hrrimarily concerned with rovidin everet
Lorna of limited, short-term f rianeial assistance, Virtually t -loth � e
exists in the way of services that show peolzle how to avoid holaielessne,ss or develop tl,ae
life -skills to maintain stability.
The laonreless of farina !lice €t daunting task of trying to get
Delp. While there are resources available locally, these resources
have historically been dispersed among laatlltipl.e providers,
primarily ire tale tipper county. An iradivi.dual or f rri ly gat risk of
becoming homeless, or who are already homeless, cannot
simply "chop in" and automatically atld quickly be linked with
the necessary array of:hserviecs, Too of"tett available set -vices are
20-1- miles ;away firor the individUal/faal-ily taeeding tllerlr arad.
there is Lao way .fwiarm the individual/Laraaily to travel that distance.
tobli h trrrd"t*Y
Peat)rts drrirI'mol"W
'Ie sn,ice s
tte t'Sso „t� to
oai"cf"r ,es,s
homelessness,
'1 he 1°resnreless resources in Yakirmi Cotruty are not "Laser fHendly" Pto lrota"reless laeople,.
Without a "UScr lriettdly" systetar, ho me lessraess avill aaot irraprrrve in this area.Homelesslar crlale wmll ccrtattrarr , to give arta duns to all the barriers, within t�,he prescrat systeraa.
Given the cure atwtly �lvaulaable resources, ill the county a prilaraary need ia, to streamline the
system so horruClr°ss leo lale aaarla move ba l,a into society tlrro ul lr a aot�ttefrndtt .�i service
system that c��aurr ct. tlae�urs with all of th �arcc;eMssary servrc.c ,
16
SFC"TION 11
E' (:7 i i -ATA.
eaww.w.w:rcn�wtart ofo uow�nuo�m:. mars�mnm' mmwnnm n¢�o uo smvawmi,w. ypOfumwwwww.wwwwu w,w,w. 'uoyu oouvuwawwwawsmwan o J uuu ow u.....UNwd +vwlUeaN u�U�wu.a. aa,^�pmmmWfO �w awiwawmmiww..uugw,wuywa�.w
THE FACE OF HOMELESSNESS
No single set of characteristics can define all homeless individuals or families. Each
person or family without permanent, stable housing is unique. Some are veterans, others
are in the process of leaving an institution, while still others are Mentally Ill and
Chemically Addicted (MICA). There are, however, p itterns of" . eh t, that help to
identify major types of homelessness. It is important to understand t, hese types of
homelessness in an effort to address the problem.
bio ✓ r� Y
" P "*oft
J Nl ✓+.XN:'aMw.w.umr 1d+�Fi °�lEl v,. "w ».„..
The first homeless group to address when seeking to end homelessness is the group that
lives within the shelter system itself— the chronically homeless. While the single
homeless population represents 50 percent of all horneless, the chronically homeless
represent 10 percent of the single homeless population.
Few people in this chronic group are likely to ever generate significant earnings through
wages. While they may have some income li-om wages and/or public benefits, they will
require long term subsidization of both housing and services to support them.
The people who use shelters repeatedly, often called the episodically homeless group,
constitute approximately 9 percent of the single population. This population often
17
SLCTION III
GIM a"I�wM.wM1wwm�iOveWiwwaw'Ws ;+.w rzaarpr�,uPo rt+wuti��M �uW.w65 mnlrtert�� aev �PYB rrr�WuswWn bro:': ttVUOM�.W�.whkM'/,MtMvw�OeMNw1Wwa000 oarmrmm Ivo na�u r9
ESpA ppy' +++ N 3 DATA
QIP( gyp mru� pp �rrtryµ m u000pAA iemrwcusomi
S.
includes victims of dornewstic violence. This group has a high public cost when housed in
shelter because ruany of its members seem rrequently to interact with other very costly
public systems, particularly jails, prisons, and hospitals. Manny are active substance
abusers.
The episodically homeless group requires a flexible strategy that addresses both their
housing needs (for those with mental health and/or chemical dependency issues both
when in treatment and in relapse) and their need for treatment. When they are in
treatment, or compliant with treatment requirements (i.e. clean and sober), supportive
housing or private sector housing are good options. When they are unable to find
acceptable treatment, or unwilIing to partake in treatment or treatment regimens, other
110usilIg options must be found. Current policies in which episodically) homeless people
sleep in the street, in shelters, hospitals Candi penal institutions jeopardize public safety
(primarily for thein") and/or have high ptiblic costs.
There are different views about how best to address episodic homelessness. There are
those who believe man episodically homeless people are those currently umtwilling to
engage in chemical dependency or mental health treatment. Therefore
they believe it is necessary to create a type of housing that recognizes
chemical dependency or mental illness, makes services available, but
Planning and does not require sobriety or "stability". Models of so-called "low
developing demand" housing exist, and it has further been suggested that low cost
pA°rtaels tlext hostel or dormitory type housing with daily or weekly rental terms be
respond to the developed. Others believe that most treatment available for chemical
needs of dependency or mental illness is not appropriate for this group (too
homeless short term, no follow-up recovery or transitional housing) and that the
People in solution for the episodic group is a sufficient supply of appropriate
Yakima treatment. Either options, or a mix of options, are probably needed.
Coarnty Those who have relatively short stays in the homeless assistance
system exit it and return infrequently, if at all, have been called the
transitionally homeless. The majority of families and single adults who become homeless
hill into this category, includiarg doinestic violence victims. They have had a housing
crisis that has rr sulteal ir'r their" homelessness, Despite the near universal shortage of
affordable housing for paaM PeOple, tli,cy will find a way to house themselves. Since the
lar"indesw systcrn is unable tar aaaldrs.ss dile real cause of their problem — the overall
shortage of affordable housing — the best course of action is to facilitate their
accommodation to this shortage and help them make it more quickly.
Nationally, the Housing First approach for most transitionally homeless families has
proven to be el'Fsctive. "l`lie ]r°cus ral°Jhis ail pau°oaar,h is upon getting families very quickly
back into housing and hifl;iaar;
SECTION 3
DATA
b
level of supportive housing. This is also a model
People. for the chronically homeless, single
The current orientattorr is to keep people in the system for long
periods of time, either because there is no place for them to go
(chronically and episodically ho"jncless), or because it is assumed that People are
homeless because of s0l"Lle set of personal problems that can be "fixed" by the homeless
system (families, transitionally homeless single adults). To end homelessness a different
approach can be taken. People should be placed in housing as rapidly as possible and
linked to available services.
HOMELESS COUNT
Any survey or attempt to cots""t of the homeless i"r the cour"ty IS,
at best estimation. The U.S. Ce"rsr"s lw ireau acknowledged the
logistical difficulties in its count o 1004- individuals using
emergency shelters in the City of Yakima. Rural areas st�tltl'r of
Union Gap are especially hard to survey, the number of homeless
in the lower valley has not been established.
Data from the 2006 "Point in Time" homeless count indicates
considerable growth in the h()"VJess Population in Yakima
County. A total of 1265 Lind ttplicatetl individuals and 940
households were counted as homeless. Of these 355 individuals
(28%) ^V("' . ,youth 0-17 years of age, 153 (12%) were considered
c,,h°rol"lically 1101,11[ less, and 85 (7%) were victims of domestic
v4."1e"ice;. til`tlp se coruasta 1 1"55 (13e,) s""1f'cred from mental
health problerrrs, 225 (.P Aid qa) had "" h"isoory ,��i�ce� t�tl�""stem
with 81 (6%) dually cli�r�gng s,c;�,l ("ami>nt'aNill and Cj,) mic'�Ml ,
addicted.) Untreated tJ . �tddul skis ° t° e WRNS l�rttl"(•1 il'j 102 i"""dk i(Mals
fo cga. °ria dgAeCt'
g°grllra�7,
e4�°�•�r°il�sa�g°, rr�r�d
g•ogar"�lia�gg�g� d/�rtgr.
71�a.� glg�tgr wrill be
Argo .�a'arlrt° uo�
rr RI gh,�°g°lgul.r�r"ngy
lra'go/eclw thai
ra�ld/d°g.ro,� �hg° rag°E.�C�
r®f Olyderd'r'la'.a.w
��Q�eo�or"a° Boa 1�rl�raot:a
On the night the count was conducted, 117 were found out of �grrrrau
doors 20 were found in their cars and 15 living in abandoned buiHir"g3
19
SI'CTION til
For families fleeing an immediate domestic violence situation, a
Housing First approach is
Lich
unlikely to be effective. Such families
typically need a period of four to six months in
g°gororedirr���eol 1������r
l d
a sheltered and
secure environment in order to sever ties with the batterer.
component A major
fen l6ing/e°P"•4•
of this transition must be the identification of
affordable housing
� dd�iyYY9Pf��°P•n the
available at its completion.
SCOP(" Of
home/d s nes•s'. gj�tgl
Similarly for transitionally homeless single adults, the emphasis
should be placed
e lectirel� ,
upon facilitating their move to permanent
housing. Housing; services,
UCCV .Ving
case management services, and follow-
up services can be effectively utilized to
stability. maximize housing
p�rWDs o69decapaippl//�prgble
®�c& Y
The current orientattorr is to keep people in the system for long
periods of time, either because there is no place for them to go
(chronically and episodically ho"jncless), or because it is assumed that People are
homeless because of s0l"Lle set of personal problems that can be "fixed" by the homeless
system (families, transitionally homeless single adults). To end homelessness a different
approach can be taken. People should be placed in housing as rapidly as possible and
linked to available services.
HOMELESS COUNT
Any survey or attempt to cots""t of the homeless i"r the cour"ty IS,
at best estimation. The U.S. Ce"rsr"s lw ireau acknowledged the
logistical difficulties in its count o 1004- individuals using
emergency shelters in the City of Yakima. Rural areas st�tltl'r of
Union Gap are especially hard to survey, the number of homeless
in the lower valley has not been established.
Data from the 2006 "Point in Time" homeless count indicates
considerable growth in the h()"VJess Population in Yakima
County. A total of 1265 Lind ttplicatetl individuals and 940
households were counted as homeless. Of these 355 individuals
(28%) ^V("' . ,youth 0-17 years of age, 153 (12%) were considered
c,,h°rol"lically 1101,11[ less, and 85 (7%) were victims of domestic
v4."1e"ice;. til`tlp se coruasta 1 1"55 (13e,) s""1f'cred from mental
health problerrrs, 225 (.P Aid qa) had "" h"isoory ,��i�ce� t�tl�""stem
with 81 (6%) dually cli�r�gng s,c;�,l ("ami>nt'aNill and Cj,) mic'�Ml ,
addicted.) Untreated tJ . �tddul skis ° t° e WRNS l�rttl"(•1 il'j 102 i"""dk i(Mals
fo cga. °ria dgAeCt'
g°grllra�7,
e4�°�•�r°il�sa�g°, rr�r�d
g•ogar"�lia�gg�g� d/�rtgr.
71�a.� glg�tgr wrill be
Argo .�a'arlrt° uo�
rr RI gh,�°g°lgul.r�r"ngy
lra'go/eclw thai
ra�ld/d°g.ro,� �hg° rag°E.�C�
r®f Olyderd'r'la'.a.w
��Q�eo�or"a° Boa 1�rl�raot:a
On the night the count was conducted, 117 were found out of �grrrrau
doors 20 were found in their cars and 15 living in abandoned buiHir"g3
19
SI'CTION til
n��e� ma�000a
SECTION 3 - DATA
The greatest number of homeless was found in temporary housing including emergency
shelters 153 (12%), transitional housing 305 (24%) or temporarily staying with family or
friends 339 (27%).
The National Alliance to End Homelessness acknowledges that "the extent of
homelessness may never be known". This difficulty in locating and identifying homeless
individuals and families is compounded by the lack of an information and data sharing
system among the 20 agencies in Yakima County currently providing services to
homeless adults, youth, and families. The lack of such a system compartmentalizes
services to the homeless and inhibits the successful use of a "continuum of care"
approach to the application of services. It also reduces capacity of these agencies to
develop the resources necessary to address the needs of the homeless.
Every local government needs solid information on who is homeless, why they became
homeless, what homeless and mainstream assistance they receive, and what is effective in
ending their homelessness. This information is needed on a city- and county -wide basis,
not just a program -by -program basis. This allows trends to be monitored to determine
what is causing homelessness, to assess what types of assistance are available to address
homelessness, and to fill the resulting gaps.
While there are numerous services available to the homeless, these services are not
coordinated. Severe limitations on providers' ability to address the needs of the homeless
are exacerbated by:
The availability of appropriate accommodations for the number of homeless
generally and for families and unaccompanied youth in particular.
The uneven distribution of resources throughout the county. 'There are significantly
fewer services below Uriion Gap than in the entire City of Yakima.
Long distances between urban centers and the absence of any transportation
system beyond the City of Yakima. This often makes the job of connecting
homeless individuals and families with available services such as jobs and low-
cost housing impossible.
20
SECTION III
SECTION -. OUTR11 ACI
mno awra(.wwww:w vv a atr k5m ow�oY'tuNn. mmmmmmm owonomu'rzo-aW ar�uQo� a �uwm ON ww.wow.�.w.ew.wvrw�y oWUu'uwuttnwn!Wuw,w.wrs¢eM'N,uM'4WW',tlPWMO.WUA'If!Fi,'n NNMWIOY iM 10iuo�.Waw �.wwwurww �M'u�Y ��NNrta ONWwotl ooM
THE IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION SHARING
This information should be accessible to outreach workers, case managers, homeless
people, and the general public. In addition to an accessible information and referral
system, outreach is an important mechanism for connecting people with the services they
need. For many people, an outreach worker provides the first point of contact with the
service system; this may be through shelter day centers, multi -service or day drop-in
centers, crisis hotlines, safe havens for domestic violence victims or the homeless
mentally ill, informational street hand-outs, or mobile outreach workers who work on the
streets.
"
Outreach is particularly important for
x tri � ""� � t t � t ie° "t teu� � t �, (Yon I.tpeople who are reluctant to make
rovrto fir) to e r�ei'��� r��p lhei „����niji • t� contact with the service system on
ask
,,t n, i ell . eJ; ft el etnbarras,,ved aml their own. While for some people,
a,Mcnneel qj'iheir sinuitrons one contact withClue sys ens m oray la
mm- X t ,, rJµ a � C110LIg41 to fink thern with needed
services; for many others, street homeless, people with mental health disabilities and
others who have had negative experiences with the service system, repeated contacts over
time are necessary to build trust. This process of building trust and assessing needs is
called engagement.
Engagement occurs in various stages beginning with first contact where the outreach
worker seeks to become a familiar face and begins to establish credibility; proceeding to
initial engagement tactics where the worker attempts to engage the potential clients in
conversation and uses small incentives to facilitate interaction, such as provision of
needed items (toothbrushes or socks); and continuing to more ongoing engagement
tactics where the worker begins to "hangout" with clients and helps them to meet needs
that can be easily addressed, such as transportation, clothing, or basic medical care.
Ultimately, if successful, the outreach worker will be able to assist clients in identifying
their longer-term needs and accessing the services that can help them to move out of
homelessness.
21
SECTION IV
BARRIERS TO RECOVERY
The barriers to ending homelessness are significant, yet can be overcome if communities
are committed to identifying and addressing the causes of homelessness and the needs of
laorxreless people. Outreach can provide the continuity and stability that is required to
engender trust. As with other services, outreach efforts niust be coordinated andjointly
planned, Information must be shared among OUtrCach providers who, in turn' Mtrst
coordinate responses with the ultimate gyral ofaccessing permanent affordable housing
and the necessary supportive services for all homeless population groups. Most
importantly, outreach must be a fundamental component of the continuum of care model.
w r Many homeless people suffer from mental illness,
r"People-walking tura. wtreis
substance abuse, or domestic violence; the development
15evwne invisible to our oftruing relationships can take years. The number of
aarrtrrrrrrrrtrrr homeless individuals inevitably exceeds the number of
outreach staff available to help them achieve more
stable lilcstyles..In order- to bridge this gap„ volunteers, including members of faith
communities, stridents„ business, and neighborhood organizations, need to be recruited
and trained by skilled outreach teams to assist with this effort,
Most importantly, homeless people must be viewed as valuable members of society with
special needs. Specialized services for each homeless group - chronic, episodic, or
transitional - must be geared toward stabilization and nermanent howsinn roti—, 0—
I-----------
Expanded and intensified outreach, combined with innovative approaches
such as the Housing First model will have a positive impact on reducing the incidence of
homelessness for people with multiple problems who have been homeless for significant
periods of time. Outreach is a first and necessary step in this process.
Outreach can play an important role in ending homelessness by engaging people who are
living on the streets and getting them into housing. A key ingredient of effective outreach
is a rapid link to 110us111g, which necessitates some form of low -demand housing -
housing with few rules or requirements. Youth or adults who are living on the streets
oflr:.n have a m(.,ntal ilk)CSS Or subsiarnce arlalic.-tion. Manclating treatment or sobriety can
clavc them away, Outrka lr that provvdts, low -demand housing minimizes the negative
ClI,cc;ts of strCel living. v"hia.rh incluldc mental and physical health. When people
22
S11,CTI0N IV
SECTION 4 - OUTREACH
feel safe and secure, they are more likely to participate in treatment. Housing has this
effect.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Yakima County has a
multitude of limited stand-alone outreach services to the homeless.
These individual services
were not, however, ori inally designed as components of an
integrated "continuum of care". As a result, the currently available outreach services are
not centralized.
hMT
The Yakima County Coalition for the Homeless (YCCH)
provides limited outreach by bilingual staff (Spanish/English) to
There i.� r10 c.enlr°crl
homeless individuals and families (approximately 20 per week)
place (e.g. safe
at emergency shelters, food banks, health clinics and the
haven) for people
Community Services Offices for the Department of Health and
into tire homeless
Social Services (DSHS). When homeless persons are
or at risk of
encountered, a brief assessment is conducted to identify the most
becoming homeless
appropriate shelter resources and referrals are made. Bilingual
to access
staff also provides information and makes referrals to individuals
infortnation ahocrt
and families who walk into the YCCH office location
services and
(approximately 50 per week).
potential resources. The Yakima Health District has bilingual staff that provides
street outreach targeting chemically dependent and dually
diagnosed people at risk of HIV/AIDS. They provide information about shelter and
housing resources and make referrals when they encounter homeless people
(approximately 15 per week).
The DSHS Community Service Office staff provide information and referral to homeless
people who apply for benefits.
Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health operates two homeless programs. The
first is Projects for Assistance in Transition for Homelessness (PATH). This is for
individuals identified as having a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). The second program is a
12 -bed shelter for homeless veterans.
Open Line (community crisis line) and Access (community information line) receive
phone calls from individuals and families experiencing a housing emergency and
rnhintt,,1rc nrn-de information and make referrals to shelter programs.
r
r 1forrmaliorr
Mel r
1whil bo
Triumph Treatment Services has put in place since July 2000 an
outreach program called P -CAP (Parent -Child Assistance Program). It
provides outreach, mentoring, and follow-up for three years to
pregnant and postpartum substance using women in Yakima County.
Homelessness is often an issue for them.
Northwest Justice Project conducts outreach of farm labor camps
during the growing season. In the course of this outreach housing
needs are identified and, when appropriate, referrals are made.
73
SP.0 ION IV1
SECTION 4 - OUTREACI3
The YWCA Family Crisis Program in Yakima and the Lower Valley Crisis and Support
Services in Sunnyside provide outreach to victims of domestic violence and families in
crisis. Both programs provide temporary/crisis shelter assistance, arrange for transitional
shelter assistance, and information and referral services.
In order to utilize services or potential resources of any type, several steps must be
complete. The first of these steps is to know that services and resources exist. The second
step is to know where to find these services and resources. The final step is to be able to
access these services and resources. Each of these steps may be a significant barrier to the
homeless seeking assistance,Outreach is a major tool in overcoming these potential
barriers.
THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTREACH
Outreach services need to adopt the goal, successfully used in other communities, of
moving people into shelter for their own safety. In focus groups, homeless people voiced
support for additional training for outreach workers. Training among law enforcement
��personnel is particularly needed because
homeless people indicated that law
`roi dn�yy reroa� meee err 1 � �'r�' ter' pat enforcement involvement in outreach
streamfine the systeni so homelesv eeolde would not be helpful. However, the
can moi eback into .y°reet,1prou experience of other communities is that
people involvement is essential to help
our area h nnie seb, r move homeless people off the street for
Nei"t Amber their own safety, particularly when the
weather is dangerously cold.
A basic step to end chronic homelessness in Yakima County is for the existing outreach
capacity of service providers to be expanded to fully r"Irect the level orneed "t're linkages
between the outreach component and the resl of the service systern must be in`rproved so
that clients can be immediately linked to housing and services when they are ready to
,�ycc ess thein. This ccin be achieved by developing rel`dr°ral agrecinents between or.rtl,each
prg.)viclrrs and housing and servk,,e lrrogra ins. These agreements need to include the
dedic."'r if" sr of c n,tyagc relent ix'alsing and permanent housing slots for access for clients
referred by 111c,cermt�cccrchr cc:�rrlyarrt°°yG:.
24
SFVTIC)iv 1V1
. ... . .. . . .... .... . .
SECTION 5 - SHORTEN HOMELESSNESS..........
Ending homelessness will not be realized unless a
comprehensive, community -wide investment is
iiiade in redefining SYsterns of care an(] removing
existing barriers to services. For I'Orneless people,
lack. Of C Ica 11 clothes, phone, mailing address, and
docurnentatioi) can make securing work difficult if
not impossible. For a homeless person who suffers
from mental illness, compiling the rqUired
medical records and completing the application
process for public benefits can be insurmountable
task. For a homeless teen, entry into the school
system may be impossible unless trusting
relationships can be developed.
ENDING HOMELESSNESS
i
Ellding homelessness reqUiIVS an alignalent of resources to reduce the dtiration of each
SP011 Of homelessness, and prevent recurrence. I'll tile ',ccqjt:irjunm of c,,,I,e,, n()(lei, this
sea
to organize: and deliver housing and services
rneWls nsilIg a CO"Irntinity plat) to s
to meet the specific needs of people---'—
who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless as
they move to stable housing and maxilnUITI self' -sufficiency. It includes strategies to end
homelessness and prevent a reftirn to homelessness.
HOUSING FIRST
One of the more successful approaches to date is the HOUsing First model. This approach
is critical to successfully ending fionic less lie.ss. qOltying
., Pirst involves addressing the
ill"Illediate barriers to honsilIg so, that homeless people call move into permanent housing
as quiefd), as possible. Service needs ares addressed through home-based case
management, which helps stabilize, the f"zjl,nijy, enSUre, that they will have sufficient
income to sustain their housing, and prevent a recurrence of homelessness.
25
SECTION V
.....
t ire in gut a wi
qfa " aarmnlinitt, too' i° sar)ii o i; i Effective implementation of a
Service Istill garelaj`1v Housing First approach requires
the gtlo i"t '� ";'a I" s , i�; ornt less pal"tgtle., aplej the creation of a full continuum of
enhr;ttr° the (,,�f list sled" resmove ." housing opportunities. To
"NetwepikAlember accomplish it will be necessary to:
Develop short -terns interim housing focused on helping people access permanent
housing as quickly as possible. Services provided in interim housing would include
housing search assistance and case management to help address immediate needs
and identify longer-term issues to be dealt with once in permanent housing.
Develop programs throughout the county to create additional housing units. These
units would be designed to provide a way in off the streets for those who are
unwilling or unable to access other housing options — it has no time lintits on length
ol'"sCay, has few rules and requirements, and offers access to services orl an optional
basis.
Expand the availability and accessibility of permanent housing affordable to people
with extremely low incomes. Typically people with extremely low incomes are
those who are living on public benefits, are homeless and have no source of income,
or are employed earning only minimum wage.
Facilitate the development of more
-• -- ""--•- NY v��.ry iiv s. Ul.l1J1JUILl Y'G II.I,�I,IS NIIg IS
affordable permanent housing that is linked to an integrated and individualized
package of services and supports designed to maximize health, self-sufficiency and
quality of life. This type of housing is essential for chronically homeless people and
others with serious disabilities.
For such a system to be effective, the incentives embedded in the homeless assistance
system have to reflect these outcomes. Examples of such incentives include:
arc
ol)j) rlIInilit's
lea
ao�taa.i:aara:e;
la¢.�caaloc of as
a`r°Y,raiii
s ai,aaai°iImil „cre.
lAaaia.tiiis asiial'
"mNaaiaiom art
' �ial��aaaai
Shelters and other homeless services providers should have
access to and incentive to use prevention resources to avert a
homeless episode.
Shelters and transitional housing providers should have
incentives to move people out of hoinclelssness and into stable
permanent housing as quickly as possible. To the maximum
extent possible, a homeless person's service needs should not
delay his or her entry into permanent housing.
Structures should be in place to meet the service needs of re-
housed households to be able to remain in stable housing.
Homelessness providers should be held accountable for people
they have served in the past and should be rewarded to the
degree that their former clients continue to have stable housing.
At the same time, homelessness providers should be elICOUraged
to serve people who have the most barriers to permanent housing
26
SU"HON V
SECTION 5- S11ORTEN HOMELE SESS
and are most likely to be homeless longest.
Outcome measures should track the number of people who become homeless, the
average length of homeless episodes (not necessarily the average stay in a shelter),
and the rate of recidivism.
Homelessness programs should be discouraged from using time limits, sanctions, or
other devices that may reduce shelter use but do not end homelessness.
Safe and secure housing is one component of escaping, homelessness for individuals and
families. In the long term, success in escaping, hot eless ness depends oil developing self-
sufficiency. This, in turn, can best beacconiplished by cleveloping resources and
supportive services that provide opportunities for developing self-sufficiency.
Community resOUTM not specifically targeting, homeless people
provide emergency and remedial assistance to anyone who is in
need, A variety of social service agencies have signed on as
"partners" and the intake/assessment staffand case managers
facilitate access to these services for horneless clients. Case
Management as an integral component of transitional housing
programs has as a primary goal linkage to other supj-,)ortive services
in the cornmunity which are necessary if homeless individuals and
flarnilies are to become self sufficient.
1'he devel0pillent of county -wide integrated systems and
rnultidisciplinary services Witt) the goal of coordinating services to
the homeless is essential to end homelessness, 'I'llis requires the
integration of services to share client intbrination, resources and
I.Aanning, in order to address the multiple pi.-ol)1eins often
experienced by lionicless individuals and families, itichiding lack of
and Narriers to, scrvice.
Expand
01)1)ortunifies to
rlevekqsee f
sill
ffivienc5, b),
inemaving
resour-ces,
diversifyinAx
oppoplunities,
and broadening
the conflynnun oj'
supj�?01-tive
services
27
SFIC-FION V
.......... . . . ........ .. ....
27
SFIC-FION V
SECTION 6 - RAPID REHOUSING
. .. w000� �a� I p- ",",
Rapid rehousing of families and individuals with
greater challenges requires flexibility in providing
follow-up support and case management.
Experience has shown that the flexibility to
provide follow-up assistance for those rapidly
rehoused remains cheaper than allowing those
with significant challenges to remain in
transitional housing.
Experience has shown that without integrated ONVANNEM
systems at the administrative and client levels,
homeless individuals tend to cycle through the system without making gains toward long-
term housing stability. While most homeless families get themselves back into housing
quickly after they become homeless, services delivered in the homeless system seem to
have little effect on the eventual stability of these families in housing. This lack of
progress toward stability testifies to the often -fragmented service delivery system.
Many homeless people suffer from chronic health
°ettllte rt y
hatising, helps Iterld the,, conditions, mental illness and substance abuse,
jattt l lr l t e tl et r�rltl-le ll�r� ;„ (Jnfortunately the homeless, health and substance
bellet t tte tttlt, ltttttro s, t l st tt ttt"rtes abuse systems are not always able to adequately
fog" self-reliance. address the needs of individuals with multiple
Fens" r'1„ ,Werieber needs. Compared to the general population,
homeless people have significantly higher rates
of many acute and chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, which are exacerbated by
malnutrition, substance abuse, injuries, and increased risk of communicable diseases.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Various homeless population groups require transitional housing that is tailored to
address their specific needs. Irrespective of the type of transitional housing, programs
should focus on removing significant barriers to both obtaining and sustaining housing.
Transitional housing should provide housing to homeless people who are not deemed
"housing ready" and provide supportive "wrap-around" services to maintain housing. In
this type of housing it is important to remember than transitional housing is another
component in the continuum of care.
One of the principle features of effective transitional housing is that it uses centralized,
integrated, multidisciplinary services as a support. Multidisciplinary services provide
physical and mental health, substance abuse,
social and vocational services as a means of
"'4110ct do 7701 choose to be homeless stabilizing the individual or family during the
but could not ovoicl it. Tve »eecl transition process.
housin t, services ovailoble jor fliese
people to help them overcome ony In many respects, housing stability is a function
obstacles in their tivoy." of a household's ability to access fundamental
VenrGcr resources and supports that assure that, when a
?g
SFC'TR)f N' VI
SECTION 6 - RAPID REHOUSING
crisis occurs, it does not threaten the security of that housing. For all of us, these supports
include affordable healthcare with mental health and substance abuse treatment services,
livable wage employment and/or other income supports, and for families, childcare.
These supports are all the more critical for poor households, for whom a crisis often
means choosing between addressing essential needs for housing, food, or medical care.
WRAPAROUND SERVICES
Ensuring that households have access to a full range of resources and services to protect
the stability of their housing can be achieved through the implementation of a
"wraparound services" approach. "Wraparound services" refer to a comprehensive
service provision model that guarantees that any and all services needed by an individual
or family are integrated through a cohesive, individualized service plan that guides all
service provision. This service approach should be infused across all components of its
homeless service delivery system — prevention, interim housing, and permanent housing.
Service integration to achieve "wraparound services" must occur at both the system and
client levels. In this mainstream agencies must enhance the accessibility of their services
to homeless people. This can be facilitated through.
Integrated services at the system level: System level service integration allows
people and information to move easily between programs, thus maximizing the
likelihood of successful outcomes, facilitating people's transition from homeless
services to community-based services once housing is regained, and allowing
evaluation of outcomes and resource use from a system wide perspective.
Integrated services at the client level: Client level service integration typically
involves active case management to facilitate access to the frill package of services
needed as well as staff level coordination in which services are provided through a
team approach or through grouping services at one or more strategic locations.
Currently, service referral is a component of most homeless service provision, but in the
absence of more active and integrated case management, referral -based case management
often results in fragmented care. The implementation of a "wraparound services"
approach will mean that case managers across agencies must work together to develop
one plan of action for each client, with each agency contributing, according to its
strengths and resources, to support the individual or family in achieving housing stability
and long-term self-sufficiency. Because service intensity is determined based upon client
need, this may also mean that initially an agency provides daily or weekly case
management, which may shift to monthly or on-call assistance over an extended period of
time. For some, services will always remain an integral part of the residential
environment. For others, this support will be transitional, sufficient to ensure that
employment and community-based resources, such as health care, schools, social
services, civic organizations, and communities of faith are secured.
29
S1.CT10V1 VI
SECTION 6 - RAPID REHOUSING
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
I S.t •ETransitional housing programs are severely limited in terms of both the
number of housing opportunities available as well as the ability of these
[hel-c", Is a opportunities to adequately meet the needs of specialized homeless
shor°law r)f populations in a continuum of care.
5W)I)ortive and Since 1989 the Yakima County Coalition for the Homeless has
tranfiti nal developed and operated a 35--transitional-housing unit program labr
housin,g
I families. l leis program includes litnited case management and limited
ojg [)orfu ilies coordination of Supportive services, Currently, TriUmph 1 reataleffl�
fin- high-riskServices, Ccare Bears, CentralWashington Comprehensive Mental
rrrutiora Health, and Clean House provide transitional housing for homeless
populations with special needs.
The most significant gaps in services to special homeless populations are:
✓ Transitional housing in lower Yakima County i
✓ Transitional housing for single adults infected with HIV/AIDS��"'
✓ Transitional housing for adults recovering from substance abuse
/rrrsr
✓ Transitional housingfor homeless youth not living
y gin families
.s���j)o,r1hr n
✓ Adequate supportive services for these specialized populations
aa,i for
hole les
W
groups
30
SECTION V1
WJ,n r,N
SECTION 7 PE a
ENT HOUSING
Without permanent housing as an end goal,
the entire continuum of care approach to
homelessness services ceases to function as
a dynamic system moving people toward
stability and self -efficiency. Instead the
system becomes a warehouse for people.
The only lasting solution to homelessness
is access to housing that is affordable and,
for certain populations, linked to necessary
support services. Permanent supportivet ����
i�jfi
housing - independent housing linked to W*A t%'''�'����
comprehensive social, health and employment services - has proven to be very effective
in enabling otherwise homeless people to obtain and maintain housing.
Permanent solutions to homelessness must address its fundamental cause: the inability to
pay for housing.
Permanent solutions to homelessness must address both the shoataage of affordable
housing and the inadequacy of income to meet basic needs. Permanent solutions must
also address the additional need for treatnaerat for people suffiering from disabilities.
ELEMENTS OF A PERMANENT SOLUTION
According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty permanent solations
must:
° Ensure Affordable Housing Provide subsidies to make existing housing al7brdable;
create additional affordable housing through
rehaabi litat.ion and, where acceded, new a onstrmtac ion
Ensure Adequate Income I;nstla e than working ineaa and wonlen c am enough to
axtet basic needs ,including housing,, erasure that those
able ta> w.vaar°l( have access to ,jolas and job training, ensurt.9
that th(o-se not able to work are laaov itaed assistaraee
wacletlaaw.atc^ to meet lwa,jc needs, including fiousirag
Ensure Social Services Ensure, access to social services, including health care,
child cave, mental health care, and substance abuse
treataraent
Prohibit Discrimination Prohibit laxw,S thOL dist a inlimile against homeless people,
including l<a%s°S tla,at SPca:llpa;aally target them or activities
they mu5,;t R;:.aa ;tut�cw. hl bear°aaa.ase they are homeless
Permanent solutions must also prevent people fi•oni becominy laorn(d ss, New policies
that address the underlying structural causes ail°ha�raaelessuwd ��s a l))r'Addr ss'ing housing,
income and treatment problems — must Coincide ,,0111 specific I)rc °en[ion policies to stem
the rising tide of homelessness.
31
SEC'"I'lON VI1
.......... . .
SECT ION7 -'TERHA]NJ?,N,r
Increasingly, homelessness affects not only the very poor, but also working and middle
class Americans. Middle class families are
increasingly unable to afford to buy, or even rent, their
lot of lwople just tlon'i own homes. Middle class workers are now facing
have stage place ter go." rising unemployment, coupled with declining
Aletwork5kniber assistance from "safety net" programs.
Permanent solutions to homelessness reintegrate
homeless people into society and foster self-
enipowerinent. Policies that produce affordable housing by employing homeless people
tire among the necessary policies that strengthen the economy while also helping to end
homelessness.
"0
Despite recent media reports to the
Jien there lin' t enot�gh or available
eiffiwdetble houting whi(q, to1h rM contrary, polls consistently reveal that the
people living longer on the streets." majority of the American, public supports
aid to the homeless, According to tile polls,
the mf(lority of the pUbfiC understands the
underlying causes of homelessness, and 81 percent would pay additional taxes to fund
increased aid.
Providers in the County identify the lack of affordable housing as a significant cause of
homelessness and a barrier to people trying to move out of homelessness. When the door
to affordable housing is closed, many fianifli.es languish in the system. Nationally, the
average annual cost of placing the children ofa homeless family in foster care is $47,608,
while the average annual cost for a peen anent housing subsidy and supportive services
for a family of equal size is about $9,000. Without access to a housing subsidy, some
families remain homeless for a longer period of time. Ironically, the cost of a voucher
that would prevent homelessness or reduce the length of time families remain homeless is
often less than the cost of providing shelter assistance.
The true cost of sheltering a family must also include the long-term effects on children of
low self-esteem, poor nutrition, stress and other variables associated with instability.
These costs are incalculable.
32
S11'1(1 ION \/11
Skilled housing search staff with knowledge of local housing markets and
relationships with landlords
Marketing and outreach to landlords
Incentives for landlords to rent to homeless households
Assurances to landlords that the housing services agency will assist with
landlord/tenant problems
Access to subsidies, such as vouchers, for households with extremely low
incomes
Coordination with service providers to ensure that a homeless person's service
needs are met once he or she is in permanent housing
Periodic follow-up work to prevent a housing crisis
Services to address credit problems
The skills necessary to effectively place homeless people in private market housing
combine those of a realtor and a caseworker. Locating and developing qualified staff is
one of the greatest challenges to having an effective housing search and placement
system.
Housing instability for extremely low-income individuals will
continue until the supply of affordable housing increases
substantially. While federal finding for affordable housing has
dramatically declined over the past decade, states and
municipalities have developed a number of strategies to respond to
the housing needs of extremely low-income individuals.
The number of state and local housing trust funds has significantly
increased since the 1990s leveraging resources to increase the
supply of affordable housing for low-income people. Some
counties and cities have develop(,xi inclusionary zoning programs,
reduiring developers to include dfi,)rdable housing units when
building new clevelopments.
33
SITTI ON V11
.)"Af "�I..
y�C 14 U
SECTION 7 - PERMANENT HOUSING
w- oa.�
One of the prirna.ry challenges homeless people fiwc is navigating
the housing market. l 'lost communities haven shortaage of housing,
affirda.ble for low-inconrre households. C(Insecluently, landlords
L ewk c?/. sqje,
can select the most appealing tenants, many of whom have higher
(lecent reuplel
incomes, and require a large sum of cash for a deposit and first and
gffi)rtl ble
last month's rent. There is little incentive for landlords to work
1yernmnent
with potential tenants who have lower incomes, little savings,
hoetving in E(ekima
credit problems, or unstable housing histories.
('aunt"i
Housing placement services can address many of the barriers
homeless people face. Effective housing search services often include the following
elements:
Skilled housing search staff with knowledge of local housing markets and
relationships with landlords
Marketing and outreach to landlords
Incentives for landlords to rent to homeless households
Assurances to landlords that the housing services agency will assist with
landlord/tenant problems
Access to subsidies, such as vouchers, for households with extremely low
incomes
Coordination with service providers to ensure that a homeless person's service
needs are met once he or she is in permanent housing
Periodic follow-up work to prevent a housing crisis
Services to address credit problems
The skills necessary to effectively place homeless people in private market housing
combine those of a realtor and a caseworker. Locating and developing qualified staff is
one of the greatest challenges to having an effective housing search and placement
system.
Housing instability for extremely low-income individuals will
continue until the supply of affordable housing increases
substantially. While federal finding for affordable housing has
dramatically declined over the past decade, states and
municipalities have developed a number of strategies to respond to
the housing needs of extremely low-income individuals.
The number of state and local housing trust funds has significantly
increased since the 1990s leveraging resources to increase the
supply of affordable housing for low-income people. Some
counties and cities have develop(,xi inclusionary zoning programs,
reduiring developers to include dfi,)rdable housing units when
building new clevelopments.
33
SITTI ON V11
.)"Af "�I..
y�C 14 U
WWW.w�nN.w..nmrtrtouwi tteN.WNY mM'rvM:M. �uww.w.wuw.aao ry� Po 6uwV.ta�,rm@i�sJ �OioiNi
tl�UAU4 � rt 4Nti Yl�oaonrv.N'd'hVllN4V8duN oUrtoM1M000 YmmSmo
SECTION 7 - PERMANENT HOUSING
This problem is further exacerbated by the cost of housing in the County and the disparity
between housing costs and wages. Without sufficient permanent affordable housing, the
continuum dead -ends with emergency shelter and transitional services. If homelessness is
to be addressed, significant developing of housing units must be a central strategy.
Recent census information illustrates the difficulty of obtaining affordable permanent
housing in Yakima County. Rental units comprise 36 percent of all housing in the
County. Due to the large transitory population in the county, combined with a population
increase of nearly 2 percent a year, available rental housing is in short supply; currently
there is only a 5.5 percent vacancy rate. This shortage of rental housing has, in turn,
driven the cost of a single bedroom rental house to $511 per month. Much the same is
true for residential homes. The average price per home in Yakima County is $125,700
which represents an increase of 34 percent over the last ten years while median household
income has only increased 30 percent over the same period.
Not only is permanent housing in short supply, affordable housing is practically non-
existent.
34
SECTION Vll
SECTION 8 - SYSTEMS PREVENTION
The majority of people who enter the
homeless assistance system receive help and
exit the system relatively quickly. But no
sooner do people successfully exit the system
than others replace them. This is why the
number of homeless peoples does not
decrease. If we are going to end
homelessness we mustrp event people from
becoming homeless.
APPROACHING PREVENTION
This can be done in two ways. The first is to demonstrate that although shifting
responsibility for homeless people to the homeless system may seem to be cost efficient,
it is actually more costly over all. For example, sending parolees to shelters rather than
halfway houses may seem cost efficient. However, it can increase recidivism, and result
in use of other costly systems such as hospital emergency rooms.
Second, systems can be rewarded for improving their outcomes, as measured by
homelessness. Providing incentives to programs, which re&ce the number of their clients
or wards who become homeless, could do this. Conversely, it could b : accomplished by
penalizing these systems when a client becomes homeless.
In the past, homelessness prevention focused primarily on stopping eviction or planning
for discharge from institutions like jail or mental hospitals. These are important, but we
must take a more comprehensive approach.
It has long been argued that the most humane strategy for addressing homelessness for
those at imn�n.ninent risk is to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Pievention efforts
lnclu.ide strailegies such as short-term rent or mortgage assistance, legal assistance
programs, irepresentative payee and direct
�`h is a'rarfooata nt c`an cpac� nrn`ina:ntt 1r payment programs, and housing ppacement
111W resulled in tpam;euubeing iarurnra����le��se services. They also include more systemic
rs°.at c�
�ulr�u�rr c (ho!����
��cat`e them to
to fr;'evil�innt strategies that seg.^:lr to prevent homelli°;ssness
arnoa°i' er occurring and dihfou�lig ,rp; the by ensuring that people leaving institutions
01i t� rm� � a y,�r��a°ariaa� ttu„ fu;ar°t Of such as jails,„ yu°lsons, or treatment facilities
1 , COMHunhly, are not, discharged to the streets or shelter
system, as �vcll as s� rategies that seek to
fbrestaff hon wn es,srnes;,s in cases of fanrnily
crises sa.r('.h as c:lc`rnr,estic vlole;ncc. By fin th.e most counnnnonn parevcnutloun approach is the
provision of one tinrcne or short. term fina ncu.ual assistance.
]"Dost homcn ess people are c:hents of horst ol`pnaubhc soc'W ,sn.upnport systems, often called
than s'gfety not, Others are the wards ofprograms in the (.',ri uuunal mtnc;e s;yrst¢ rnn or the child
we fare sy,stc'nuu (Ibstcr. crnrep Togetherthese p)rogr arans and ,systems are calfle l tine
mrains°tr e arna sYs°t`=m, In e way, honlelessness is a luturnu.ns test --- it can ,show whether the
outc:ornne;s of the rrnrnnnn.st�re�eur systernn are pnos4rve or negative, pnansofla-r as thc'lr cheats or
35
SECTION Vfll
ammr pp NM �lry 1. 60irW�wwwwnwo rnm'mmwm�wW rcn y�'�rN',WlMGo art�w;w!'hf{ 6YUMr'tt�N'.NN.A4 OIIMP9JMAm.V.utiV.Vw WO NNNA6 rtuNoulrtN�w�WWwJWV4iPoVD,W;W�.g1 pyy;.�... W�cdiu raww�.(W�Uat '�.,.,y'�y�,. �,d�
SECTION 8 - SYSTEMS PREVENTION
wards end up homeless, programs of the mainstream system often have unintended bad
outcomes,
CHANGING MAINSTREAM SYSTEMS
Expand existing prevention services, including emergency rental assistance, case
management, housing search assistance, legal assistance, landlord mediation, money
management and credit counseling
Improve early identification and intervention efforts by mainstream health and
social service agencies which are often in touch with households at -risk, all public,
non-profit and faith -based health and social service providers could assess clients
for risk of homelessness as part of client intake interviews
Enhance discharge -planning efforts so that people leaving the criminal justice
system, foster care, hospitals, mental health programs, and drug and alcohol
treatment programs are not released into homelessness; this would involve the
corrections system, foster care, hospitals, mental health programs, and drug and
alcohol treatment programs to develop residential stabilization programs to connect
clients to community housing and services prior to discharge
Homeless individuals and families have a large variety of needs,
both short term and long term. These needs range from health
concerns to legal issues, and employment. In many instances,
however, it is difficult for homeless individual and families to
access such individual services due to geography and the lack of
transportation.
A variety ofresources arc available in Yakima County to
prevent homelessness. These include: short term rental
assistance to prevent evictions; help with first month's rent;
a6
SFU HON V11H
a
N Oa ,"bC i,1'f'r'a.;'
flfi"1f o1 10'?baa,""dP;tdrcl'1�1'7
Generally speaking, these mainstream systems, while large in
terms of scope and ftinding, are oversubscribed and underfunded
°cwt,
relative to their responsibilities. Is it not surprising, therefore, that
they are quick to shift responsibilities and costs elsewhere, when
is arra shy' le
they are able. The homeless assistance system provides one such
point ofenfr-v than
opportunity. To the degree that homeless programs take
uddres-:se,v Cr y;®d'
responsibility for a whole host of very poor people, the
fettuergent„ anal
mainstream system does not have to. However, the homeless
.vitp rtive neeils
system is not large and well funded. It can meet immediate needs,
gfPCI Pie u4io are
but it cannot prevent people becoming homeless, and it cannot
rclainele.v.v or� (it r-ivk
address their fundamental need for housing, income and services.
oj'becoming,
Only the mainstream system has the resources to do this.
homtfles,v inn
t °��r�trr
To end homelessness the mainstream programs must prevent
� p �'
people from becoming homeless. In order to eliminate new cases
of homelessness, community providers should:
Expand existing prevention services, including emergency rental assistance, case
management, housing search assistance, legal assistance, landlord mediation, money
management and credit counseling
Improve early identification and intervention efforts by mainstream health and
social service agencies which are often in touch with households at -risk, all public,
non-profit and faith -based health and social service providers could assess clients
for risk of homelessness as part of client intake interviews
Enhance discharge -planning efforts so that people leaving the criminal justice
system, foster care, hospitals, mental health programs, and drug and alcohol
treatment programs are not released into homelessness; this would involve the
corrections system, foster care, hospitals, mental health programs, and drug and
alcohol treatment programs to develop residential stabilization programs to connect
clients to community housing and services prior to discharge
Homeless individuals and families have a large variety of needs,
both short term and long term. These needs range from health
concerns to legal issues, and employment. In many instances,
however, it is difficult for homeless individual and families to
access such individual services due to geography and the lack of
transportation.
A variety ofresources arc available in Yakima County to
prevent homelessness. These include: short term rental
assistance to prevent evictions; help with first month's rent;
a6
SFU HON V11H
a
N Oa ,"bC i,1'f'r'a.;'
flfi"1f o1 10'?baa,""dP;tdrcl'1�1'7
SECTIONS
-SYSTEMS PREVENTION
security deposit payments and credit report l'�,es to assist individuals arrrl Isla°rilies rr
r l tainirr t I,() h�rrrsilrt, rcptrri P1,()grains through municipal tend county Cornw1urrrrity
Development Block Grant lirr�lyr,xnis, assistance with utility p,,1yn1ents, 1,10rlsing
corur'rseling and referrals, lair housing and landlord tenatit: inl6rination, and advocacy.
The following is an example of assistance available in Yakima County:
Y'akinia County Cr, alitiort liar tl�le liorneless (YCCH) — advocacy with landlords,
tcnant training, security cleposit guarantees, rental assistance for 10 families per year
Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) — Yakima — emergency assistance to
prevent homelessness up to 15 families per year
St. Vincent De Paul: FEMA - rent, assistance to prevent homelessness
approximately 30-50 families per~ year.
Salvation Army — Yakima and Grandview
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, countywide —
emergency rent assistance to prevent homelessness for TANF families
City of Yakima Office of Neighborhood Development Services (ONDS) - fair
housing and landlord tenant counseling and advocacy, home repair assistance
Yakima Neighborhood 1 lealth Services — medical and dental services for low-
income families and the hon eless
Northwest Justice Project - fair housing and landlord/tenant counseling and
advocacy
Volunteer Attorney Services - fair housing and landlord/tenant counseling and
advocacy
NATIONAL LAW CENTER ON II0"ELLSSNESSAND POVERTY
37
SECTION VIII
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SECTION 9 - INCOME
Most homcless people will reenter housing without the
benefit of a deep housing subsidy. For them, rehousing
cannot occur without income. The quicker a
minimal/livable income is obtained, the sooner a new
home is possible. 10
Many of the employment models explored as part of ���p
welfare reform show how people can quickly obtain work,i
in many instances paying enough to afford a minimal rent. In order to stabilize housing,
however, people who have been rehoused must be linked with longer-term, career -based
employment services, giving them the tools they need to increase their earnings. In
locations with higher rent levels, this will sometimes be necessary even to initially escape
from homelessness. Mainstream systems such as those funded by the federal government
under the Workforce Investment Act should be used for this purpose.
THE ROLE OF INCOME IN HOMELESSNESS
Many homeless people are unable to work due to a disability, or unable to quickly earn
enough to afford rent. They are often eligible for cash assistance from Supplemental
Secµ � W,_. ,�ro Assistance fornSI I, T��t�� ot't�r�,
p y
'" 1 . rata � :� th ,.ataak rarer t cnou h tr�p Needy Families (TANF)
live arae euid tlieuv strieggle ��i-mi aaionth to car strnllar pro ,ratils, Systems should be
month 1),ying to ni ake ent& meW in place to work through the eligibility
�l.��a Vis; at�ar�ett'r�l �„
eventually these1hepeolVe processes in these programs as quickly as
rwrrrt°t suppot-t themselves and their- possible. As the National Alliance to End
ionilles and ivind aax) on the streels " Homelessness points out, this may
iVedrvork 3 ember require exceptions to local TANF
procedures, which in some places
involve discouraging people from applying for benefits. These exceptions are
worthwhile, however, because of the increased self-sufficiency that comes about as a
result of more stable housing.
The term economically disadvantaged encompasses several sub -populations that may be
dealing with homelessness. Each group has its own set of extenuating circumstances that
further complicate homelessness. The elderly, for example, may be on a fixed income,
thus affecting their access to housing, medical and dental care, and medication.
In general, the economically disadvantaged population tends to be homeless families in
crisis. This includes domestic violence victims. These families face unaffordable housing
and a shortage of supportive services.
Worlc does not pay for housing. According to the National Low Income Housing
Coalition, there is no community in the nation in which a person working at minimum
wage can afford to rent a one -bedroom unit. In Yakima County, a full-time worker
would have to make $12.71 per hour in order to afford a two-bedroom rental unit.
Alternatively, a person working at minimum wage would have to worl< 69 hours a week
on average to afford a two bedroom home.
38
SI',UTION 1X
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fN M1 4imm,IroXR MWm.49 ommmu 44uou R41 am'nNw4mw'a6@NON o.V.V.W4 YH u. y:..
nuo4wr wrmarw 1N144ww. 44nwa.Aa+rxm+rw 44.wo,nn4u4.... —1I I IJN..nlnl:��ww.vruwwm,�nr4m1rvaa 4r,4;mam vaumm waraw.wrtumoww.ay.,w,w,wwouvuim.ou wwn�
For the poorest Americans, reduced incomes are part of a long-term trend. Wages for the
lowest paid workers have gone down significantly in reel teases over the past 20 years.
The decline in, neral wage: has gone along with an even greater deterioration in the
availability and purchasing power of°public benefits for the poorest and most afflicted
people, In: 1996 Congress amended the: Supplemental Security Income program so that
drug and alcohol addiction could not be considered grounds for disability. In 1996
Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act,
which affected food stamp allocations for many people, eliminated SSI eligibility for
some children, and turned the administration of welfare programs for families over to the
states.
TOWARDS A BETTER FINANCIAL BASE
While there has been much controversy about the over-all impact
of welf re reforin, one fact that all concerned seem to agree on is
�"hertle are limited
that income of the ver y poorest families have gone down Despite
rt por°tunities for°
a superbly healthy economy, liar ample:, the income of the
opleoto are
poorest 20 percent of female headed families with children fell
homeless �� at
nearly $600 since 2000. The erosion of income was caused
risk of ert�trttrtl
largely by shay reductions in government
g nt cash and food
homeless to earn
assistance for poor families.
livable ►rcags to
In order to increase the economic self-sufficiency of homeless
Ea i"nia C'crun4,
people, economic opportunities need to be expanded. This could
include:
Foster 9he� creation of more employment opportunities for holaaeless people because
horneless people often need help getting their foot in the employment door. This is
due to a variety of r ea t, ns„ including the lack of employment opportunities in
today's economy, their limited work history and experience, and reluctance by
employers to hire homeless people.
Ensure that homeless people have access to supports to facilitate their success at
employment. In order to be effective for homeless people, education and
employment services must be offered as part of an integrated service package;
people often need a variety of other services in order to enable them to inak.e a
success of their education, training and job search efforts. A priority in this service
package must provide affordable child cape slots for homeless people engaged in
education and employment activities.
Economically Yakima County is chronically depressed. The average
unemployment rate is twice the state average. Due to the
predominance of service industry and seasonal jobs the average
yP-
yearly income in the county is 33 percent below the state average. In i fi'and the
order to afford an two bedroom residence an individual's annual brp".,to�h.,1'�
salary must be higher than $26,440. For many homeless Individuals�°��� bra
and families, including the so-called "working poor", earning a��°n alii' aC�l�.°
39
SECf'10V1 Ix
SECTION 9 -INCOME
livable wage is almost beyond their means. Jobs are often difficult to obtain, wages are
low, and there is no guarantee to job security.
For those who are already homeless simply finding a job is a Catch-22 situation. As one
woman explained, "You go in there and explain to people I am homeless. I need a job so I
can get out of this homeless situation. They are not going to hire you because you are
homeless."
,�✓a /%/ M Klv y�.
I
ufU7r ,�tf/K f ��jfQ`Ip
1I9� fA��
e,
1
d�J.�bi
�ll aka
P %s,
It" %t, LI is �'i�%brre
40
SECTION 1X
EN
YEAR PLAN
I
Reduce the number of homeless persons in Yakima
County by 50% by the year 2015.
I. Reduce the number of Homeless Families
[ ,B,��^� 'l"l r
II. Reduce the number of non -chronically homeless
individuals
III. Reduce the number of chronically homeless
individuals
IV. Reduce the number of homeless youth
V. Conduct f1deq aiatedata collection and planning to
efficielatly �,„limited resources for
homelessjjess
STI2ATEGMS 1. Develop, enhance and expand affordable housing
stock
2. Prevent homelessness from occurring
3. Increase household income
4. Improve access to health services
41
�mim mnrservnwrq��uwta'6Wrryyxlo J UronNONJ JM ow DD �n� um'mmn'u Mfo(o rtaaa artotta OW!Wv4N,wx,NGW ffwdroMd�muSlvar 4fPxYtwx �rwrb'�,cmv rm ONO'drtJ �fl �'�tl Mk�lA00 um�.:�aanU
duce the
ber of
.�I���I� n� �I" �oWI �— I,,ti�, —� 16 urt, � ,oN,ou� ���� NN ��"P a — -- I
Develop, enhance and expand affordable housing stock
Activities:
Short-term
Develop (build or rehabilitate) 30 new units of affordable housing
Increase the number of units in organizations currently providing
einergency, shelter, transitional and/or permanent supportive
housing by 10%
Develop 56 additional clean and sober units
Increase the number of rental vouchers for homeless families by 15
Long-term
Develop (build or rehabilitate) 60 new units of affordable housing
AND
aS N
zT
vi NO • j �, 'C7 T Q O
O o
G y
Cd
U O U (rl U S y v bU
x U U 'iii
N
3 a
Q
��' O ., p
U �; o�,M e N>�>�
E
E
W Cd Ux° OO W
U �o� u.4
o
YCCH; Triumph
Jan -2006
$4,050,000 $135,000 90 30 90 25 Construction
Treatment
65 Rehabilitation
Services; Next
Jul -2007
$234,000
Step Housing;
Yakima Diocese;
YWCA
Thirty formally
homeless
families
provided
affordable
housing
Page 42 of 8 3
re�OuwNA;W'&f5 4 ufnry Ptltr mous .. rt uwYrt JWOUA m�dd ota P�VNaawMfNtM1'I,mm'Mmm W�fNNP�w uppAO UYOVOOWNh WFOAu uM rt oN OON F'�M'dY�W,aNmvrvMm'maaaeim�ra MuW WWIWWaWNd wWd m� ,t uM.
I. Reduce the Number of Homeless Families
Cd N
C •+-'
�
O
• in NO ' yy
cn
'II
Expand existing
�' C
Q
'C7 O
iF
$252,000
Treatment
� L.
$436,000
N
p03
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Fifty-six
formally
homeless
families
Cd
provided
transitional and
U
affordable clean
& sober housing
Triumph Jan -2006
$82,500
Treatment N/A
�`F
U
¢ nQ
O
~
w
w
U
O
pq 3 Q
o
Triumph
Jan -2006
$1,620,000
$54,000
36
12
families receive
36
36 Construction
Treatment
vouchers
Services; YCCH;
Jul -2007
$93,600
Next Ste
F
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Expand existing
_ _units. by .12.. .
_i
Triumph Jan -2006 $7,560,000
$252,000
Treatment
Services; YCCH; Jan -2009
$436,000
Next Step
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Fifty-six
formally
homeless
families
provided
transitional and
permanent
affordable clean
& sober housing
Triumph Jan -2006
$82,500
Treatment N/A
Services; YCCH; Jan -2007
N/A
Next Step
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Thirty-five
formally
homeless
families receive
housing
vouchers
Par>c 43 of 83
168 56 168 42 Construction 126
Rehabilitation
45 15 45 45 Vouchers
Services; Next Jan -2011 $468,000
Step Housing;
Yakima Diocese;
YWCA
Sixty formally
homeless
families
provided
affordable
housing
Page 44 of 8-3)
C Ion
135 Rehabilitation
Reduce
the Number
Homeless
No fi o
of
o i ies
C)
o
oma"
Uo
U
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4Q
-
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YCCH; Triumph
. Jan -2009
$8, l 00,000
$270,000
Treatment
B 80
60
180
45 Constru
t•
Services; Next Jan -2011 $468,000
Step Housing;
Yakima Diocese;
YWCA
Sixty formally
homeless
families
provided
affordable
housing
Page 44 of 8-3)
C Ion
135 Rehabilitation
r�re�fl��mrvw m�w�m� �.uuwwewu�riw�wxmawm �����m� 000arv�w�.� �owwd�w.mw.wwo nnmmno.: �u�o ou000dawmw ��.... �w rte �m ,ww.�w.woaw�,,w„�„�uuaui �m�rwvuwm�,�wwa
I Reduce the Number of Homeless Families
,�NNNNo�o��JJ�
Prevent homelessness amongfamilies at.imminent
mm, nrisk
of
� imminent risk of
losing houstt
Activities:
Secure additional funding to expand Housing First opportunities
Short-term for 50 families: cash assistance, transportation, utility support,
communications, rent, intense case management and
educational/job skill development
Develop an initiative where benefits providers and homeless
services providers meet regularly to discuss ways to increase
education on benefits and to establish multiple points of entry for
all homeless services where homeless can apply for emergency
assistance and obtain necessary information about housing options
and screen for TANF, Medicaid, Medicare, Basic Health, GAU,
VA and other assistance programs
Implement an intense case management system within housing
projects using housing and homeless resource staff who will
provide support and advocacy and maintain contact with
individuals who are homeless or at -risk of becoming homeless
Create a coordinated training program that expands current
educational opportunities combined with other living skills to
assist people in maintaining their households
Create and distribute a printed resource information directory for
homeless persons with services specified by categories
Develop an advocacy system to resolve disputes with landlords
and prevent loss of housing for persons at risk of homelessness
Create a homeless peer support group that provides long-term
follow-up, companionship and advocacy for families and
individuals
Develop an online resource dvectory of housing services that
includes an inventory and information about available low -rent
housing options including housing for specialized populations and
their criteria which is updated and maintained by service providers
and can be accessed by the public.:
Develop public service campaign on the issues of homelessness
and prevention and provide information about the availability of
subsidized housing programs and how to access these resources
F'xpand weather'/ and small ]Ionic repair programs to low -
Page 45 of 83
............... , � , w mm u u u u wo Im . . , U
I. Reduce the Number of Homeless Families
income individuals and persons at risk of homelessness
Develop regular training and education for case managers and
advocates (e.g. SOARS), develop networking opportunities
Ilaoc 46 ol'83
PR0,JE,C'Qi',D'FIAII,-,
FRAMES
IPLEMENTING,-I-RATEG
IS
bo
EI
0 Q) 0
0 U
. 2
Cq
U
ro
L) 0
0
En > >
C13
C r—
U
0.
CC
U 0
0
(D
0
.....W..
Yakinia
..........
Jan -2006
N/A
. . . . .
N/A
. .....
. .....
Homeless
Network; YUH;
Jul -2007
$115,000
OIC; NCAC;
Salvation Arrny;
I
DSHS;
WorkSource;
Cornintinity
College; Yakinla
Interfaitli
Coalition; 1"TIC;
Yakitmi County;
YNHS;
CC,
'C St.
Viwent de PaW;
TriLinipli (I"CAP);
50 rarnflies
sqportive
e,k,,es and case
sn
ul�l rl',wgell) ell t
vdwll they
lec'eive boLl""t
. ..... . . . . .......... ---- L
... .... . . . . ... ...... .
Ilaoc 46 ol'83
R',wc 47 of 83
,�aaaa�o�
I. Reduce
— �
the Number
of Homeless
uuoomowmumuww mow....
Families
wa�oanawn
a.�n�emwoww.�w.mnnw
� C
bq �
.
..�....
.gym-..���. m..,m„...
Of �
IS
O 0 O
Y
C C
U
O U N Y
N
0]
�
U M rn
0
y U °
C Y
,0,
ca cd
V) En
Cq
iu
3°[
m
•ri
0
.0 E
> >
Oca
U
p
U
30U
°
.....�.µµJan-2006_
Cl„ Health
N.....__
/A
mm.. ..� ......_-�
N/A
�...__ww�...
...._.
_ _,...�.....
Care Coalition
('Access
Jan-2007
N/A
Specialists);
1:1-1$
CWCMI[-,I; 211;
I-1ospitals„
aldma Count;
The tirneit takes
Cor homeless
families to
qualify f-br
assistance will
decrease b 60%
YCC'1.-1, "tlext
Jan-2006
N/A
N/A
Step Tlousin&
"Fri�� mph
Jul-2006
$272,000
Treal:ment
services.,
fit., CMH',
90% of, the
or' aNN7R.r`, 'tions
Providing
lunisln , and
services will have
a r'(,So .BrCue s a if
Im,widing Mrbtcnse:
case nnan-rtte nient.
R',wc 47 of 83
Page 48 of 83
�e
e Number
hover
N�
�mo�moomHome--I
� ssmMm
of o e� Families
CIS (U
O O
[ C N
U
O U
.D N—%
L1
O
O
a•EQ
:°A°�
o
�2.
a
U++
23v
U 0
>
G
CCCS; Salvation
Au -2006
.��..-_...n_.
.._..
.��_...u.._..�.,..-....._
3
o
Army; EPIC;
N/A
N/A
DSHS; OIC;
Jul -2007
N/A
C WCMH;
Triumph
Treatment
Services; NJP;
WSU
Cooperative
Extension;
YWCA; YCCH
80% of all
homeless families
who go into
permanent
housing will have
graduated from
t_in pr,,r��r"rrra
_
CCCS' Salvation
��..�
..e.._. ....-.
_.
Army; •
N/A
N/A
...
--
DSHS; OIC;
Dec -2006
N/A
CWCMH;
Triumph
Treatment
Services; NJP;
WSU
Cooperative
Extension;
YWCA; YCCH
Enough resource
directories will
be printed to give
to every
homeless person
in the CaaM Hy
Page 48 of 83
I Reduce
theNumber
�....
«�uw ,�� UsoHo �noof Homeless Families
.
'O E
-C O O
E
M N
U O U y r�
N Qj cV
W
+'
�'
01
.5
C
ca
QU
c E
0
0W
>° >
_
d O
°
o
NJP; Housingmm..^-
Jul 2006
�N/A
_....
Help for Yakima;
N/A
City of Yakima
Jan-2007
ONDS. Dispute
N/A
Resolution
Center; YCCH;
DSHS; Landlord
Assn;
Reduce the
number of
evictions b 50 /o
h......
Yakima Interfait
Jul-2006
_
N/A
Coalition;
N/A
Housing Help for
Jan-2007
Yakima;
N/A
CWCMH
(PATH); Davis
High School (for
Youth); YCCH
Provide a
homeless peer for
every identified
homeless family
County; 211; .
AUg-2006 a .�_..
N/A
4People; YCCH
90% of housing
Aug-2007
N/A
and homeless
service providers
actively
participate in the
.. online direct�r� �
Network PublicJan-2006
�. �
NIA
Education
N/A
------
Committee;
Dec-2006
YCCH
N/A
Awareness of
homeless issues
increases by 50%
based on
communit)
P�igc 149 of 83
u� ���w".6 ���umros.w,nw,.w._wv�.wvww am�a��q �m �oo_�rR p��m �,. a Nwwwvwuww'mw,w �w����, o uoowuuu�uwwwun ro rtrtrta�rtrrt��o�- uoowomroox m� umrw�, a� amuaw��—�wti�,w
I. Reduce the Number of Homeless Families
Paoe 50 ol• b3
cn
Cn
0. �, s.
O
7
/Y�
N
ca
Q
xbO
O
01
>
>
a a�
a�
a
v 03 U
> c
�, ❑
O
91,
. U
o
w
o a1
Q
�, >
cEn
[ p
Q O
w
U x
p
°��' o
COU11t ; 01C;
Jul -2006
N/A
N/A
F'raranorers
Unic; Flaalaataat
Jul -2007
$150,000
for Humanity;
City of Yakima
ND
Provide 10
additional
faniffies with
weaatiaer•i ;atinn
services
County;Yakfina
'
......_
Jan -2006
N/A
A......�.�
N/
....m �
w w..0 �,,,.
m.• �. mm._..._
.-
��...-�......
MEN; al;
M( N11 -l;
Aug -2006
N/A
YC'C"Fl; YNi IS;
NTP;
Farmworkers
("'iirare, CCC;
Faith Flared
ANetworking
gra Ur) meets once
as week tinct
tr• iraings ave field
Paoe 50 ol• b3
I. Ileduce the Number
IUJUu';68x �ovuew.�w m.WtaMAORw���v Owx.MS�'MbywOWtlOM N wNd��pY�Ji9.0Y ONR.�Y: Y: �. Q RN n aufff....Uw�WWOM�kJ.pti�uwuvbuyy�yy!W.�µwp0.0 ,vNolumrvuu u0u��p IDbf,@1ti Ne amW'ewa'4Hi,NIW;rOx
Increase household income for homeless families
Activities:
Establish Individual Development Accounts (IDA) for families or
Short -terra individuals to use towards a home purchase or education
Develop bilingual job readiness program for homeless families
and individuals that includes modules in life skills and pays
scholarships, childcare, housing subsidy and transportation for
specialized populations in safe, positive environments
A Re1Aecr A„0.1 T4 Aa M.Ll G1��gAM7 A .4.148 A a lWV V'�i . ydeAA k 1�.A:"A1A l%�flP .P'kIl �sL �IYY tl f 11 Wii kA 4 L4 xA 4 MA$p S
Yakima Housing
Au ll'ority,
` unrlyside 11ousitig
Authority; NCA.C;
Yakhivi Diocese;
Yakima 111te faidl
Coalition, Ct""'('.S
Provide new IDA
accounts for up to
mm24 families aae:e.
"i ork ounce;
Y "'C B„ Yakin�i
Inte fai.tit f oalitkm;
l°)S'l113; G"alt l"i.ryple
1'or People;
l-aIrrm%'orkeN's
(" Jkli „ Gookvall,
UGM
of participants
successfully
graduate fi-om
1'W Qj Atm
Jan -2006 N/A
Jul -2006
Jan -2006
Jan -2007
N/A
$80,000
N/A
$55,000
Paoe 51 of 83
rn
\ c
S
(U
O
o
N
CG NCqJ
O
„.
\
U U
c�+y U
U
3 5
U Ce
P,
c O
a
CZ
E U
o
�
Yakima Housing
Au ll'ority,
` unrlyside 11ousitig
Authority; NCA.C;
Yakhivi Diocese;
Yakima 111te faidl
Coalition, Ct""'('.S
Provide new IDA
accounts for up to
mm24 families aae:e.
"i ork ounce;
Y "'C B„ Yakin�i
Inte fai.tit f oalitkm;
l°)S'l113; G"alt l"i.ryple
1'or People;
l-aIrrm%'orkeN's
(" Jkli „ Gookvall,
UGM
of participants
successfully
graduate fi-om
1'W Qj Atm
Jan -2006 N/A
Jul -2006
Jan -2006
Jan -2007
N/A
$80,000
N/A
$55,000
Paoe 51 of 83
rn
S
O
°'
o
N
U
W
ai
+a o
N U p
M
yd
E
o
d o
f
U
En
u,
�0
I . Reduce the Number of Homeless Families
.............. . .. . .......
Improve access to health services for homeless families
. .........
Activities:
Establish access to bilingual medical and legal services to include
Short-term families who may not be covered by medical coupons
I"ROJE'C"I'fi'I'INIEFI��AM'lQ'S .COST SANDBIUDs CREV MJI
E
to 0
4
_C�
Cn
ca ti
W
bo
0
-0
0.
C; C� 0
M
Fri
ca
E
c;j>
U
Cd
0
(U S — 0
M
0
0
NJP; YNHs;
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
Farmworker's
Clinic; Yakima
Jul -2007
$150,000
Interfaith Coalition;
Yakima Health
Care Coalition
(KIDS Connect);
YCCH; Triumph;
Amiga's Unidas;
Radio Cadena,-
Nuestra Casa;
80% of eligible
families are
enrolled in services
Page 52 of 83
II. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Develop, enhance and expand affordable housing stock
Activities:
Short-term Develop (build or rehabilitate) 30 new units of affordable housing
�Increase the number of units in organizations currently providing
einergency, she [ter, transitional and/or permanent supportive
housing by 10%
Develop 56 additional clean and sober units
f Increase the number of rental vouchers for homeless individuals by
25
Develop 10 non -religious, wet housing units for individuals or
persons waiting to get into treatment
Develop 10 units for re-entry housing (persons coming out of
institutions)
Long-term Develop (build or rehabilitate) 20 new units of affordable housing
P► t � E(Trlrl,j) Tt11 g lvti," MES ("'1ST AM) BEI)S CREATE[) ,l t'Ll✓,NJENTtN , S'J'R,
ES
N
C13 NC
U
,.
�
°'
�_LQ y
pq
o
eA
,�, c
3
ca
O
t a
U
>~
it
No >
03
Nj°
_1;
sU U
YCCH; Triumph
Jan -2006
$960,000
$141,000
30
30
10 Construction
Treatment
Services; Next
Jan -2009
$69,000
20 Rehabilitation
Step Housing;
Yakima Diocese;
YWCA
Thirty formally
homeless
individuals
provided housing
Page 53 of 83
H. DUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
�
INDIVIDUALS
00_��
=.;I-
F co
c
o o
q
d
3
/may
to
Uro
Pa` vvJg
w
lo -
U bQ
,O
�G
U „moi o ¢ rya
w M
®
[qy ~
...
Wa
U
Triumph,
Jan -2006
$1,125,000 $37,500 25
CWCMH,
25
10 Construction
Yakima
Jul -2007
$65,000
15 Rehabilitation
Interfaith
Coalition,
PATH, YCCH,
Next Step
Housing;
Expand existing
units by 25
Triumph
Jan -2006 $2,520,000 `
$4,0a6Treatment
56
25 Construction
Services; YC -,'CH;
Jan -2009
$145,600
10 Rehabilitation
Next Step
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Fifty-six
formally
homeless
individuals
provided
transitional and
permanent
affordable clean
& sober housing
Page 54 of 83
II . REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON-CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
UO
0
'd
CF
0 a) 0
a
G Cd
U
7�
Cn
to 0
EE
Cd
> >
0
E
0
0
's 0 0
Triumph
Jan-2006
$137,500 25
25
25 Vouchers
Treatment
NIA
Services; YCCH;
Jan-2007
N/A
Next Step
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Twenty-five
formally
homeless
individuals
provided
vouchers
Yakima County;
Jan-2006
$450,000
$15,000 10
10
10 Rehabilitation
Triumph; Next
Step Housing;
...................
Jan-2008
$26,000
Ten formally
homeless
individuals
provided - .housing
DOC; Next Step
Jan-2006
$450,000
$15,000 10
10
10 Rehabilitation
Housing; YCCH;
Triumph; OIC;
Jan-2008
$26,000
DSHS; CWCMH
Ten formally
homeless
individuals
provided housing
11alcyc 55 of 83
II. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
-o E
d
o
aU
C7
(D
•� •?v
°. ovi
o
oo
y +3
U
°
6D 00)
N
OQ
.0 pN
En
°;
A
DO
U
❑q
Li
.c
G4 Uo x
F"
O
ami p
pa '3
¢O¢
o°
YCCH; Triumph
Jan -2009
$640,000
$94,000 20
20
10 Construction
Treatment
10 Rehabilitation
Services; Next
Jan -2011
$46,000
Step Housing;
Yakima Diocese;
YWCA
Twenty formally
homeless
individuals
provided
affordable
housing
Page 56 of 83
H. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Prevent homelessness among single adults
Activities -
Short -term Create the capacity for institutions through interagency agreements
to notif'y I'lousing, providers of individuals leaving their facilities
and have hoi.,ising options in place for those being discharged fi-cans
treatment or illstitt,itioris so they may be placedas they are released;
remove barriers, fiacilitate the coordination and delivery of
supportive services and provide case rnanagenient to homeless
individuals leaving institutionalized care
Increase the number of street outreach professionals to meet current
and future needs
Secure additional funding to expand Housing First opportunities for
50 individuals: cash assistance, transportation, utility support,
communications, rent, intense case management and
educational/job skill development
MPLEMENTINC
STRA11K(M-111's
Ca
0
rn
r. 4
0 0 0
cid
IE
0
r
En
r,
al
s
0 0
V) >
Cd
>
0
C13
E
U
Cd
E
0F"
0
ami
0
0
CWCMH;
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
Triumph
Treatment
Jul -2007
$80,000
Services; Police;
DSHS; County,
DOC, Network
Re-entry
Committee
100 persons
coming out of
institutions are
provided case
management
with housing
Page 57 of.'83
II. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
o�
o O
Ca
C y
U
o U N N
L1l r.
V
y U
t' -0C
• O
ccs
a Q
...
a�
°:
=
gas" U v
W
o Aq
� '�
Q
N>
G Y
a
U
rte.
U o
F"
O�
ami
E
ar
k. =
CWCMH
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
(PATH), YNHS
Jul -2007
$80,000
100 additional
homeless
persons served a
year_
Yakima
Homeless
Network;
YCCH; OIC;
NCAC;
Salvation Army;
DSHS;
WorkSource;
Community
College; Yakima
Interfaith
Coalition; EPIC;
Yakima County;
YNHS;
CWCMH;
CCCS; St.
Vincent de Paul;
Triumph
(PCAP);
50 individuals
receive
supportive
services and case
management
when they
receive housing
Jan -2006 N/A
Jul -2007
N/A
$115,000
Page 58 of 83
. . .............
11. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Increase household income for homeless individuals
Activities:
Short-term Establish Individual Development Accounts (IDA) for families or
individuals to use towards a home purchase or education
Develop bilingual job readiness program for homeless families and
individuals that includes modules in life skills and pays
scholarships, childcare, housing subsidy and transportation for
specialized populations in safe, positive environments
PROJECTED'I'INTE
Flu%w,& Cos'JSAND ICER s CREA"I'ED IMPLEMENTIM'.'
STRATEGIES
cu
Ca 0•
Cko 0
M
0
;>
W
C4
0
(U
0 8 —
x, W C/)
's
0
�D
�) 0
2
Ca
U
E U
0
0
b
—0
E
U
:3
E
0mt�
0
0
cn
0
Yakima Housing
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
Authority,
Sunnyside
Jul -2006
$80,000
Housing
Authority;
NCAC; Yakima
Diocese; Yakima
Interfaith
Coalition; CCCS
Provide new
IDA accounts for
up to 24 families
a year
Page 59 of 83
Ih,nR w� o��
DUCE THE NUMBER
r
OF NON-CHRONIC�ALLY
HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Q [�
N
3�0
[C�
W
aV+Cd`
Ob F40
N
a
w
U.,
w
[i V
O
H
W 3
aGi
o
CCCS;
Jan -2006
N/A
o
WorkS ource;
N/A
YCCH; Yakima
Jan -2007
Intef'h
N/A
ait
Coalition;
DSHS; OIC;
People for
People;
Farmworker's a
Clinic;
Goodwill; UGM
75% of
participants
successfully
graduate from
.program
Page 60 of 83
II. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON -CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Improve access to health services for homeless individuals
Activities:
Short-term Network between existing agencies to identify homeless people not
currently in care for HIV/AIDS, work in coordination with those
agencies already helping to identify homeless people with
HIV/AIDS and work together to get them to the appropriate
community Ryan White funded programs and other programs for
care
Develop collaborative process between mental health and substance
abuse services to ensure coordination of care for dually diagnosed
homeless persons
PR0,fF,CaTEo Tjmt," FRAMES. os,rs A to BEDS C.ttEA°I`El)
N
bq O
ti
o
o 0) o
3�a
c
a�Q
U
U
YCCH; YNHS;
Jan -2006
N/A
Care Bearers
_.............._
Jul -2007
All identified
HIV/AIDS
persons are
referred to
benefits and
services
CWCMH;
Jan -2006
N/A
Triumph;
Jul-2007
Providers �('binfly
case tln."B.a nahFU,c
Persons Who are,
duaHy, diagnosed
� � U
O
�Or+ U N
f+i b0 C/)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Pa0e 61 of 83
III. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Develop, enhance and expand affordable housing stock
Activities:
Short-term Develop (build or rehabilitate) 20 new units of affordable housing
Increase the number of units in organizations currently providing
emergency, shelter, transitional and/or permanent supportive
housing by '10%
Develop 35 additional clean and sober units
Increase the number of rental vouchers for homeless individuals by
25
Develop 10 non -religious, wet housing units for individuals or
persons waiting to get into treatment
P1l 0Jl'�" A'last',)
TIM1 A�tll 1� 9 11
,0 1,wi left 1 leyl)et; ti, "mP l } &i l l
ISN
w T�l ai f P p mi f� "e
N
Uq O
vi
C
Wa
[�
N U 00
,O
U
3
a E Q
N
r_ O
U
T
c y N
U O• —
°
U�¢
Cd
w
o�
Ux
°O
V— E
w
U
YCCH; Triumph
Jan -2006 $900,000
$30,000
20
20
10 Construction
Treatment
10 Rehabilitation
Services; Next
Jul -2007
$52,000
Step Housing;
Yakima Diocese;
YWCA
Twenty
chronically
homeless
individuals
provided
affordable
housing
Page 62 of 83
III. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
N
N
bq O
C�
aN+ Us..
'h
'b
„aN„ i
Q
N O
O
C)O
q
U x t'o ti
.. "Cd
Q
Q.l
.a
U O cts
C1
�� C U C
E �'
H
C7 O Cd
O v"i
.,
��
U O Q
w V 0
p
3
°o
Triumph,
Jan -2006
$1,125,000 $37,500 25
25
10 Construction
CWCMH,
15 Rehabilitation
Yakima
Jul -2007
$65,000
Interfaith
Coalition;
PATH; YCCH;
Next Step
Housing;
Expand existing
units by'25
"Triumph Jan -2006 $1,575,000 $52,500
Treatment
Services; YCCH; Jan -2007 $91,000
Next Step
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Thirty-five
chronically
homeless
individuals
provided
transitional and
permanent
affordable clean
& sober housing
Paue 63 of 83
35
35 25 Construction
10 Rehabilitation
III. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
y
�o
Y
bo V•r)
M
�� ,
CAo
o o
g��
N
U o
il
5 c C)
a
U
[
E4-
°' °
°
cc
U
¢0�
tL
w
Ux°
O
3 cu
c
o
Triumph
Jan -2006
$137,500
25
25
25 Vouchers
Treatment
N/A
Services; YCCH;
a Jan -2007
N/A
Next Step
Housing; Faith
Based
Organizations
Twenty-five
chronically
homeless
individuals
provided
vouchers
Yakima County; Jan -2006 $450,000 $15,000 10
Triumph; Next
Step Housing Jan -2008 $26,000
Ten chronically
homeless
individuals
provided housing
Page 64 of 83
10 : 10 Rehabilitation
......... ...
III. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Prevent homelessness among chronically homeless
f� ? sin ale adults
�
Activities:
Short-term Create the capacity for institutions through interageNtcy agreements
to notify housing providers of individuals leaving their facilities
and have housing options in place for those being discharged from
treatment or institutions so they may be placed as they are released;
remove barriers, facilitate the coordination and delivery of
supportive services and provide case management to homeless
individuals leaving institutionalized care
Increase the number of street outreach professionals to meet current
and future needs
Secure additional funding to expand Housing First opportunities for
50 individuals: cash assistance, transportation, utility support,
communications, rent, intense case management and
educational/job skill development
I"tQ'tEda t LNl11ME i^'ttMf% :tl "PS ANL �T.1S�s°t+aMt°t la�u"►[%R�!"�`tii w"'I" i t`f�IES
di
a)
Z
•�
Y
on
,U
VI
V]
'D
EnC13
�
O N O
N
U
U
N
ai
rn
c� p�q
'�O
....
3
cG
'5 C13
C3
r++ O
r'�
U
C
eco
�¢
y O
U p 'in *'
N
�Q
aU0.
o
M >� >
G:
CWCMH;
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
Triumph
Treatment
Jul -2007
$80,000
Services; Police;
DSHS; County,
DOC, Network
Re-entry
Committee
100 persons
coming out of
institutions are
provided case
management
with housing
III. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY,H.OMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
En
rA
.42
'�t'
e.)
m, 0 r't
C/I
bo 'A
�D
c.) Ln
-g
0
12
V1 +c�
V
cd
0
CWCMH
.lair -2006
N/A
N/A
(PATH), YNHS
Jul -2007
$80,000
100 additional
homeless
persons served a
year
Yakima
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
Homeless
Network;
Jul -2007
$115,000
YCCH; OIC;
NCAC;
Salvation Army;
DSHS;
WorkSource;
Community
College; Yakima
Interfaith
Coalition; EPIC;
Yakima County;
YNHS;
CWCMH;
CCCS; St.
Vincent de Paul;
Triumph
(PCAP);
50 individuals
receive
supportive
services and case
management
when they
receive housing
lla-0c 66 o(- 83
- - - - -- - ----
111. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Increase household income for homeless individuals
Activities:
Short-term Establish Individual Development Accounts (IDA) for families or
individuals to use towards a home purchase or education
Develop bilingual job readiness program for homeless families and
individuals that includes modules in life skills and pays
scholarships, childcare, housing subsidy and transportation for
specialized populations in safe, positive environments
Pw,j[,,'x,ri,.Wf
IME S'TRA'rEG'JE,S
:3
Cf)
rti
'10:1 t
0
V
U
UO
0
C/1 V
Cd
2
IQ
0 0
d)
" =
`OQ
51
r-
,
0 0
G
5
0
cc
0
W
L0
U 0
Q
C)
>
0
W ;>
0
r.
U
Z
(U
0
Yakima Housing
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
Authority,
Sunnyside
Jul -2006
$80,000
Housing
Authority;
NCAC; Yakima
Diocese; Yakima
Interfaith
Coalition; CCCS
Provide new
IDA accounts for
up to 24
individuals
hwy 67 of'83
. .......... � � , " I"�"I w o 000 1111, F�� �������a���a �.. .
III. REDUCE THF, NTTMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
Page 68 of 83
�QEll
En
Q
0
... Q y
U
Q
N,.
�
U y
GQ
N U Q
•O
,
H
�
F-
ed
0 Q
_
LL
ca
r
¢Oar
w
w
.�
U Q
O
U
OQ 3
G
o
CCCS;
.carr -2006
/A
N/A
WorkSource;
YCCH; Yakima
Jan -2007
N/A
Interfaith
Coalition;
DSHS; OIC;
People for
People;
Farmworker's
Clinic;
Goodwill; UGM
75% of
participants
successfully
graduate from
program
Page 68 of 83
III. REDUCE THE DUMBER OF CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
INDIVIDUALS
mImprove access to health services for
c onicall homeless t
ndividuals
Activities:
Short-term Establish a program where registered nurses accornpany n'lental
health case managers to provide "on the street" first aid and minor
medical services with referrals made to other area providers for
treatment of more serious conditions or access to supportive
services
Establish proactive outreach and harm reduction for IDU's by
providing day-to-day referrals for wound and abscess care and
transfer care from the ER to neighborhood health clinics
PRt JEC'rt,o
l'tlwlt I+"t . nrr�s C s , A are,I t9 t s ,t . °rt r� I hast
l t T� aS°tl
A utw �tl
O U O
G
U
O
N
�D
ill
U•
'y+
3
aU—•
Q
d"!}
N
U y
N
O
�0
0 mar
>
� >
U
sas 4;
CIS
x
OO
P] •3
o
YNHS;
Jan -2006
N/A
N/A
CWCMH;
Hospitals; Health
Jul -2006
$170,000
District;
Farmworker's
Clinic; Triumph
All homeless
persons have
access to basic
health services
YNHS; Health Jan -2006 N/A N/A
District
Ill IM Ps have
access to vl�mnxI
care
Jul -2006 N/A
Page 69 of 83
ry
IV. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS YOUTH
Develop, enhance and expand affordable housing stock
Activities:
Short-term Develop youth center to combine housing, education, medical and
other services for up to 10 youth
Create 10 additional cooperative or transitional housing for
homeless youth
Support and sustain the number of units in organizations currently
providing housing for youth
A k' 0J' le.Y (,r!,n j m ip
�" �"..s1�'�'11�t'kpe Y�t"4Pik,l'MA,Au°�.,s�J.A#I'ro�,R3.Y'II�.J�'1�d�vll.T.+p'.�,tlu1`A&$"s�J"W.YM1Ptx:t9�o9WIq�,AY^M�.4.1.1^�^k'n�'�d���Yl��+'Au
tWAv^M.Yn:11"At�..
6D 0
' �:l +C�
o
r
❑
a) o
r Q)
U
�
o0o
� °�
'o
3
(D13
c
o
My
E
c
E�
�
='
r,
k
U
0
0Cn
o
EPIC; OIC; New
Jan -2006
$200,000
$47,000
10
10
10 Rehabilitation
Hope; DCFS;
Farmworker's Dec -2006 $23,000
Clinic; Casey
Family; Schools;
C WCMH;
Consumer Credit
Counseling
Up to 10 youth
receive services
DSHS; EPIC;
OIC; Triumph
Treatment
Services
Provide up 10
youth a year with
housing and
services
Jan -2006 $400,000 $47,000
Jan -2008 $23,000
Page 70 of 83
10 10 10 Rehabilitation
Ind. Beds
Family Beds
Family Units
Chronically
Homeless Ind.
Beds
TOTAL BEDS
Beds created
with vouchers,
leasing,
renovation, or
new
construction*
n
4 °'
B
Who /
C
G
Intermediate
`D o
Outcome
x
CD
Start Planning /
Implementation !
C=)
rn
Date
ON
z
Capital Costs
Annual Housing
rD
fs
Operating Costs /
0
0 o
Annual Service
00
0 0
Costs
Ind. Beds
Family Beds
Family Units
Chronically
Homeless Ind.
Beds
TOTAL BEDS
Beds created
with vouchers,
leasing,
renovation, or
new
construction*
IV. REDIICE THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS YOUTH
Page 73 of 83
Ld
•�
V1
•h Q
[/
•ryd
.�'^'
'' �iy
1--V
� � Qom^
�4�ir+i''
Q 0 0
•[ di
U
Q U 0 —m
Q%
W
u��
�Q
U O
..
'a+
V
N Q
y 7cd
U
'b
O N
Q'
v> > C a-+
m_. _
Yakima
..........
Jan -2006
�..._
N/A
.._.
N/A
_.
9_
_ ,_...._.
....
1-lomeless
Network;
Jail -2007
$115,000
Y F 1, 01c,
N ;AC ;
Salvatioli Array;
D814s;
WorkSource;
CW,cwrafgmonit.
College; Yakima
ima.
Interfaith
Coalition; EPIC;
Yakima County;
Vincent de Paul,
Triumph
(PCA1.))-
5p;0y. individuals
receive
supportive
services and case
inanagenvi
when they
receive. housinp� ......
Page 73 of 83
M��rt�� MU �m,M'3rt. f.w.wrmwYnwwaummmNiu'e'Wiw!wraeWrm art'rt Alm mN oN NOM4.mrw.ry6'N duo �@�uwa.W:WwUION' Ju ...WWW➢NJJ➢
Prevent homelessness among homeless youth
Activities:
Short-term Establish Individual Development Accounts (IDA) for families or
individuals to use towards a home purchase or education
Develop bilingual job readiness program for homeless families
and individuals that includes modules in life skills and pays
scholarships, childcare, housing subsidy and transportation for
specialized populations in safe, positive environments
PR rt t. °� td; I'u t.ts Ire � ll s + "t sl AI It ISI res C1 e A l l t at l t� .t,t Saws
75% of participants
successfully
eraduatc
O
U
.Q
CO
U
N/A
N/A
$80,000
N/A
N/A
Page 74 of 83
a�
Oq O
O O
ro
E
3 �
O
a A
o
c
Yakima Housing
Ja...
n-2006
Authm-ity,
Cd
Sunnyside I lons'ing
Jul -2006
Auffiwity; 'f CAC;
Yakitna Diocese
PQ 3 o
Yakima Into lrrrl:li
Coalition; t C,.:
Provide new IDA
accounts for up to
24 families a yc �u:°
Crt'.."
Jan -2006
r;rrk3our"c e
YCCJ i; yakrnia
Jan -2007
Inter Iardlr t.,,oafldon;
JI)SH ON"; I"eopld,
I( P or lr'.w �L
t lk lu tnot,Sklk'vdj;
75% of participants
successfully
eraduatc
O
U
.Q
CO
U
N/A
N/A
$80,000
N/A
N/A
Page 74 of 83
CU
W
o
a�
oCa
>
Cd
O
PQ 3 o
—.,eo ,fi U , owe ro.... . . .
IV. REDUCE THE NuMRER OF HOMELESS YOUTH
uax�o�w,wnwni as�Nm N!ao�.erc oam �Iw��uMNav osn �amwww^.Noo oou xuaa foauueo�oiw o ow: �nnso �rmmu wnaananwiq,�m�.uamfiwv�am.�u,w.0 or!mANrouJ afiw,wam: Pmm�ouFllfAw.wwW.wm W<aammmm,vg gr o. mwHW,'Nu4r�cb .gmmlw ..�ovey
Improve access to health services for homeless youth
Activities:
Short-term Establish a program where registered nurses acco(`VIP IYy Inental
health case managers to provide "on the street" l trst aid and minor
medical services with referrals made to other area providers for
treatment of more serious conditions or access to supportive
services
Establish proactive outreach and harm reduction for IDU's by
providing day-to-day referrals for wound and abscess care and
transfer care from the ER to neighborhood health clinics
PR0Ji+(-r1T, Ti t`, F,RAMt+ t: w:i m � @"9: 1i3t i' S "i t Alt<14 i6VSt�i,t^l i' °t°19 "( Sttttrl tEGIES
c en
YNHS; Jan -2006 N/A N/A
CWCMH;
Hospitals; Health Jul -2006 $170,000
District;
Farmworker's
Clinic; Triumph
All homeless
persons have
access to basic
health services
YNHS; Health Jan -2006 N/A N/A
District
�......_ Jul -2006 N/A
All 1DU's have
access to wound
care
Page 75 of 83
OOO
as0 0 C
O
N'
v
WPB
a��i v 2
O
as
_U
un
,�
0.
Gq
Jr. O
'U
0
v]
U
Q
w
U x
'3 0
°U
YNHS; Jan -2006 N/A N/A
CWCMH;
Hospitals; Health Jul -2006 $170,000
District;
Farmworker's
Clinic; Triumph
All homeless
persons have
access to basic
health services
YNHS; Health Jan -2006 N/A N/A
District
�......_ Jul -2006 N/A
All 1DU's have
access to wound
care
Page 75 of 83
w«Rn,a� �et�,r,�N�,Wu,U� w,, ���m��N�� �,u,,�, ���,�rt�� u��,���•�K�_� ��Q����,,
CONDUCT ADEQUATE DATA COLLECTION AND APLANNING TO
EFFICIENTLY MANAGE LIMITED RESOURCES FOR
HOMELESSNESS
Activities:
Short-term Conduct annual Point In Time count and publicize the results
Conduct annual Continuum of Care Housing Inventory and
publicize the results
Increase HMIS participation
PROJUTED11ME
FRAWS,Ctrs
rs ANj,) Bitms CREATED I I)I ,'[�MEN'I IMM �STr a°E
t s
YbD
1
0a
-
0
A .2
•�
'O
S
•C y
�^
O
fi
0
3
a
7a
0A
d
�
>
Cc
Cn
cO
••
�¢
O
w
wU
O
oU
YCCH; County;
Nov -2005
Homeless
Network
Jan -2006
All homeless
persons counted
annually
County;
Jan -2006
Homeless
Network
Mar -2006
All current and
future beds
counted annually
Homeless
Jan -2006
Network;
County; YCCH
Feb -2006
Increase
participation by
50%
Page 76 of 83
o P OINNNo.:Y aoNmmo �Ww�A rw�ab'. Yaow',WaFiN �um0000w�wwuwa u��uG�4.. r moWowourNtlwrt�WtJ JW40.4W'H�.WN':P:V�Wr,U'kW JOOo441!W4N YVN.YNUMN.6M1 aw�ID axomi9.xm m.'M�ammO'JN rJUNmYuYi
TOTAL COST AND UNMET NEED FOR HOUSING THE HOMELESS
Yakima County's 10 -year plan is an ambitious undertaking that will require the combined
resources and efforts of local government, business, non-profit organizations, the faith
community and individual citizens in order to achieve our ultimate goal of ending
homelessness in Yakima County. The following tables and graphs represent our best
estimate of the total cost and number of beds and housing units it will take to achieve our
goal.
600
400
200
0
sltniateiI°Il3ret NVeeci for edstlrli
Total Beds
, tNfn of eds14.dt~ its to tjo Creato
IIBSingle Beds
M,; Family Beds
?ti Family Units
[]Chronic Homeless
Beds
MSingle Beds
M1 Family Beds
B Family Units
❑Chronic Homeless
Beds
„mercentae_of Need to be Met
0 Chronic Homeless Beds
125%
Percentage IN Family Units
Met M Family Beds
� ® Single Beds
0% 50% 100% 15
Total Costs _to„Acheive Goal
$1,631,400 $3,160,900
r
$32,12.5„000
Pane 77 of 83
❑Bu llding/Calrrtal
130perating
❑5eMces
�... . . ......��rr�o��,�mw
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY
CHANGES NEEDED TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS
1. Introduce legislation to prevent families from being evicted from
November 1 - April 1 (winter months - similar to Minnesota law).
2, Increased funding for housing, food and utilities through the following
State programs (ESAP, EFAP and LIHEP) and give a higher priority to
serving the homeless.
3. Create easier ways within DSHS for homeless persons to access cash
benefits similar to the national SOARS initiative.
4. Make serving the homelessness population a top priority in state
agencies and programs.
5. Create and fund a Homeless Ombudsman program.
6. Pass legislation that would accommodate undocumented people with
housing and services.
7. Ensure that the local 40% share of 2163 funds sent to the state goes
back to the local community.
8. Increase the LIHEP funding in proportion to increasing energy costs;
dedicate a portion to homeless prevention and allow more local input
into how funds are allocated.
9. Require state agency officials and staff to serve on local Continuum's
of Care so they can become more involved in local homeless and
housing issues.
10. Change DSHS Additional Requirements to reflect the actual need and
not some arbitrary set amount.
11. Increase funding for the State IDA program
12. Include consumers' voice in state policy decision by appointing them to
positions on key state committees such as the Interagency Council on
Homelessness.
78
M-FA(",I, MEN117 ' - . IN11 ONS
�li`i�?x44,1) k. Defined as paying less than 30 percent an
individual's income for housing.
Al Risk r"iartir':s Being on the brink of homelessness, often because
of Homeless having extremely low income and
paying too high a percentage of that income
(typically 50 percent or more) on rent.
Beds Typically used to describe overnight sleeping
capacity in shelters.
ti?orrrtle°.°•" Also described as "hard to serve" homeless.
Individuals who are homeless more than one year or
more than three times in last three years; with
disability.
ratttstt�� cpm t cr
ml� A. cclmrxulwuurty lalaur to organize and deliver- liotusiull:
and services to meet the specific greeds of people
who aro horneless as they move to stable hoLrsirlg
"end maxinitu n It includes
s
to end homelessness and prevent a return to
homelessness.
Domestic Violence Patterns of coercive control in an intimate
relationship. This control may be seen in physical
assault or in more subtle, but equally devastating
ways. Verbal, emotional, financial, and sexual
abuse, as well as isolation, fall under the realm of
abusive behaviors. Domestic violence crosses all
racial, economic, ethnic, and religious communities.
Short-term shelter for emergency situations (usually
for 30 days, although it can be longer).
Homeless According to the Stewart B. McKinney Act, 42
U.S.C. § 11301, et seq. (1994) a person is
considered homeless who "lacks a fixed, regular,
and adequate nighttime residence and; has a
primary nighttime residency that is (A) a supervised
I
Page 79 of 83
IV. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS YOUTH
Prevent homelessness among homeless youth
Activities:
Short-term Encourage service providers to designate a youth point person and
organize a contact list of point people in the corninjinity
Increase the number of street outreach professionals to meet
current and future needs
Secure additional ffinding to expand 110USing First opportunities
I'm 50 individuals: cash assistance, transportation, utility SUPPOrt,
corninunications, rent, intense case management and
edticationalY.Job skill development
Page 72 of 83
PR(,t.JEC"rEp`f'imr,,
FRAMIN.
CY)STSIAND BEDS (,'REi%TED
a
on
U 0 U
A
03
di
Cd =moo
U
—0
U0
0
School
Jan -2006
"N—/A'-
Districts;
Auhtanurn
Dec -2006
N/A
NWICel- Church;
110j"
Provide one
point person per
youth serving
a k ency
- 2� _ " "", ...
.
CWCMH
...... . . . ... . ............
Jan -2006
N/A N/A
(PATH), MIS
Jul -2007
$80,000
100 additional
homeless
persons served a
year
Page 72 of 83
NUQ�, a f� .;.
ATTACHMENT ENT I - DEFINITIONS
lniblicly or a priwttely operate(J shelter designed to
provide temporary living accommodations, (B) art
institution that provides a temporary residence for
individuals intended to be institutionalized, or (C) a
public or private place for not designed for,, or
ordinary used as, a regular sleeping accommodation
for human beings".
Homeless Youth An unaccompanied youth under the age of 18 and
not emancipated.
Homing l"irs A Housing First approach rests on two central
premises: Re -housing should be the central goal of
our work with people experiencing homelessness,
and by providing housing assistance and follow-up
case management services alter a family or
individual is housed, we can :significantly reduce the
firne people spend in homelessness. There are three
components to this approach:
Crisis intervention, emergency services,
screening nd needs assessme;;t: Individuals and
families who have become homeless have
immediate, crisis needs that need to be
accommodated, including the provision of
emergency shelter. There should be an early
screening of the challenges and resources that will
affect a re -housing plan.
o Permanent housing services: The provision of
services to help families access and sustain housing
includes working with the client to identify
affordable units, access housing subsidies, and
negotiate leases. Clients may require assistance to
overcome barriers such as poor tenant history, credit
history and discrimination based on ethnicity,
gender, family make-up, and income source.
Providers may need to develop a roster of landlords
willing to work with the program and engage in
strategies to reduce disincentives to participate.
O Case management services: The provision of
case management occurs (1) to ensure individuals
and families have a source ofincome through
Page 80 of 83
A"I'TACHM-ENT 11 - DEFINurIONS
en'lPlOYment and/or public benefits, and to identify
service iieeds bbre the move into permanent
housing'; and (2) to work with families after the
move into permanent housing to help solve
problems that may arise that threaten the clients'
tenancy including difficulties sustaining housing or
interacting with the landlord and to connect families
with community-based services to meet long term
support/service needs.
Outreach DevOoping relationships, providing service
delivery and resources to homeless individuals who
generally live on the streets or other unsheltered
settings.
Pert),; inejzLVupj L0
_rtjje it jLng Involves permanent, affordable housing with
support services as needed.
S'erious ii lir rt lT/dry s
-
Respondent has a majotdisorder(sucl I as
depression, psychosis, or manic episodes) and inects
at least one oftliese additional criteria: (1)
Functional limitation that limits triaJor lif
,e activities,
ability to work, or taking care of personal needs
such as bathing; (2) Mental health (MFI) services
use Or desire ft)r MI -1 services; (3) Danger to selfor
others; (4) Dependence, i.e., itiability to sul)port
Mie's self or provide fior one's own medical care.
PansitionSheller
. ...... Refers to shelter provided to individuals for up to
two years.
ervices:
A delivery methodology in which multiple
community-based services and supports emphasize
the strengths of the individual/family and includes
the delivery of coordinated, integrated, highly
individualized unconditional services that addresses
all of the needs of the individual/family in a
comprehensive manner.
Page 81 of 8.3
.11PART11CIPANTASIN Th -11E FIFEN-YEAR PLANNINGPROCESS
Name
Agent
Eina Sullivan
United Miy of Yakima County
Dhana 1cClaskey-
Next Step Housing
itIerrez
DSHS Yakima CSO
Diana T ®e;,ino
Yakima NeighhorhoodlIealth
I ondiE ai
Yakima Neighhorhood Health
lisaheth Tuisch
Northwest Justice Project
jack Allaris
Central Washington Co prehensive mental Health
Steve DUE=
Yakima County
Caro eoLvom =fiat
Yakima Interfaith Coalition
L rr Connell
Rodona Paysi_iger
uDita Gatierre -Parker
6 Cedeno
Katri'n- Y -one -s
Beth Dane/f ark=t
Shote€ Hilton
ejftBaker
Steven litche
122?o0er t Zin k
Steve Gaulk
L ee
Ron Far ino
e 7 Dov
asavBatdoz
Paf Carlton
Annette RodrigUez
Sfephan$e Ifuuphy
.Association of Churches
Northwest Community Action Council
Yakima County Coalition for the Homeless
eless
Coni unity Volunteer
YWCA of Yakima
Triumph Treat ent Services
Yakima County Coalition for the Homeless
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
OIC o_ f ` Washington
Ahtanum Pioneer Church
Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health
Triumph Treatment Services
Washington State Department of Corrections
Salvation Army of Yakima
Yakima County Coalition for the Homeless
,Next Step Housing
Yakima Neighborhood Health Services
DSH.S` Wapato CSO
Page 82 of 83
Representing
Yakima County
D&A Housing
TANF Clients
Homeless Health Issues
Homeless Health Issues
Tenant Landlord Issues
Mental Illness and Street Outreach
Yakima County
Single and Chronic Homeless
Faith Community
Emergency Housing
Homeless Families and HIV/AIDS
Independent Grant Writer
Domestic Violence
D&A Treatment and Housing
HMIS
Consumer Credit and Counseling
Housing and Weatherization
Homeless Youth
(PATH) Homeless Outreach
D&A Services and Housing
Re-entry Housing
Emergency Services
Homeless Families and HIV/AIDS
D&A Housing
Health Care for the Homeless
TANF Clients
INE'ORMATION
Tim Sullivan
1'shig Specialist
Yakima County Depat-Wient Of Community
nServices
128 North 2 d Street
Yakima County Courthouse, Room 102
Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: (509) 574-1522
® (509) 574-1521
Page 83 , of 83
ATTACHMENT B
Im A P �9A,�
Adopted by Chapter Delegate Assembly, March 29, 2003
Ratified by the Board of Directors, March 30, 2003
Denver, Colorado
es
Before 1980, the Urlited States did not experience widesphomelessness. I omel . sness, Tonight,
approximately 800,000 people will be homeless, This is despite a myriad of: programs and
organizations designed to address the Problem, supported by nearly $2 Nfion per year in federal
investment, Over the course of a Year beLween 23 rniflJon and 3.5 million people will expedence
homelessness..
Several factors have contributed to the rise in homelessness, including escalating housirig costs
since the 1980s that outstripped personal income growth; accelerated loss of affordable liousing
stock and declining rental assistance; and decreased affordability andavailabIlity of far'TIIIY SLII)p.wrt
serv,ica s, such as child care, other social changes including deindustrialization of our central cities,
SUburbanization, and the resLdtinig concentration of urban poverty, have created unsustainable
communities and housing rnarkets� Neighborhood dlslnvestment has further contributed to the
substitution Of underground ri-wrkets, including the trade of illegal drugs, which have undern'llnol
families' and individuals' health, arid well bang,
Planner's can play a Glgnifl(-auq role in redt0ng homelessness by determining local 1101using, needs
through their Comprehensive l.)Ians, rernoving regulatory and legal barrlers to the development of
affordable arrd e>upportjve housing, arKJ fostering Cornrl"Unity suppurt for permanent housing for the
homeless, The lack of affordable housing Severely limits a community's ability to end hioniek,,ssness
by lirniting its ability to move PeN)le from shelters to, perr-nanent housjng,
A planner's 1111051� fund arnerrtai resj)(,)jjsJbHitY is to improve corlyllUrfltiestray addressing existing arjr
ftrtUr'(�' tlee(jsSechon A-5 of the A10,1 ('O(JE! Of Ethics (aS amended in OctoLyer 199 t) SUItes that a
planner, "niust strive to expand choice and Opi)WtUnity for all persons, recognizing a special
respcwis,iWiity to Plan for tl'w- need,-, of disadvantaged 'gVOUPS 'rhe code of Ethics furt[wr states
that a planner must ,ul,ge ti'le, alteration or policies, Mstitutlons and deiJsions wNch oppose such
needs."
This Policy C�mde is arwffier jo ) Sories of APA policy guides (,mncerning housing related isgaws and
IuuriUds 0i' rec()MrI)eMh-"d Policies APA has adopted in the foliowiu)g guides: Factory Built 1-lotlSilIg
(2001), Hous'41g (IT"49), Cornmurflty Rsldemces (1997), 111e 5`511pply of Public and Subsidi2ed
HOUSing ( 199 1 )�, and Smart Grovtjj (200�2).
; puriwmr
;s per'scal WIN,)Ira' ' ' ks rt fixed, rvqwjl,p,
m
�d ha�" a pirww')ry night thWL as: (a) ,i o'ed
an
Iw"'WW[on that rprovVfc'S hlr-Hpolwy for irvfivnJlj�ljs
fm' aar ordln)rfl'y USed a rir+: tj[ejl for
iw,,kj&d are pe'r',Iow' k"f"im,
_I 0c� nol haiw ""m
identified residence to go to within a week, and persons fleeing domestic violence. The definition
excludes those who are In the corrections system or detained pursuant to law. Vat -taus federal
agencies other than HUD have interpreted the law In light of their specific programs; as reflected in
program regulations.
This definition works: well in large urban Cornrnunitles, where tons of thousands or persons are
literally, homeless, on the streets, or in shelters, It has Proven problematic In assessing the status of
homeless persons In rural areas where there are few shelters. In rural areas, homeless persons are
more likely to live with relatives or friends in overcrowded or substandard housing, or in less -than -
habitable outbuildings,Frequently these stays are sequential, that is, floating from one home to
another until a Permanent situation is found, these are the "Hidden Homeless."
It is neither accurate nor appropriate to think about the homeless as a relatively homogeneous
group. 'rhe Millennial Housing Commission has adopted a general way of categorizing the homeless,
based on the research of Randall Kuhn and Dennis Culhane, which provides a framework for
considering how best to address and prevent homelessness:-'
Trainsitionally homeless persons are those who generally Move quickly through the
homeless assistance systerri, once they are able to access it. Their principal need Is for
housing, plain and simple. Income supports, including employment that pays a living wage
is critical to keeping these families housed. The "transitionally homeless" include people
that work in entry-level jobs as well as those living on fixed incomes (the elderly, for
example, or persons with disabilities that are living on SSO, who earn barely enough to
pay for their housing costs and other necessities (such as food, health care, and day care),
These individuals and families often live paycheck -to -paycheck or month-to-month, and
may be one paycheck away from not making their mortgage or rent payillenU Thus, a
single short-term emergency, such as an increase in their rent or the loss of a job because
of layoff, illness, or injury may result in homelessness.
Chronically homeless persons often experience long-term homelessness, frequently
rotating through and among a conirriunity's various shelter facilities and the streefs, They
LYPiLdIlY h0vC health or substance dIJUSe problems in addltion to extreme poverty. This
population Is best served by permanent supportive housing, which combines housing with
Intensive rehabilltation, treatment, and other social services,
Who Is 11on7eless? High housing costs arid precarious, low-wage employment leave many American
families today only a paycheck, illness, or car breakdown away from homelessness. Families with
children are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. A 2000 survey of 25
cities conducted by the U,S. Conference of Mayors Found that 36 percent of the homeless population
Was Composed of farnifies with children, This observation Is corroborated by other research, which
likewise Indicates that approximately 34-38 percent of the homeless are familles with children. In
rural areas, farnilles, single mothers, arid children are the largest group of people who are
homeless. Homeless children demonstrate serious developmental and learning delays, and are
more likely to miss school than children with stable living situations. Poor educational experience
can have lifelong impacts.
About two-thirds Of the households (50 percent of the people — including children) who experience
homelessness over the c.ot,irse of a year are single adults. Most of these people are homeless for a
very short time, and leave the hornr�less assistance system quickly. Others are perpetually
homeless, cycling In and out of a variety of shelters, detention facilities, and the health care
system.
Single homeless adults are rnost often men between the ages of 31 and 50. Approximately 20-25
percent of this population experiences serious, ongoing nnerital illness. Approximately half of the
single adult 110ITieless have a past or present substance use disorder.
Runaway and "throwaway" youth are another element of the hOrneless r.)opulation, and may include
not only Youth On (dinar street or, In shelters, but also students arid children living In doubled -up,
housing , rnotels, arid si.,rbstandard housing, or "couch SUrfiflg" — the practice of ongoinc but
I
ternporary stays with unr(flated families or friends. This segment has proven difficult to rluanijfy and
IS often not included in official counts of homeless people. One Study that Interviewed homeless
youth found that approximately 1.6 million individual youths nationwide were homeless at least one
night over the course of a year.' ,
Why Are People Homeless? Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances in which
people are forced to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs, such as medicine and
preventive health care.Principal reasons for homelessness include:" I
• Poverty: Eroding, work opportunities and declining income for lower -level workers (such as
Janitors, restaurant workers, retail clerks arid stockers, manual laborers), coupled with
decreasing welfare benefits and rental assistance funding.
• Unemployment and Underemployment: Many People become homeless due to
unemployment and underemployment. Even when people are employed, their salaries may
not be adequate to afford decent housing or to allow accumulation of savings, living
paycheck to paycheck. Many people that seek emergency and transitional housing are
employed.
• Lack of Affordable Housing: Low -rent units are disappearing from the market --
abandoned, demolished, or converted Into more expensive housing, Costs of new
construction contInue to escalate, while deep subsidies that provide direct rental assistance
to the poor are declining, Waiting lists for housing assistance average 33 months in the
nation's larger cities. Despite recent moves to increase the minimum wage, in no state
does a full-time minimum wage job enable most families to pay for a. moderately priced
two-bedroom apartment,
• Other Factors:
Domestic Violence — Women with no means of Support other than their abusive
spouses are faced with a Hobson's choice: battering or homelessness. Forty-six
percent of the cities surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors reported domestic
violence as a primary cause of hornelessness, : ,
Lack of Affordable Health Care— Serious illness or disability can begin a descent
Into homelessness, beginning with loss of employment income and savings, which
lead to eviction,
Mental Illness and Substance Abuse — Homeless people often face
considerable barriers in obtaining treatment due to the lack of adequate, resources,
including mental health, substance abuse, outreach, and supportive services.
Treatment failures occur when homeless people fail out of systems that do not
aggressively maintain contact with them or when clients fail to comply with
potentially effective, rnedication/treatrnent regimens, With appropriate treatment
and supportive services, the majority of people with mental fliness and/or
substance abuse Issues can succeed in permanent housing. In turn, permanent
housing can contribute to improved rnental health and abstinence from alcohol or
drugs,
What Is Being Done to Hop the HOMeless? The homeless assistance system is principally made up
of local public and private nonprofit organizations that deliver a wide range of shelter and
supportive services to people who become homeless. These services are generally funded through a
patchwork of federal, state, and local Public funds, Coupled witil charitable giving funneled through
United Way and faith -based institutions. The aim of the homeless assistance system is to address
the hilrnediate needs of the homeless person and get them Off the streets and into housing. Once
housed, they may or may not receive additional direct services, depending on COMMunity resources
and individUal' need.
On the POIICY front, the federal government is encouraging collaborative planning at all levels, Local
service providers rriust engage In broad-based comprehensive planning for the homeless as a
prerequisite for receiving federal homeless funding. The Interagency Couticil oil Homelessness has
brought federal agencies together to better coordinate the various programs that offer funding and
servIces, for the homeless. Severai states have estatkiished similar interagency coul,iciis.
What Is the Cost Of tiolne/essness? Because they hav(,, no regirflar place teu stay, jj(,)frnejess I)e 0 s
use a var-ley of putmo systems h, Wieffident and owdy ways Ibis tendency inasks the true c rs I t
,11forcernera, cotrecAkins, heall]) cam, we&m, e&weUm, and
hornulLssriess, by shifting to law 0 ust of
other SYstems. A recent study of neady 10,000 homeless WIN with severe rnentW Mness in New
york City Mund that they used an average of $4%500 In Nealth, shelter, and coneclJonal servIes
each year. For fafthes, the annual cost of m ergency shelter alone can be approximately $3o,000,
and In sOrne cWes is as high as $45,000 annually (New YON),
I , lbe need for ornergency, transitional, and permaraelrlt 110LIS41g for hornek!ss POPuk-flJons us bosh
e-loted w1h a Cor'nprehensive an Hmising Element hat deterii iiines hOUs�ing ne(,�ds ainci prior-jtjcas
EW sets forth PWides and shategfMes to nmet himmoig gtlommes,
2. Local c0ruPt'ehensIvegeneral,ans, ingeneral,shouM be wdlinlaagrated with tile Vaf -Io �s W plans an(1
stfttegles that cities must develop in connection with federal housing and homeless funding, sucil
as the Consolidated HousAg & Community Devefopment Mari, ContinUUM of Care for the 1-fori'lele.ss,
and PUbliC 1-101.1sing Agency Nam The result can be ambitious pians that are Possible to implement
with access to grant %dirig, Tat Identify appropriate sites and infrastrUCture for affordable and
supportive housing,
3, Contributirig to the shortage of affordable and supportive hOUSirIg is an increasingly lriadequate
supply Of aPPIMPOWely 7nned land (due to ISM0 Wli'mmi lot sizes for single-family housing and
restrictions cur slUng WHIKanrilly or group residential, facilities), Low-cost housing development fails
Ira mast mize PMRs for private developers and results in reduced tax revenues to local governments
(when compmvd to mom enensive frormr1s of,, jloa.jsing), Hotisifig Owned by nonprofit organdzatI()rls
may be exempt Nval local taxation wl"11le generating demand for scfje)ol, Infrastructure, and social
services,
supportive housing rnay be further resLdcted by c,'OvenariLs and special permitung I'E.(]Uirenlents,
Such permitting reqUi"Nrients May ImstAt tflcn type and freqnency, of services provided on, site, t1he
prow hnfty of the supportive housing to oker Wallar izinteds, and imposes additional special
firnitations on densky or number of unks 1141: exceed those of the zoning district classifi(:ation,
4�
Thee ConMumm of We planning process mandated by the Lis, Department cl HouslngA Usan
De"Way as 0 PmMM& to mW of fiends has helped service Iroviders evaluate corrinumity
needs, 1denlJfyqaps and dupkabon Of sMvke% and estal)listi local priorities for use of gmnt
dollars Me Corib,mm, & Cmv approaah"wwmaj-, rernains Principally fbaned on heying
Orm"'Itinities frarne zin effectwe respcwrse to 1'") n Md essa less, ralber Baan pare ventjntj honiele's"aless in
Me feast place.
5. PWnnMg fur bah Immediate hameie" smyon a[l(j j)reventjorr Of hOrneles,,,mcscs r equires thal,
con"runAtles take a coal VRMOMWE view of le sulal safety net does and does not work foe
b0 da and chroncallay 110'neims POSMS. R is W enough to create a homeless
assistance system ttP.A nianages Pc�(JPIQ Wedaxe of honrelessries s, (on,inrunitlies nec,",tJ Lo
addrc,F,�, th(jjq)od e ause of homelessness. Since the homeless asSistame system lac she depai and
stabilit'Y Or RIMPtig av=W to rmwe "nmirmvems, arj(6 prcav
;wed h) embawe nuimamun Pmwanls arid PRwisler, such as Ifrnpor fWG�cdve pbinn�frq wal
-S, �Alld Medic8rd, to develop
(),nnownRy HeOh ChNns, f'loblic, Hcie,)shjg AUJIOaAi� ary Assistance to Needy
jWMMr0W1 sunNgms
c, Am "WW Ot 01V WAAMmm W We p9mmig process indndked by le US, Ay ant; (g
Hmminu & sial an Demspam wi As 0 IWOVOW for recWmg FoWl) Indicates fhal rpore [wupie ,a;ern
SaW 0"d M W 10 aness nmn,�hack drrwG.ta r coor6nateed d
appromi�:h o prov&ij"� hi"H�mnq and smvwos Nw hw,Mm, ,,h 4,,
"oTawnq comnmmkQmj a hOwnwitioili among key �dakehrdders �ndij(fi�jq cnaklsln'�orii
Wxks wd bmadms 50 NNO hr Amby SMMM h dw hm-coms awdone nkwmk
Note: The seven components, of a full Continuum of Care, are: prevention, outreach and
assessment, emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, permanent
affordable housing, and supportive services.
7. Even when housing providers acquire, improve, or re -use existing housing stock and agree to
payment in lieu of taxes to support local infrastructure, they typically encounter intense
neighborhood opposition. Opposition to supportive housing in particular tends to be protracted,
resulting in Increased development costs for projects that already have extremely low margins of
economic viiatAty.
8. Spacing requirements for group homes can present barriers to the development of new
permanent supportive housing for the homeless.
9, Development regulations, which impose unrealistic parking requirements and unnecessary
transportation iinupact fees, may create financial burdens for developers of supportive housing when
they are not reflective of the actual Irrupact of the facility.
10. Despite evidence from numerous studies over the past 20 years, neighborhoods continue to
vigorously fight supportive housing arrangements for the homeless on the basis of property values
and/or a fear of crime. An Urban Land Institute Report prepared for HUD in 1999 examined the
Impact of supportive housing on neighborhoods and neighbors in Denver ("The Impact of Supportive
Mousing on Neighborhoods and Neighbors"). The report showed that supportive housing does not
decrease property values nor- increase criminal activity.
11. Many homeless persons, particularly those most in need of permanent supportive housing,
experience disabilities. "title ff of the Afflericans with Disabilities Act (ADA,) states "no qualified
individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disabillty, be excluded from participation in or be
denied the benefits of the services, prograrns, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to
discrirniu"nz,ition by any such entity." The Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v C.C. interpreted
Title II by requiring public entities to administer services, programs, and activities in "the most
integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified indivir.Buals with disabilities." In essence,
Olmstead bans the "separate but equal" approach to accon,irnodating the disabled. Although this
decision has yet to be applied in a land use Context, it certainly raises the issue of whether a
community, in restricting zoning or permitting for supportive housing in a manner that limits the
supply of such housing, violates the ADA.
12. One consequence of the reasonable accommodations provision of the Fair Housing Act is that
local jurisdictions cannot limit the number of homeless persons with disabilities who live in
supportive housing, such as group homes. Organizations such as Oxford House have fought and
won zoning disputes concerning single-family definitions that limited the number of disabled persons
that could live in a group home.
13. Local governments can violate the Fair Housing Act if they stop a group home or deny a
reasonable accommodation due to neighbor's fears or prejudices about persons with disabilities.
14 t'aniad[ , and ir",fivr du rl_, til rPrd" lowest en¢j of the scale h«twe the pre atent dlffrrwty in
firndirng and frayii g Gaga udaN'ent h ou,rsmg Thr m ewos �te ho e�h all an,, Irntasar't;aunt tua w';rarnruqur'Ry stability
ansG urr:r°uuraaruaus eif"a�vd,ar� as th(,y are typically for ;9a;drkd by workers in Me sevice eau ctors with
earniw.i "'A or puusl above wage. t"xiier fat -risk households in many communities include
entry-level police officers and teachers, as well as low -skilled manufacturing workers.
15. The inventory of affordable housing units keeps shrinking. The absence of a range of viable
rental housing options creates a truncated housing continuum. This affordable rental housing crisis
is tot, new; however, the pligi,it of home less aLI(j POM- households I wis it 0,ensifie(i as the gap
between I'lljOifflu"T" wage and the wage<
laorrslrag a'$ ftio -tin le wOr'll er must 'Nlrn an hour to afford adecluak!
"'as I"cl'case�A 51lilrPlY, 74Ea` Ililbunai fnediall housing W;)ge, for 2002 W')4; $14 66 for a two-
bectroom clPart"Ien', Or almost three tin -les the Federal rrini-
sirXe �1997. ACcoIdjj,t,
g to the Natiorml I -ow it., rtlun'l waLY, which has rernained at $5.1�s
cw,ne Hous�rjg (,,(
States does Fj m )ajitlorl, in no jurisdictfor, it, ffie United
irlinIUM wage joi) PI"Ovide erlou4,ih income for a household to afford the Fair Market
Rent for a two-bedroom horne,
16'1"rile lack of affordable housitig lea's engendered high rent bUrdens. Housing assistance is at a
prerniN,jrTi. People are placed on long waiting lists, The average brine on the waiting list for Section 8
rental assistance Is approximately 33 riloliffis, 1 -hese exceedingly iolig waiting lists mean that People
must rernairj ire shelters longer. The Icss Of sirgIv R)OM ocuppancy hOusfrig has also contributed to
the growth Of homelessness. According to the 2000 "Survey on Hunger and Homeless in America,,. a
report of the U.S, Conference of Mayors, single men compose 44 percent of the homeless, and
single women make LIP 13 percent,
17, Horneless personas are nlore likely to use the most: expensive health care interventions, such as
emergency Morns. Horneless people spend on average four r1lore days per hospital visit than
comparable non-hornetess people, at a cost of approximately $2,4,14 per hospitalization.
18. Homelessness frequently MSUItS from and aggravates serious health oare, problems, including
addiction. Attempts to treat people who do not have stable housing are Ineffective and costly.
19. Horneless Persons spend r-nuch Urne in jail or prison, often for Petty cdtnes, It IS 110t LRIUSUal for
i"O"lleless people to continue to cornmit minor offenses so that they ca
and war-inth of as jail cell, n return to Hie relative safety
"I"I"W Wicai cost of as prison bed in as state Or federal fa(jjjt,,y is $20,()O(per,
yew", cornpared to, a typucaI annual' rent sLjl)si(jy of about $41,5oo_$(.i,()00. Compromised health and
tirne in jail lirrift ijorneless people's employability, and create tong-terin reliance On wrffelr-*r sYstenv,-,,
20. En-wrcrency shelter is ttie most 1lnrne(,Jiate and basic response to hotnelessnessHowever,
eMO-gerlcy shelter is the least cost-effective approj&t to solvit
WIth an average annual 191 the rlee(] folt- long -terry housing.
cost Of $15,000 f0f singles and $25,000-$30,000 for, farnilies, (,nnerg(,-rj(,y
houstrig is for rn0re expensive and less effective than the typicai ar,
$6,000 firer uJilL nual rent subsidy of $4,500_1
1. Planners sfiV)kjj(,j work 10 aansuaeea
titzwt local col P
'n rehensive pkilis include housing
elerrtf.rjts Haat' provide for a diW-Nnse, cho ice of h Ous'ng OPPOrtLlrlifles, in Gall Price manges,
6istributed thrOL;DhOut the comirn"nity and for
Supportive housij)g in arnot.jnts c IrICIUSIC)a of approprlate tV;,)es of
encourage tjje specifi Onsistent With demonstl,ate,d rrped,
10cZ11 comprehensive pi�ajjs� Tills j�l) bp
c subject of filarnetessaes. LOCal' Planners should
done as par t 01 flue l,olrsinq 0-k-orlent
as goals and rc t241 be Had to Jaffar alld �Ittainable housing
end the homel� ss he cans4ltired as Pz�rt of any
audk,,�.nce t1lat "'Oily he identifie�l,,j jLj a 1c)Cal plan.
"s�>OcW race
Reason to st�pj)of t
MMIMN's redo(: hc"ndessness rjau) g I.N2 Hoe _tsing Bement of ffic C(.)rt)tens[vc.� P�an to
deoerrmne and tO d(lvek)p efh`ro,:hve sb-aBc�g�es to address JeW:i'f"i'cr�j) fjoujsrujg tssues,
1�1( luding
? LOcZA Pianners should encotirac.3a C00rdrination betvnLn thf� geneqfl
daaT1,,rnF,,unity cj(,,jplc p , 1��
in o npp r v fi jjt,,g with ccmatn
-r s �,jj,.�ft and/or huirnan Se�'vice fiunding and'
Specifically, planners should identify and cross reference common goals or related
objectives in local land use plans with federally mandated housing and community
development plans and strategies (i.e.: HUD Consolidated (Plans, Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategies, and Continuum of Care Strategies.)
Reason to support:
Coordination promotes the efficient use of public funds. The coordination of planning efforts
provides a platform for addressing housing needs strategically, with an integrated vision that
guides, connects, and communicates a more comprehensive effort. This effort may promote equity
by offering a continuum of supportive housing options.
„ Planners should ensure that local comprehensive plans address the need for a wide
array of emergency, transitional, and permanent housing to serve the homeless, including
rental units for households with incomes below 30 percent of area median income (See
APA Policy Gulde on Housing, 1999).
Reason to support:
Unless there is an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of very low -Income households,
including those with disabilities, communities will not be able to effectively address homelessness.
4. Planners should work to ensure that every community has reasonable facilities to
accommodate the needs of the homeless on a short-term or emergency basis.
Reason to support:
Emergency shelter should be considered a basic community service. In tlm wealthiest nation on
earth, there is no excuse for people to perish from exposure, but It happens across the nation every
clay. Short-term shelters get people off the streets and offer the opportunity to access supportive
services that can help them to overcome the circumstances and barriers in their lives that prevent
thews from securing and maintaining permanent housing situations. A shelter is not intended to
become, nor should it be a long-term solution to homelessness, but a hUrnanitarian measure that in
the interest of public health offers basic protection from harm.
5. The American Planning Association and its Chapters should take a leadership role in
educating planners and local government officials about the fair housing implications of
local land use regulation.
Reason to support:
Zoning and .subdivision regulations may contain measures that conflict with federal protections
under the Fair Housing Act. Among the most common problems are ordinances restdctpng the
nurrsber of unrelated individuals who may occupy a residence,standards for development that
unduly restrict access by protected classes, and restrictions on supportive services provided within a
residential unit.. planners and local governments roust become more knowledgeable about the Fair
Housing Act and its connection with land'' u,se to ensure that all citizens have equal access to
appropriate, affordable housing.
6, The American Planning Association, its Chapters, and its Divisions (especially the
Planning and Law Division and the Housing avid Community Development Division) should
collaborate to produce materials and promote activities to identify and remove barriers to
affordable housing.
Reason to support:
I iorneless individuals and farnik es need affordable and supportive housing. Local planners and
planning commissioners need rnore I'''raining about affordable housing, supportive housing, and fair
housing laws to create better planning decisions atthe local level, They 1-nust be gNen the tools to
appropriately evaluate proposals, starting with a review of zoning and subdivision regulations that
n'uay present barriers to affordable housing, An understanding of fair housing law can assist local
planners in making proper dedsions..
7, The American Planning Association, its Chapters, and its members should partner in
educating Planning cornmissioners, and elected officials concerning the need for diverse
housing types to serve the homeless and non -homeless special needs populations and
provide tools to better evaluate housing proposals.
Reason to support:
APA should oppose neighborhood' efforts to tjjwar-t housing for, the homeless and non -homeless
special needs populations on the basis of prejudices and fears concerning property values. APA
should assist Planning Commissioners and elected officials with tools to objectively evaluate
affordable housing and supportive 11OUSIng proposals (e.g., Building Better Communities Network
resources),
8. The American Planning Association and its Chapters support Federal, State, and local
efforts to streamline existing programs and lower barriers to producing and preserving
affordable housing and support efforts that provide Incentives to increase tile supply of
affordable rental housing.
Reason to support:
As noted In the Millennial flousing Comn-ilsslon Report, in 1999 one in four households — an
estimated 28 million, — spent more than 30 percent of U'leir Income on housing, and one in eight
low-income working families earning the equivalent of a full-time, minimurn wage reported spending
more than one-half of their Income, on housing, It is estimated that 1.7 million poor households live
in substandard housing� Government at all levels should use the tools at their disposal to prornote
Infill Incentives, property tax abatement, density allowances, land assembly, and fast track
permitting,
9, The American Planning Association and its Chapters should promote federal leadership
in ending homelessness including increased and direct aid to states cities and localities,
including coordination of federal efforts through the Interagency Council on
Homelessness, funding for supportive services, and increased commitment to affordable.
permanent housi;lg.
Reason to support:
Federal support for homeless programs continues to be vital. Increased Interagency coordination
has reSUited in better, More streamlined approaches to funding for homeless services and '
permanent housing, while emphasizing localdetermination In how programs are designed and
delivered. Federal MsOurces will continue to be critical in meeting the demand for the permanent
housing that is needed by special needs populations, but cannot be built entirely without some sort
of federal subsidy.
10, The American Planning Association and its Chapters support the establishment of a
National Housing Trust Fund to serve as a source of revenue, for the increasing time
affordable rental-bousing inventory (See APA Policy Guide on Housing, 1999).
Reason to support:
Federal support for the housing sector has been uneven, especially, in addressing the affordability
challenge confronting many lower-incorne households, The affordable housing cr-isis severely affects
extrernely low-incorne families earning at or- below 30 per cent of area median incorne. -rhe
proposed National Affordable Flousing Trust Fund for specifically on targeting these low.-Incon'ie
households, 'rtie Trust, Fund should be used primarily for the production of new housing,
preservation of existing federally assisted housing, and rehabilitation of existing private market
affordable housing, Trust Fund dollars can be Used to ensure econornic integration, such as the
production of new, jrTlixed income housing, Legislation has a real goal of 1,500,000 housing units by
20M
11 - The American Planning Association .and its Chapters -support the establishment of
State, Regional, and/or local housing traist funds with a permanently dedicated source of
pUbliC re'Jen%je to sUPPort tile production and preservation of affordable housing.
Reason to support:
There are over 150 housing trust funds in the United States. Recent statistics indicate that more
than $500 million has been invested in affordable housing via these trust funds every year. These
funds support a variety of housing activities that target homeless, low, and very low income
households including new construction, preservation of existing housing, homeless shelters,,
housing -related services, and capacity .-building for nonprofit Dousing organizations. These housing
trust funds successfully demonstrate government's commitment to finding a solution to the nation's
critical housing needs. Documented economic benefits of Housing Trust Funds Include more
employment opportunities, higher property tax revenues, and increased sales taxes.
12. The American planning Association should join with the U.S. Conference of Mayors,
the National Alliance to End 'Homelessness, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the
National Coalition for the Homeless, and the National Law Center on Homelessness and
Poverty to encourage federal, state, and local interagency collaboration to end
homelessness.
Reason to support:
Good planning requires close cooperation of all levels of government. APA's voice alone is not
sufficient to carry this message; partnership with other organizations will allow the planning agenda
to demonstrate a broad base of support.
13. To implement the foregoing policies the American Planning Association and its
Chapters recognize that some small fully developed communities may need
iintergovernmental agreements with adjacent or larger communities in meeting these
needs.
1. Millennial Housing Commission. Meeting Our Nation's Housing Challenges. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Government Printing Office, 2002.
2. National Alliance to End Homelessness. A Plan: Not a Dream. How to End Homelessness in Ten
Years. Washington, D.C.: NAEH. 2001.
3. Stewart 8, McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, 42 USC § 11301 et seq. (1994).
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Rural Homelessness: Focusing on the Needs of the Rural
Homeless, 1996.
5. Millennial Housing Commission, 2002.
6. National Coalition for the Homeless. Fact Sheet #1: Why are People Homeless? Washington,
D.C.: National Coalition for the Homeless, 1999.
7. U.S. Conference of Mayors. Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness. Washington, D.0„: U.S.
Conference of Mayors, 2001.
8. Burt, Martha. America's Homeless II: Populations and Services. Washington, D.C.: Urban
Institute, 2000.
9. Vissing, Yvonne. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Homeless Children and Families in Small Town
America. Lexington, Ky.: University of Kentucky Press, 1996.
10. National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2001 (all of the examples cited appear in this NAEH
policy document).
11. National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2001.
12. Burt, Martha, and Barbara Cohen. America's Homeless: Numbers, Characteristics, and the
Programs that Serve Them. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute, 1989.
13. Koegel, Paul, et al. "The Causes of Homelessness," in Homelessness in America. Oryx Press,
1996.
14. Ringwalt, C.L., J.M. Green, M. Robertson, and M. McPheeters. 1171je Prevalence of Homeless
Among Adolescents in the United States." American Journal of Public Health, 1998,
15. -Coalition for the Homeless. Fact Sheet #Y: Why are People Homeless? Washington
D.C.: National Coalition for the Homeless, 1999.
,
16. National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2001.
17. U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Housing Crisis, Rockville, Md.: HUD User, 1999. Waiting in Vain: An Update on America's
18. Menino, Thomas M. Editorial, Los Angeles Times, July 31, 2002. (Menino is the mayor of Boston,
Massachusetts, and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.)
19. U.S. Conference of Mayors, 1998,
20 C rglllane, Dennis P�., Stephen M Metr•ar.rx, and Trevor, p „Hadley. 2002. "Public Service
Reduc-Lions Associated With Placement t Of Homeless Persons
Supportive Housisjg,o l-10Us#7g Polity Debate 13(1):107.63.
With Severe Mental Illness in
1 t9 S D partn°rent of 19our;irrfJ & Urban Dn�.el9l rr ^�rh r r,.�l'c,.@�arl`arrtretrrurrzs of f.arro For puuplc. ��a51�ningtrrro, Lr t .: I^Jt.,GA tier, 002.
22 The th G�op?Cj,. �trrl Of J"sticc� a�'(l 1-itiD ljjjvc* taken a posifwon that se�paratic.:rr requircrmnea�aG: � which
consistent,
ave the liccl of ferore la 5rrrri gr'oUP honrr frc�rsG l�ar�rtane� in entire rreIrJPr�kaorf�rr�oc�ls aw��� (Mt,
as �r��i t rdR wrGlw tl�.re Fah Housing Act. (Statement of the Departrnent
v(wJopOf Jtrst�ice� and the F�ef��lr°°trnent
Of HOUsing and Urban [:uerrreujt ",(� roj'lp Vaor�,)e��a w�_o�(al t,�rrd Use, and The Fair the Dng Acte,
Aeragust li;I, -L999� ), Seep
23. See also "Why Affordable Housing Does Not Lower Property Values" from HomeBase,
24. 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-34.
25. Olmstead v. L.C. (98-536) 138 F.3d 893,
26. Statement of the Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, "Group Homes, Local Land Use, and The Fair Housing Act," August 18, 1999). See
27. U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001,
28. Culhane, Der ;qat, I' ' Le^IrIQr�, 6"I 1101;Pux, and Po, vr,r N. Hadley, 2002. "public Service
Reductions Housra:rta ± �J Ar{� yri,s,,,irrr riC o,I Homeles 9Nd a rams With Severe Mental Illness in
Supportive Housyrrr;l,' id��r, rrrg� r"���ir:i tar io'rte
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