HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/08/2013 02 Homelessness Information BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No.
For Meeting of: 10/8/2013
ITEM TITLE: Information regarding Homelessness
SUBMITTED BY:
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
Resolution: Ordinance:
Other (Specify):
Contract: Contract Term:
Start Date: End Date:
Item Budgeted: Amount:
Funding Source /Fiscal
Impact:
Strategic Priority:
Insurance Required? No
Mail to:
Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: e Air a pp City Manager
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ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
❑ homlessness info 1 10/2/2013 Cover Memo
❑ homelessness 1 a 10/2/2013 Cover Memo
❑ homelessness info 2 10/2/2013 Cover Memo
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor Cawley and Members of the City Council
FROM: , Tony O'Rourke, City Manager
Joan Davenport, Strategic Project Manager
DATE: October 8, 2013
SUBJECT: Council Study Session on Homelessness in Yakima
Background Regarding Study Session
At the City Council meeting on September 3, 2013, Councilmember Lover requested a Study
Session regarding the homeless population in Yakima. He noted that it seems like the problem is
growing and wanted to talk about the role of the City in addressing this issue.
Data Summary of the Yakima Homeless Population
There is no way of absolutely determining the number of homeless persons in Yakima. The
Yakima County Homeless Network is a consortium of service providers which conduct an
annual survey of the homeless population in Yakima. The Point in Time Survey is a requirement
for jurisdictions which receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). HUD generally estimates the homeless population may be much larger
than the number of those counted in the survey.
Point in Time Survey is conducted for one day in January of each year. Below is the total
number of persons identified in the survey in Yakima County as a whole, and those in the City of
Yakima who did not have permanent shelter:
Yakima Homeless in
County City of Yakima
2013 Survey 899 632
2012 Survey 996 693
2011 Survey 887 571
The survey found that over 29% of the homeless identified were children under the age of 18.
Additionally, of those surveyed, over 30% of the persons reporting they were homeless were
staying with friends or family rather than in a shelter or program.
The survey data shows that 70% of the homeless identified in Yakima County were counted in
the City of Yakima. The city of Yakima is the County seat, and provides the majority of human
and health services in the County. The city of Yakima comprises 38% of the total population of
Yakima County. Sunnyside is the second largest city in the County with a population of 16,200
(6% of the County population). The Unincorporated areas of Yakima County include 84,910
persons (34% of the County).
Information collected by the Yakima Police Department of homeless indicate persons from
outside Yakima County are present for a variety of reasons. Many stated they were here looking
Page 1 of 2
for work or had family in the area. However, others stated that they had been discharged or
paroled here after incarceration. Others stated they had come here for drug or alcohol treatment,
or for other health related issues. Department of Corrections (DOC) reported that released
inmates are provided up to 3 months of housing at the Cascade Apartments, Bali-Hi or Red
Apple Motel. Additionally, it was noted that most inmates receive some form of government
assistance.
The Study Session Panel
Representatives of four service providers were invited to participate in a panel discussion, in
order for the City Council to get a better understanding of the homeless situation in Yakima. The
programs and representatives are as follows.
• • Tim Sullivan, Housing and Homeless Program Manager for the Yakima County
Department of Human Services and chaiiman of the Homeless Network
• Rick Phillips, Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission
• Dave Hanson, Director of the Sunrise Outreach Services
• Joe Willis, Director of Rod's House
Page 2 of 2
Background Data Collected by the Yakima Police Department
Regarding Homeless Persons
MAY2013 HOMELESS PERSON REPORT
i
INMATE # FROM REASON FOR YAKIMA FORM OF TRANSPORT 1 RECEIVING GOV ASSISTANCE?
111.1 Grand Forks, ND US Marshafls- warrants US MARSHAL 'TANAF, DSHS
2 MI Vallejo, CA Treatment in Buena - ADATSA Car None
3 Hermiston, OR 'Looking for new place Bus None
4 M Oakland, CA ;Work Plane None
5 Richland, WA jTo get mental health services Hitch hike DSHS
6 MN Midland, TX Family Bus DSHS
711111 Los Angeles, CA Family Bus I Medical /Disability
8 MI Seattle, WA Was driving by and WSP arrested him, stayed after jail Car iDSHS
9 Albuquerque, NM Family Car ;None
101E1 Lakewood, WA Start over, get meds, social security, be with his girl Bus j MHP, DSHS
11 Morehead, MN Came to Yakima 1 week ago to pick apples Bus /hitchhike jUnion Gospel Mission
I
I
I
•
CONTACTS WITH YAKIMA HOMELESS
NAME DOB Origin DETAILS
1 Salim. Salalj A. Seattle He came here for the kind people EG
2 Mitchell, Clay Yakima Homeless EG
3 Grider, Bobby Yakima Homeless EG
4 Litzler, Frank M. Yakima Homeless EG
5 Gardner. Timothy A. Montana Came for the beaches EG
6 Bunkleman. Jerry E. Yakima Homeless EG
7 Maas. Debra Yakima Homeless EG
8 Zimmerman, Andrew Yakima Homeless EG
9 Maier, Kelly D. Seattle Internet said there was work here. None found.
EG
10 Bower. Dennis Yakima Homeless EG
11 Martin. Make! Z Cali Family in Yakima EG
12 Wenman. Gregory Yakima Homeless EG
13 }lefnBn le ;. SPntos P Cali Looking for work
14 Williams.,Blian K ' West side Paroled here
15 Brown, Irene Yakima Homeless
16 Celestine, Gary Yakima Homeless EG
17 Castro Luis Alaska Came for work EG
18 Gallegos, Will F New Visiting friends for 7 % yrs EG
Mexico
19 Howell. Anthony& Spokane Mental health placed him here EG
20 lgoez, Mario G. Mexico Looking for work EG
21 Hall, Gabrielle Toppenish Visiting family EG
22 Amaro, Greg Yakima Homeless EG
23 Perez. Jeremy Prosser Family EG
1 Foley, Alicia S. Yakima Homeless, receives food benefits. CP
2 Charlton. Adam L. Yakima Homeless CP
3 Waterbury. Joshua S. Cali Came to Yakima for the change of seasons and the
rad skate parks CP
4 Marvin. Jodette R. Yakima Bi- polar, Meth CP
5 Lockwood. Katie K. M Yakima Made a conscious choice to not to be a
productive member of society CP
6 Pattersorhganiamin A. Oregon Came for resources (work source, VA) CP
7 Patterson, Kathleenp Oregon Married to Benjamin, came for same reasons CP
8 Robson. Cheryl L. Oregon Family, better resources for homeless CP
9 Craig. Maver[ck A. Yakima Wants a GED CP
10 Gilbert, Ronal4 I Oregon Came to Yakima for drug treatment. CP
HOMELESS PERSONS
D GOLD
1. Elmer W. Williams DOB/- Williams came to Yakima two to three months ago
from the Wapato/Toppenish area to babysit for his sister. He is unable to locate a ride
back to the Wapato area so he remained in Yakima.
2. Garoutte, Bobby G. DOBj - Garoutte is originally from California and resided in
Vantage, WA for a period of time. Garoutte came to Yakima for work a few years ago.
3. Lopez, Mario G. DOB- Lopez is originally from Mexico and came to Yakima
three or four months ago for work.
4. Perez, Jeremy J DOB -Perez is from Grandview, WA and came to be with his
father about four months.
Shawn Boyle
1 Casey. Ron Yakima Homeless
2 Carroll. Jeffrey Yakima Homeless
3 heiton, Melissa, Lynwood Work
4 Uvalle, Jose Yakima Homeless
5 Lennartz, Patrick Yakima Homeless
6 ..!ii t �_- Goldendale Followed boyfriend here
7 George. Christine Yakima Homeless
8 Ferias. Gerardo, Mexico Work
9 Younablood. Josh Yakima Homeless
10 Eby. Angelina Yakima Homeless
11
12
13
14
15
CONTACTS WITH YAKIMA HOMELESS
* denotes convicted felon
NAME DOB ORIGIN DETAILS
1* Martin. Martel Z. California Moved here in '08 to be
near infant son. Has been
at mission for 1 year.
2 Heinz, Preston J. Selah Lived in Selah with mom,
they lost their home. Has
lived at mission for 6
months.
3* Rodriguez. Robert A. Yakima Has lived in Yakima his
entire life. Stays because
he says he provides care
for his mother.
Occasionally stays at the
mission.
4 Kelso. Dale!. Idaho Has family here. Moved
here a year ago to avoid
paying child support.
5* Youngblood, Josh P. Yakima Homeless since 2006. Has
mental health problems.
6* Castillo, Joe C. Yakima Been in Yakima his entire
life. Cannot stay at the
UG mission due to his
RSO status.
7 Wesley, Roma J. , Yakima Ongoing police contact
due to intoxication.
8* Celestine. Gary Yakima Ongoing police contact
due to intoxication.
Cannot stay at UG mission
due to alcohol problems.
9* Diaz. Ravmundo S. Yakima Is a self- admitted Norteno
gang member. Has
mental health problems.
10* Cordova, Bryan M. Yakima Active DOC. Here due to
probation status.
11* Casey. Ronald W. Yakima Convicted felon.
Occasionally utilizes the
mission.
12 Rains, John A. California 25 years homeless In
Yakima. Lists a Moxee
address, but lives in
Yakima out of his car.
13* Wadkins, Theresa L. Yakima Convicted felon with drug
use history. Has lived in
Yakima her entire life.
14 Nardv, Edward A. Vancouver Sent to Yakima for drug
treatment.
15 Zamarripa. Yvette X. Kennewick Has been in Yakima for 3
months. Occasionally
stays at the mission
16 Stisser, Donna M. Arizona Had outstanding warrant.
Has been homeless for
her 4 years here in
Yakima. Occasionally
stays at UG mission.
17 Stisser, Garth D. Arizona Claims to have been
homeless for 4 years.
Occasionally stays at UG
mission.
18* Hannigan. Isaac M. Yakima Claims he has been here
last 20 years. Cannot stay
at mission due to RSO
status.
19 Poitevint, Doyle A. Louisiana Has been here for 4
months. Came here with
a carnival and stayed
behind. Occasionally
stays at UG mission.
20* Corbray. Quentin L. Yakima Cannot leave due to DOC
status. Regular drug user.
21* Bunkelman. Jerry E. Yakima Claims he has lived in
Yakima his entire life.
Occasionally stays at the
UG mission.
22* Grvder, Bobby A. Oregon Oregon returned him to
Yakima after his prison
sentence was complete.
23* Dressel, Ryan C. Seattle Travels between Seattle
and Yakima. Cannot stay
at the UG mission due to
his RSO status.
24 Thomas, Kevin B. Yakima Is originally from Yakima
and occasionally stays at
the UG mission.
25 Utzler, Frank M. New Mexico Has been in Yakima for
approximately 1 year.
Has mental health
problems. Unknown why
or how he came here.
Had non -ex misd warrant.
26 Gallegos. Wilfido F. New Mexico Been in Yakima 2 years.
Came from New Mexico
for work. Hasn't worked
out.
27 Robledo. Juan M. Yakima Originally from Yakima.
He has been living at the
UG mission off and on for
the last 7 years.
Transient Contacts
Officer J. Oeccio 6817 - District 1
1. Hendricks, Randy C From: Louisianna. Came to Yakima for work and
ended up working at the mission for awhile. Came to Yakima 7 years ago and has
been here on and off since.
2. Connery, Virginia P From: Minnesota. Came to Yakima because she
heard about our mission program from people. Came to Yakima last year.
3. Yonker, Virginia R From: Cie Elum/ living out of her truck. Came to
Yakima because she has a hearing at the Social Security office and she is looking
for work. Came to Yakima today and she has been here on and off.
4. Guhlke, Matthew C _ From: Yakima
5. Ragnone, Scott A _ From: Las Vegas. Came to Yakima for business
around three years ago. He has been staying at the mission the last three years.
6. Gomez, Oscar G From: Tri Cities. Came to Yakima for work and has
been here for 8 months.
7. Beehler, Russell J From: Yakima. Staying at the mission for 15
months.
CONTACTS WITH YAKIMA HOMELESS
* denotes convicted felon
NAME DOB ORIGIN DETAILS
1 Duran. Carlos Z. Arizona Arrived in Yakima 10 days
ago to look for field work.
Occasionally stays at UG
mission.
2* Mitchell, Clayton W. Yakima Lived here his entire life.
Regular contacts with
police. Not allowed at UG
Mission due to regular
intoxication.
3* Sllsbv. Heaton J. California Came to Yakima 7 years
ago for treatment at
Sundown M. He has
mental issues. Said he
"got stuck" here and can't
get back because he has
no valid ID.
4* Davila. Roberto Texas Recently arrived due to
his mother's death. Has
no idea how long he's
staying.
5 Maravilla, Jesus Yakima Occasionally stays at UG
Mission.
6 Perkins, Dean W. Lakewood Came to area 4 years ago.
Was arrested and spent
time in Wapato City Jail.
Occasionally stays at UG
Mission.
Yakima Uni Gospel Missi DD"s Perspective on Homelessness
As a concerned community we need to rise up and take positive action to provide a ways
out of homelessness for those who slip under the bar of self-sufficiency. It's time to replace
homelessness with hopefulness. Hope for a better life off the streets and help from those
individuals and organizations who can pull together to make this a reality.
We need a coordinated set of strategies to address this problem. One size does not fit all —
no single strategy will work for everyone who is experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness is a complex issue with a variety of underl ing causes that require different
solutions. When you get to know the people who are living on the streets you'll find that
they are usually struggling with some deep, emotional pain; the result of abuse, neglect or
trauma of some kind. This unresolved pain leads to a withdrawal from community and
healthy relationships, if in fact, they ever existed. The pain often leads to addiction as a
coping mechanism which causes the individual to spiral downward. The earlier the pattern
starts, the more likely that there will also be a lack of life, educational and/or vocational
skills. Finally, serious mental or physical health issues can compound the problem, making
recovery very difficult. Most of the men and women who are struggling with homelessness
experience some combination of these elements. The longer one remains in a state of
homelessness, the more damage is done and the higher the barriers or obstacles to
overcome appear. The obstacles become finding the long term resources that can be
brought to bear to address the extended challenges, and keeping the motivation level of the
individual up so he/she is able to accept help and work through their compounding issues.
And finally keeping the communities level of support and involvement by providing a
means for them to be involved in the process of restoration.
1. Heart Change: we need to change the way we talk and think about people who are
homeless. We need to stop saying the homeless, addicts or transients. These are precious
people, made in the image of God, who are currently experiencing homelessness. People
should never be defined or labeled exclusively by their current condition. They are
mothers, fathers, sister, brothers, sons and daughters. We don't see the potential and
possibilities within people when we label them. When we look the other way and choose to
ignore them, we de-humanize them and diminish their value. We need to look into our own
hearts, change our thinking, learn to say "but by God's grace, there go I" and ask "what can I
do" to make a difference.
Action Steps:
• Take time to get to know men, women and children who are experiencing
homelessness. Hear their stories, understand tbmirStrugg\es and put a human face
on the issue.
• Train yourself to think and speak differently about people who are homeless.
• Engage others in this discussion. Language shapes our thinking and when we
change our language, we begin to see things from a different perspective.
2. We need to not make excuses for inaction based on myths. Some in the faith
community respond to poverty and homelessness by quoting Jesus, "The poor you will
always have with you." They use this to justify inaction, and develop an attitude of
complacency. This ignores the rest of His words and the context. "The poor you will
always have with you so be kind to them." He is quoting Deuteronomy 15- "There should
be no poor in the land if you are obedient. However, since there is disobedience, both
personally and corporately, there will always be poor in the land, so have an open hand to
your brother and sister. Lift your brother and sister out of poverty. Jesus' words are not an
excuse for inaction, but a Call to Action!
Another myth is that people migrate to eastern Washington... the Yakima Valley, to live
on our streets because the weather is so hospitable. While it is true that we may have 300
days of sunshine a year on this side of the mountains and some may come for that reason
but the vast majority of our homeless population is local. According to our annual Snap
Shot Survey we have 72% of our clients that have lived in the area for more than 6 months.
Many of those have lived here all their lives and grown up in our valley.
Perhaps we should be considering if our state is a magnet for the poor with a history of
being listed by state as having the 9th largest % of its population on public assistance not to
mention the draw of having the highest state mandated minimum wage in the country.
We have had a history of Hispanic, Latin, or Spanish origin migrant workers coming to our
valley to work in the harvests. Some stay believing there is more farm work opportunity
on the east side of the mountains and have made this valley their home. But our records
show that of the homeless we have offered services to only 34% are of Hispanic ori ius.
Another myth is that homeless people come to Yakima because the Yakima Union
Gospel Mission draws them from all over the Northwest because of its attractive facilities
and programs. While it may be true that we do have facilities that are well maintained,
clean, safe and we can house up to 260 individuals, the YUGM is one of many mission
organizations in the Northwest that provide quality services. There are other missions that
have excellent facilities and programs that equal or surpass our operation, such as
Spokane, Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham, Tri-Cities, Portland, Salem, Eugene, and
Boise Rescue Missions. It has always been our policy to redirect people from other
communities to the closet rescue mission in their area.
Over 90% of those coming to the mission truly want help and are willing to
participate in the YUGM's structured programs and philosophy of rec'i'prmc~i'ty
La reciprocal state or relation.
2. reciprocation; mutual exchange.
So in a reciprocal relationship, there is a mutual exchange.
What's wrong with our current welfare system? The principle of reciprocity has been lost.
The Principle means that, if I continuously give you something, over and over, expecting
nothing in return, there is this unspoken, underlying sense of bitterness that develops,
which brings tension to the situation that makes it unhealthy.
It says that you have nothing of value to give to me, in return for my generosity.
Conversely, if you give back something in return for the charity, now there is dignity
established.
We have a Biblical Model for the Welfare state, it's called gleaning... In Leviticus 19 the
landowner was instructed not to glean the corners of his fields, to leave it for the poor, and
the stranger, so that they could have a hand in their own provision.
At the Mission, if you'll take the first step towards a better life, we'll take two towards you.
That's dignity.
Another myth is that panhandling is a homeless problem. The truth is Panhandlers
aren't necessarily homeless, and homeless people aren't necessarily panhandling. We have
offered help to panhandlers in Yakima only to have them refuse help. Our experience with
most of those individuals indicates that they're panhandling because that's what they want
to do to make money. Panhandling becomes a lifestyle for many who have developed an
entitlement mentality that expects everything to be given to them. There are some who
have been homeless that have resorted to panhandling but most actually have a residence.
It's ironic that many of these folks are really very capable people and could become
productive citizens if they put their energies toward working for a paycheck. But instead
they will plan, plot and work really hard at trying to guilt passing motorists into helping
knowing that many will just give money believing they are helping a poor person when in
reality most of those individuals don't use the money given to them to become self
sufficient...instead more often than not it goes towards maintaining an addiction.
The Yakima Union Gospel Mission has offered to feed, cloth, shelter and offer programs to
help move them off the streets if they will stop panhandling. But if they choose to stand out
on the street corner asking for money for food then we have told them they need to use the
money they have been given for food and not come to the mission for meals.
Our experience with the homeless population is that the majorities wants help and are very
thankful when help is offered. But there are always exceptions to the rule and there are
some willful, rebellious individuals that are determined to do what they want, when they
want and how they want regardless of interventions, help offered, laws and ordinances the
community has in place or may pass.
Another myth is that the homeless population in the Yakima Valley seems to be
growing. Tracking the number of homeless people in our valley is like trying to hold water
in your hand because it is a very fluid population with people moving in and out of the
status of those we categorize as homeless. However there have been consistent attempts to
annually take one day surveys that give us a glimpse of the trends through the "Point In
Time Surveys" and the YUGM's "Snap Shot Surveys". Our best guesses based on the
information that we gather tells us that from year to year there is an ebb and flow of people
moving in and out of the homeless ranks that have averaged around the 1100 mark. If
anything we have seen a drop in the homeless population over the last three years.
The Yakima Union Gospel Mission has expanded its services over the decades not because
the numbers of homeless people have increased but because we wanted to have a greater
reach in providing services that met the changing needs of the poor and homeless in our
valley.
• In the 70's the YUGM moved from a men's only ministry and opened an emergency
short term family shelter to help families that found themselves without residence.
• In the early 70's a one chair dental clinic was established to help the homeless.
• In the mid 80's a long term residential recovery program was established for men.
• In the late 80's a youth/community center was established to help youth and
families in the southeast part of our community.
• In the early 90's the mission moved its facilities to 1300 N. 1st street to a property
that would allow us to house more of the valley's homeless, up to 260 individuals
and provide expanded services.
• In the mid 90's a free medical clinic was established to help the poor and homeless
in our valley
• In the late 90's a long term residential recovery program was established for
women.
• In the late 90's a retail outlet, catering and recycling industry was established to
provide work experience for men and women that go through our programs.
• In 3005 the eLife training program was established to help the homeless with
literacy issues and NextJob training program.
• In 2012 the Care Center Dental and Medical Clinics have been expanded to help the
poor in our community.
Because we have been able to help more people as we expand doesn't necessarily mean
there are more homeless people in the valley. We have been at our expanded site for 17
years with the capacity to house up to 260 individuals but have never had more than 214
people request to stay overnight at any one time. In the winter weather months when the
temporary extreme weather shelters have been available our total number of guests
usually drops an average of 35 - 45 individuals depending on the year.
Homeless Individuals ^� U 7 Year Trend
n "�����o��� "�����������"� - v "��� v ���uu
l5l4
1191
1265
1055
1060 995
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2006 2007 2003 2005 2010 2011 I012
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Does our State have a homeless problem?
Washington State share in the o
meless popu a io
is illustrated below. We are listed as
tied with Georgia as 20.7%
having the 5th largest population of homeless in the United States.
• California z
• New York 8 1 . 1. 7 0 / % 0
• Florida
• Texas 5.4%
• Washington 3.2%
• Georgia 3.2%
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Why are people homeless? The US Conference of Mayors cited 4 primary causes:
• Mental illness or the lack of needed servi ces
• Substance abuse and lack of needed services
• Low paying jobs
• Government policies b
Minor causes cited by the mayors:
• Prisoner release
• Unemployment
• Domestic violence
• Poverty
Action Steps:
• Have a holy discontent in regards to precious human beings living on our streets
and take action!
• Volunteer, learn how to address this human tragedy with wisdom and compassion,
take to the streets with acts of kindness, give to agencies making a difference &
providing effective solutions to homelessness, speak up and advocate for those who
have no voice or power!
In Deuteronomy 14 :28, 29 The Bible supports an organized system of caring for the poor. God told his
people to use their tithe for those who were helpless, hungry or poor. These regulations were designed
to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression. It was everyone's
responsibility to care for those less fortunate. Families were to help other family members, and towns
were to help members of their community. National laws protected the rights of the poor, but helping
the poor was also an active part of religious life. God counts on believers to provide for the needy and
we should see what God has given us to aid those less fortunate.
Deuteronomy 15 :7 -11 God told the Israelites to help the poor among them when they arrived in the
Promised Land. This was an important part of possessing the land. Many people conclude that people
are poor through some fault of their own. This kind of reasoning makes it easy to close their hearts
and hands to the needy. But we are not to invent reasons for ignoring the poor. We are to respond to
their needs no matter who or what was responsible for their condition.
Action Steps:
• Look beyond your regular giving and think of ways to help the needy provide for
themselves, it is a practical and essential way to make faith work in everyday life.
• Determine who are the poor in your community?
• How could your church /organization help them? If your church /organization does
not have a program to identify the poor and assist in fulfilling their needs, why not
help start one?
• What can you do to help someone in need?
3. No one should be evicted to the streets. Families with significant barriers and
challenges should be referred to a structured, temporary transitional housing program like
the YUGM's short term Emergency Family Shelter. Free shelters with wise caring
counselors can help develop a life plan that identifies what they need to do and where they
need to go in order to receive the help they need and who offers the life skills needed to
maintain housing. Families falling on hard times with low barriers should be connected
immediately to rapid re- housing programs. We are encouraged that the federal
government has made funds available to provide temporary financial assistance to rapidly
re -house families that have fallen into homelessness in this difficult economy. Every effort
should be made to keep families from experiencing the devastation of homelessness.
Individuals should be referred to other agencies, even when there are difficult
circumstances, they should never be put out on the streets with no other options. We do
not accept the premise held by some that homelessness is a legitimate lifestyle choice that
should be accepted and protected. Homelessness is bad for individuals, families and
communities. The longer one remains homeless, the more damage one suffers and chronic
homelessness becomes an early death sentence.
How is the Yakima Union Gospel Mission different from other agencies that want to
See homelessness endT
Just as others do, we also want to see homelessness end. Even though some of our desired
outcomes coincide with other providers, we are fundamentally different:
• Other entities exist to connect people to houses so their physical poverty can begin
to end.
• The Yakima Union Gospel Mission exists to connect people to a pursuing personal
Savior so their spiritual and relational poverty can begin to end. We are convinced
that once this happens, the path to sustainable, self-supported living is more clearly
marked and more brightly lit.
Action Steps:
• Advocate for more structured, transitional housing programs.
• No one solution is best for all. Become educated about the causes and appropriate
solutions for various groups of people experiencing homelessness.
4. Solutions to homelessness should be regionalized. From our perspective the most
ideal approach to the homeless issues would be for each city, suburb, and region of our
Valley to provide services to serve their own neighbors. We must work toward ending the
policy of corralling, containment and dumping of people who are struggling and
experiencing homelessness on what some would refer to as the Skid Row in downtown
Yakima. Yakima Union Gospel Mission and the partners who stand with us are willing to
consult, collaborate and if needed, develop regional satellites to provide regional solutions
to homelessness.
Is it possible to provide a systematic solution to reducing homelessness, improving
quality of life, and putting money back into the community?
One of our greatest emerging problems in the Yakima Valley is how do we deal with the
growing population of the chronically disabled homeless who for the most part are
mentally disabled due to drug abuse of the individual or the inherited effects of their
parents drug abuse.
• Through victimization and fioaocialmismanagement, disabled individuals too often
fall into a cycle of homelessness, substance abuse, crime, and hospitalization.
• What is needed here and in other cities is a local provider that offers a solution to
this cycle by acting as the client's representative payee and together with treatment
providers, disburse government financial assistance to assure clients' basic needs
and treatment. The result would be a positive, cost-effective application of
government disability benefits which improves the quality of life for the individual
client as well as the community at large.
• Government disability assistance is used directly for housing, food, and other basic
needs and put back into the community rather than mismanaged or extorted by
others taking advantage of the disabled individuals.
• By providing stable housing, the burden and cost to society through courts, jails and
hospitalization can be greatly reduced; some communities have saved more than
$35,000 annually per client.
Action Steps
• Encourage faith communities to connect people experiencing homelessness with
available resources and consider establishing structured long term housing
programs that target specific needs such as the mentally disabled, single mothers
with children and housing for seniors.
• Begin a movement to meet the need. Encourage your neighborhood or city council
to address the need in your own community. This is everyone's challenge and
opportunity - not just a downtown problem.
• Encourage your city or faith community to provide affordable housing for low -
income families and individuals beyond what section 8 housing provides. There are
gaps in the safety net system. For a single woman or a married couple struggling
with unemployment issues, that doesn't have a lifelong disability, that is not drug
addicted, has no children and isn't considered a minority there is very little help
available in this valley for either of them when they are in jeopardy of becoming
homeless. The singles and couples in this situation tend to stay with us the longest.
5. Nearly everyone who is successful in life can point back to one or more mentors,
who modeled positive attitudes and behaviors, believed in them and encouraged them
along the way. This has been a crucial missing element in the lives of most individuals
experiencing homelessness and is a key to their restoration. Yakima Union Gospel Mission
is partnering and working with churches, faith communities and other agencies on a plan to
connect individuals experiencing homelessness with a mentor who will walk with them as
they transition out of homelessness. We will also ask faith communities to reach out to a
family or individual in their own vicinity who is on the edge of homelessness, and work
together to prevent this family from ever experiencing the devastation of homelessness.
We need to focus on prevention and recovery simultaneously. If every faith community
commits to help restore one and prevent one each year, we can solve this problem
together.
Action Steps
• Connect with your faith community and encourage them to embrace this idea.
• Arrange a meeting for your faith community with the Union Gospel Missions
program coordinator.
• Raise your awareness level of neighbors /families in need and help connect them
with your faith community.
• Faith communities need to reach out with marriage counseling, financial counseling,
parenting classes, and fatherhood initiatives to strengthen families, prevent family
disintegration and Address the root cause of homelessness.
What other cities are doing -
South Carolina City explores alternatives to "outlawing homelessness"
The Columbia, South Carolina, City Council has voted to explore creating a homeless court, a diversionary program
that would help nonviolent offenders avoid jail and criminal records if they participate in certain programs. At least 25
municipalities around the country are operating homeless courts, modeled on a City of San Diego program launched
in 1989. According to a Free Times report, the program would be similar to other programs that try to change
bohaviom, such as pre-trial intervention, drug oourt, and domestic violence court. The homeless court program would
bring together prosecutors, defense attorneys, and homeless offenders, along with caseworkers, to offer alternatives
to jail or a criminal record for certain offenses, particularly those.associated with homelessness: loitering,
panhandling, trespassing, and public drunkenness. The plan comes as an alternative to another proposal, called
"Columbia Cares," which made national headlines for "outlawing homelessness." The Columbia Cares proposal
sought to tighten laws on panhandling and loitering, and present repeat violators with three choices: a treatment
program, leaving town, or going to jail. Details of the new program still to be worked out include the location of the
homeless court. Some cities hold homeless court at a shelter, others at some alternate location. According to the
American Bar Association's Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, homeless people often skip traditional court
appemrunceo, mindful that their appearance might not be suitable for a courtroom and reluctant to abandon their
belongings.
•
11100110use 204 South Naches Ave.
Yakima, WA 98902
Ph: 509 - 895 -2665
www.rodshouse.org
Rod's House Program Overview
In the winter of 2006, a young girl entered the offices of For A Better Tomorrow. She was
looking for rubber bands to tie her pants up out of the snow. She was 14 years old, pregnant, and
homeless. The father of her child had left town, her mother was institutionalized for drug use, and her
father was dying of cancer. After this event, concerned community members like Rod Bryant came to a
shocking realization: there were no services in Yakima to accommodate the unique needs of youth who
are homeless. Through the combined efforts of these individuals, donations from social service agencies,
and countless volunteer hours, Rod's House came into being.
Since opening in September of 2009, Rod's House has been a resource center for hundreds of
homeless and at -risk youth between the ages of 14 and 21. We are open Monday through Friday, 3pm
to 6pm. Our mission is to empower youth who are homeless to reach their full potential. We accomplish
this goal by providing our youth with immediate needs relief, connections to outside services, and
access to education and employment opportunities. In 2012 alone, we worked with 275 youth who are
homeless or at -risk of being homeless in Yakima.
The success of Rod's House lies in our ability to create long -term, positive relationships with our
clients. Oftentimes, our youth have histories that involve legal trouble, mental illness, substance
dependency, and physical, sexual, and mental abuse. As a result of these traumatic moments, our youth
have difficulty forming healthy and trusting relationships with adults. At Rod's House, we start this
process through our immediate needs relief services. Every day, Rod's House greets its youth with a hot
meal provided by one of our community partners. Youth also have the option of accessing our shower
and hygiene products, shopping in our clothing room, and getting non - perishables from our pantry for
the night. Finally, Rod's House serves as a stable mailing address and phone number for youth. Through
these services, staff come to know the youth and youth can begin to build trust in the mission of Rod's
House.
This trust is critical for helping youth connect to social services that they need and want. As
youth grow comfortable with staff members, they begin to share their stories. In these conversations,
staff can start to recommend different services that can help the youth become happier and healthier.
To facilitate this process, Rod's House has formed strong relationships with other Yakima agencies
including Neighborhood Health, Comprehensive Mental Health, Triumph Treatment Center, Merit
Resources, Sunrise Outreach, TeamChild, and Northwest Justice Project. Many of these organizations
will also send representatives to Rod's House so youth can access their services in a familiar
environment. As they progress through these programs, we maintain contact with the youth and
support them in any way we can.
One of our most important services is our education and job- training program, "Rod's House
Works! ". As part of this program, we have hired a full -time job coach, who meets with youth one -on-
one. Together, they build an individualized action plan based on the youth's interests and desires. They
also work to identify potential obstacles that could prevent youth from achieving their educational and
employment goals. The job coach helps the youth address each of these barriers. Then they guide the
Empowering youth who are homeless to reach their full potential.
204 South Naches Ave.
4 Rodt House Yakima, WA 98902
Ph: 509-895-2665
www.rodshouse.org
youth through soft skills (e.g. studying habits, verbal skills, appropriate dress, etc.), school enrollment,
and job applications. Ultimately, youth exit Rod's House Works! prepared to be independent, hard-
working adults.
In the past year, we have seen great success in helping our youth as they move forward. Rod's
House has helped many youth obtain the identification documents necessary for school and
employment. Through our referrals and support, several youth have also started living clean and sober.
In addition, Rod's House Works! has helped 11 youth receive certifications for work, helped 19 youth re-
enroll in school, and helped 10 youth successfully find long -term employment. As Rod's House moves
forward, we look forward to seeing more positive developments from our youth. We hope that you will
be able to join us on this journey!
Empowering youth who are homeless to reach their full potential.
sunrise
outreach
Sunrise Outreach Center Triumph Treatment Center
221 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Naches Avenue
Yakima Washington 98901 Yakima, Washington 98901
Dave Hanson Beth Dannhardt
Executive Director Executive Director
daveh(a,socyakima.com bdannhardt @triumphtx.org
509- 225 -9310 509- 248 -1800
Foreword
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima is a county wide Christian based community development
organization. We were incorporated in Washington State as a 501c3 nonprofit on February 26,
2009. We operate in the public sector; we do not require participation in religious service(s) with
any of our programming. We are focused on hunger, homelessness, capacity building and
community mobilization. We are networked with collaborations such as the Homeless Network
of Yakima County, Citizens for Safe Yakima Valley Communities, The Sunnyside Ministerial
Association, the Interfaith Coalition and the Gang Commission. We participate on the boards for
the Gang Free Initiative and Rod's House.
At Sunrise Outreach Center (SOC) we are focused on interrupting the effects of intergenerational
poverty with a community response to meet basic hunger and housing needs, and build capacity
toward sustainability and self -worth of those most harshly impacted. Our strategy is to help our
community see the problem, and provide an opportunity for them to become part of the solution;
accordingly, we're focused on community mobilization and collaborative networking.
Organizationally, SOC is in the process of hiring, there will be seven full -time employees
beginning November of this year (this project notwithstanding.) We have a weekly staff of 50
volunteers and over 1200 operational volunteers making up this organization.
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
sunrise
outreach
Background
Shelter Operations
Through the past seven years SOC has operated the Extreme Winter Weather Shelters for the
Homeless Network of Yakima County. The past three years we've utilized four shelters; three in
Yakima and one in Sunnyside. Each night our guest's received a hot dinner every evening when
they arrived. In the morning they received a breakfast and lunch. Two volunteers worked
throughout the night at each shelter along with sign -in, transportation, soup kitchen and nightly
director volunteers. In this past season approximately 500 volunteers are utilized in this program
alone.
As reported in the HMIS database, SOC has filled 21,883 bed nights for the homeless men,
women, and families in Yakima County over the last six years.
Annual Contrast
2012 — 2013 Season: 2011— 2012 Season:
Actual Total Beds Percent Actual Total Beds Percent
Beds Available usage Beds Available usage
Used Used
Unitarian 4235 73.90% First Baptist 1715 1770 96.89%
Men Men
Englewood 760 73.68% Englewood 1369 1575 86.92%
Men Men
First Baptist 1815 18.78% Unitarian 213 1830 11.63%
Women - Women
Oasis 314 1590 19.74% Oasis Family 294 1590 18.49%
Family
Summary 4345 8405 51.69% Summary 3591 6765 52.63%
Men's Shelters
• For the 2012 — 2013 Season the men's shelter operating capacity was increased by
66.66% over the previous year with the Unitarian's bed capacity increased from 15 to
35. This allowed up to 50 men to stay in the Men's shelters. One night we did manage
to have 53 men in the shelters.
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
sunrise
outreach
• The Unitarian Church's operating capacity at 35 guests, and the other three shelters had
an operating capacity of 15 guests. The max capacity available was increased to 80 beds
when all four shelters were operating. This was an increase of 20 beds over the prior
shelter season.
• During the 2012 — 2013 Season there was an average of 30.49 men in the shelters each
night. This represents a 19.64% increase in actual bed night usage or an increase of 4.36
men every night over the previous season.
• The highest number of men that we saw in one night is 53 men which happened on
2/12/13.
• The original plan was to open the overflow shelter the last two weeks of each month
starting in December and close on the last night of each month. Due to the increase in
men staying in the shelters, we opened the overflow shelter the second week in
February.
Women's Shelter
• During the 2012 — 2013 Season there was an average of 2.81 women and children using
the shelter each night.
• This represents a 60.09% increase in actual bed night usage or an increase of 1.07
women and children, every night over the previous season.
• In February there were several nights where as many as seven women and children
stayed in the shelter (the highest bed night counts for the seasons).
Family Shelter
• During the 2012 — 2013 Season there was an average of 2.96 family members in the
shelters each night.
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
sunrise
outreach
• This represents a 6.8% increase in actual bed night usage or an increase of .19 family
members every night over the previous season.
2012 — 2013 Seasonal Summary
• 4345 total bed nights (Nov 15 2012 — Mar 15 2013) / 121 nights = 35.90 seasonal bed
night average. The 2011— 2012 shelter Season averaged 31 beds night. An increase of
4.9 bed nights
• Without the FEMA shelter grant the EWWS grant funding for the shelters would have
run out on approx. 3/11/13.
• On our highest night (Feb. 12, 2013) there were 59 guests in the extreme winter
weather shelters.
Comparison from previous six years
2007 -2008 2008 -2009 2009 -2010 2010 - 2011 2011- 2012 2012 - 2013
Number of 206 364 170 186 296 XXX
Clients
Bed Nights 2745 5680 2718 2804 3591 4345
Used
Soup Kitchen
For the past five years SOC has operated a daily Soup & Sandwich kitchen. This is one of our
best opportunities to develop long term relationships for capacity building.
Currently, SOC is providing an average of 2800 meals each month. Meal items consist of two
sandwiches, a cup of soup, coffee, pastries, etc. We are primarily serving our
Homeless population but also include families below the 30% AMI threshold.
Soup is provided by the Olive Garden, and Mel's Diner. Pastries are provided by Starbucks
Coffee. Pizza Hut provides pizzas twice weekly. Sandwiches are made to Food Safety Standard
and are provided by local businesses and church groups. Everything is delivered to our facility
for First In — First Out (FIFO) refrigeration and distribution.
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
sunrise
outreach
Housing
8th Avenue Permanent Supportive Housing
In the three year period between 2009 and 2012, Sunrise Outreach ran a six apartment Permanent
Supportive Housing facility for women. Women were given case management with an on -site
volunteer case worker. An Exit Strategy was utilized initially in a term transitional setting, but
was later changed to a permanent housing solution and the Arizona Self Sufficiency Matrix was
utilized to identify self - sustainability gaps. Each woman paid $350 per month for their stay
which included all costs.
S Street Family Hostel
In April of 2012, SOC started a 10 unit Family Hostel with a common living room, kitchen and
three bathrooms. In addition to the 10 units a separate host family apartment is included. These
are three to six month transitional units. We utilize the Arizona Self Sufficiency Matrix here as
well. We work with CPS for family reunification and assist families in fmding jobs and
permanent housing solutions. We are flexible with the elapsed time so as to never exit a family to
homelessness. Each family pays $350 per month which includes all costs.
Group Home Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Victims
We are opening a Group Home for four girls ages 14 to 17 on November 1 who are victims of
DMST. This project is funded through our partnership with Service Alternatives and DSHS. We
are in the process of hiring five new professional positions including a teacher, case
worker /project manager and three staff positions. There is a likelihood a second house will be
opened in the first quarter 2014.
Other Community Services
SOC Clearing Houses
Our Yakima office located in the basement level of the Vineyard Church remains open from
8:30am till 4:30, and our Sunnyside office at the 1 Christian Church from 8:00 till noon, each
day, Monday through Friday, to help those in need. We offer rental assistance for those with
eviction notices, help with utility bills, bus tickets, etc. We have also become an effective
referral center as we are connected with numerous agencies through the Homeless Network of
Yakima County.
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
sunrise
outreach
School Partnerships
In Yakima County, we are partnered with the Mabton and Yakima School Districts. Our Mabton
partnership includes the Arts Fox Elementary and Mabton Jr. and Sr. high schools. We provide
an afterschool program for 4th and 5tb grades Tuesday through Thursdays through the school
year. This program includes parents and families with an effort to improve grades and keep kids
in school. Parents become participants in the education process. We're also serving the kids with
a back -pack food program to supplement the school meal program for weekends. The Jr. /Sr.
High School kit the meal allotment each week in a food -safe package. The Janitor from Arts Fox
picks up these packages and delivers them to the guidance office to disperse to those in need
each Friday at the end of school.
We're working with Garfield Elementary in Yakima in a partnership with Safe Yakima and the
GFI to work with kids in a high crime zone. Efforts include a collaboration with the courts,
probation, the prosecutor, law enforcement, the school district and principle, property
management and the church. There is also an effort to find 60 mentors for students between
Garfield and Barge Lincoln schools.
We are also working with Yakima On -Line to provide a high school education for the
aforementioned group home for victims of DMST.
Medical and Dental Clinics
We have held four Compassion Connect events since 2011. Over 3000 area residents visited
these clinics and received help with General Practice, Optometry, including free glasses,
Audiology, and much more. We also hold a social service fair with free hair cutting and have
had great hot food for all who attended. Our next event is scheduled April on 2014 at
Washington Middle School.
Food, Clothing and Diaper Banks
Yakima FB serves on average 206.5 families each week at the Vineyard Church in Yakima.
Sunnyside FB serves on average 150 families each week at the 1 Christian Church in
Sunnyside.
Mabton FB serves on average 78 families each week at the Mabton Community Center.
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
sunrise
outreach
• Combined the three Food banks serve on average 1738 family food allotments each
month.
• All three FB are open one day a week, each are open on different days.
• Families are allowed to return each week.
• Each family member can take up to six articles of clothing at each visit.
• In a partnership with Triumph Treatment Center, one week's allotment of diapers per
child per month is distributed.
• For the last three years SOC has managed a two and a one half (2'A) acre community
garden which is intended to support our Food Banks and Outreach efforts. This has also
been a great opportunity to teach organic garden to our community.
Qualifications to Lease and Operate a Commercial Structure
Partnership with Triumph Treatment Center
Operational Capacity
Service Model
Sunrise Outreach Center of Yakima
221 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Yakima, WA 98901
509.225.9310
Q Homeless Net rk of Yakima County
2013 Annual Report to the Community
Introduction
The health of a community can be measured simply by the well -being of its least able. Long-
term homelessness cuts an average of 20 years off the lifespan of a homeless person. It also
reduces their productivity and increases the burden their presence places on the community. In
short, homelessness exacts a cost on everyone - those with shelter and those without.
During a broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion on National Public Radio, host Garrison Keillor
tells the story of one of the Lake Wobegon regulars who has been conscripted by a church lady
into helping the homeless at a nearby shelter. The activity quickly becomes the man's favorite
time of the week. "One of the first things Mr. Lundberg noticed," Keillor says, "is how much the
homeless are like everybody else."
Understanding the connections that exist between the homeless and the larger community is
the first step in finding workable solutions that meet the needs of both groups. These needs
include safety and security as well as shelter.
History
More than 40 organizations joined together in 2004 with the goal to end chronic homelessness in
Yakima County. Working together as the Homeless Network of Yakima County, they created an
ambitious 10 -year plan to increase affordable housing and services known to be critical for
successfully transitioning people out of homelessness.
The plight of homeless people moved from invisible to a very visible community issue in 2005. The
Homeless Network of Yakima County was among the first organizations in Washington State to
produce a 10 - Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Overall Homelessness by
50 %. Lending support to the plan, the Board of Yakima County Commissioners approved and
adopted, through a resolution, the Network's plan. This support continued when the Yakima City
Council presented a proclamation recognizing the Homeless Network as a partner in ending
chronic homelessness. Equally important, members of the faith community and individual
members of the community came forward to give of their time and their money.
From the beginning, the Homeless Network of Yakima County has counted people as its primary
asset. The homeless are, first and foremost, people who need shelter and services; and the
Network is a group of people intent on finding the ways and means to meet their needs. The
premise of the Network centers on the recognition that collaboration is the best means for
advancing its shared vision of shelter not as a privilege, but as a basic human right.
Mission
To advocate for the homeless people of Yakima County in order to improve the quality of life,
increase public awareness of homeless issues, impact public policy, and end homelessness.
Vision
The Homeless Network will move unsheltered homeless individuals and families into permanent
housing, increase self- sufficiency and create long -term stability.
Point In Time
The purpose of the Point in lime Survey is to determine the number of unsheltered and sheltered
homeless individuals and households living in Yakima County on a given day. The Point in Time
count allows service agencies and local government to spot trends in homelessness, identify
gaps in services, and evaluate the success of existing programs. Agencies and their partners can
then use the results to develop and implement plans to fund programs and services to meet the
needs of homeless people in the community.
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
The Homeless Network and its partner agencies participate in a Homeless Management
Information System (HMIS). HMIS is a web -based software application designed to record and
store client -level information on the characteristics and service needs of homeless persons who
access homeless services or housing. HMIS is also used by homeless assistance providers to
coordinate care between other providers and manage their operations to better serve their
clients.
The Homeless Network HMIS system is operated by the Washington State Department of
Commerce which encompasses the entire county as well as the entire state. The HMIS system
can aggregate service data at both the county and state level and is helpful in program
measurement and evaluation.
Homeless Data
2013 marks the eighth year in the Homeless Network of Yakima County's 10 -Year Plan to End
Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Overall Homelessness by 50 %.
On January 31, 2013 the Homeless Network held its 8th Annual Point in Time Homeless Survey. The
overall number of individuals and families who experienced homelessness deceased from the
prior year, while the number of unsheltered individuals and households has continued to decline
as well.
Category Individual Households
All 899 539
Sheltered 852 496
Unsheltered 47 43
Sheltered Homeless are persons who are homeless and are currently housed in a shelter,
transitional housing, permanent supportive housing or are temporarily living with family or friends.
Unsheltered Homeless are persons who are homeless and reside in a place not meant for
human habitation, i.e. vehicle, out of doors, in parks, in abandoned buildings, in garages, under
bridges...
1
In January 2013, 899 individuals were counted in Yakima County, which is a 9.7% decrease from
those counted in 2012. Since 2006, there has been a 28.9% decrease.
Homeless Individuals
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
■ 1,265 1,069 1,055 1,314 1,191 887 996 899
In the last year, there has been an 11.3% decrease in the number of unsheltered individuals
experiencing homelessness. Since 2006, there has been an 82.4% decrease.
Unsheltered Individuals
--------\---,,--,___,
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
■Iew 268 159 141 146 83 60 53 47
2
In this years count, no unsheltered families or households with children were identified.
Unsheltered Families
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
=Ow 52 59 91 88 22 6 2 0
Since 2006 the sheltered population has dropped 24.4% and the unsheltered has dropped
82.4 %, which correlates with the 28.9% drop in overall homelessness.
Sheltered vs. Unsheltered
Homeless
1600 -
1400
1200
1000
800 -
600 -
400 -
200 —
0 -
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Sheltered 1128 994 914 1168 1108 827 943 852
■Unsheltered 268 159 141 146 83 60 53 47
4E 1369 1153 1055 1314 1191 887 996 899
3
The following table shows the breakdown of homeless individuals by age. 335 or 37.3% of all
homeless individuals are under 18 years of age. In fact, the only population increase was for
individuals 0 -12 years of age. The largest decrease was in persons age 18 -20 with a 51.1%
decrease followed by persons age 21 -25 with a 25% decrease.
Age 2012 2013 % of Total % change
0 -5 132 165 18% 25.0%
6 -12 105 122 14% 16.1%
13 -17 60 48 5% -20.0%
18 -20 47 23 3% -51.1%
21 -25 68 51 6% -25.0%
26 -35 162 146 16% -9.9%
36-45 145 124 14% -14.5%
46 -55 169 130 14% -23.1%
56 -64 80 68 8% -15.0%
65+ 28 22 2% -21.4%
Homeless youth ages 0 -17 are typically children in families or adult households. Very few
children in this age group are considered unaccompanied youth. Since state law requires that
unaccompanied youth be reported to the authorities within 72 hours, most of these youth stay
hidden in fear of being returned to their abusive homes, foster care or juvenile lockup. Only one
unaccompanied youth was counted in 2013.
In the last year, there was a 12.8% increase in the number of children experiencing
homelessness. Since 2006, there has been a 33.3% decrease overall.
Homeless Youth Ages 0 -17
2006 -2013
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
me■ 502 265 332 475 298 241 297 335
4
Last year, there was a 19.2% decrease in the number of adults experiencing homelessness. Since
2006, there has been a 28.0% decrease.
Homeless Adults Ages 18 -54
. ■../" °..° N .... ,
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
753 677 565 733 809 618 671 542
Last year, there was a 21.4% decrease in the number of seniors experiencing homelessness.
Since 2006, there has been a 120% increase which is based on a small sample size. (The highest
number of seniors counted was only 30 in 2010)
Homeless Seniors Age 65+
/\'
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
(gym 10 27 12 18 30 26 28 22
5
Chronic Homelessness
A Chronically Homeless individual is someone who has experienced homelessness for a year or
longer, or who has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years and
has a disability. Chronically homeless people are among the most vulnerable people in the
homeless population. They tend to have high rates of behavioral health problems, including
severe mental illness and substance abuse disorders, conditions that may be exacerbated by
physical illness, injury or trauma. Consequently, they are frequent users of emergency services,
crisis response, and public safety systems
The total number of chronically homeless decreased by 36% between 2012 and 2013, and is
unchanged from the earliest comparison in 2008.
Chronically Homeless
Individuals
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
• Sheltered • Unsheltered
The length of time Homeless for Households decreased for all categories since last year.
Length of Time 2012 2013 % Change
One month or less 66 35 -47.0%
2 - months 82 42 -48.8%
4 - 12 months 164 124 -24.4%
More than one year 328 307 -6.4%
6
Respondents were asked if they had any of the following conditions and could report more than
one condition. The top three were Physical /Medical, Mental Health or Substance Abuse, which
are common conditions found in the chronic homeless population, many of which have a dual
diagnosis.
Condition 2012 2013 % Change
Physical /Medical (perm) 157 152 - 3.2%
Mental Health 206 136 - 34.0%
Substance Abuse 168 133 -20.8%
Untreated Dental 75 55 - 26.7%
Visually Impaired 66 46 - 30.3% l igi
Developmental Disability 40 36 - 10.0% III
Physical (temp) 37 35 -5.4% Alin
Illiteracy 18 19 5.6%
HIV /AIDS 4 4 * OEM
Location of Homelessness
The following table illustrates the locations that individuals indicated they had stayed the
previous night.
City 2012 2013 % Change
Yakima 693 632 -8.8%
Sunnyside 107 73 -31.8%
Wapato 64 61 -4.7%
Toppenish 60 64 6.6%
Grandview 20 40 100%
Granger 19 13 -31.6%
Zillah 13 5 -61.5%
White Swan 8 2 -75.0%
Wiley City 2 *
Moxee * 2 *
Union Gap 4 1 - 75.0%
Harrah 3 1 -66.7%
Mabton 2 1 -50.0%
Parker 1 *
Naches 1 1 *
Outside Yakima County 1 *
Selah * 1 *
7
While there were decreases in the number of individuals living in abandoned buildings, with
friends and family, and permanent supportive housing, the number of individuals living in
emergency shelters, transitional housing, and outdoors has increased.
Location 2012 2013 % Change
Temporarily Living with Family 293 204 - 30.4%
or Friends
Emergency Shelter 232 262 12.9%
Transitional Housing 240 251 4.6%
Permanent Supportive Housing 178 135 -24.2%
Vehicle 16 16 -
Outdoors 25 28 12.0%
Abandoned Building 12 3 -75.0%
Total 996 899 -9.7%
Overall, the number of homeless sheltered by agencies in our community has held steady at
around 650. In the last year, the number of unsheltered individuals dropped by 11.3 %.
Location 2012 2013 % Change
Temporarily living with family or friends 293 204 -30.4%
Sheltered in Network Program 650 648 -0.3%
Unsheltered 53 47 -11.3%
The number of individuals who are couch surfing, doubling up, or living with family or friends has
decreased by 30 %.
Current Living Situation 2012 -13
■2012 ■2013
650 648
293 204
53 47
MEW
Temporarily Sheltered in Unsheltered
living with Network
family or friends Program
8
Re -entry and County of Origin
Overall, those being released from an institutional setting into homelessness showed a decrease.
Those who had been released from jail in the last year showed a 13% increase.
Institution 2012 2013 % Change
Jail 77 87 13.0%
Substance Abuse Treatment 67 58 -13.4%
Hospital (medical) 96 69 - 28.1%
Hospital (psych) 14 5 -64.2%
Work Release 4 1 -75.0%
Foster Care 8 5 -37.5%
Refused 21 22 4.7%
Of the homeless counted at the 2013 Point in Time survey, only 16% of households had a
member who had been released from a jail or prison within the past year and of the 16 %, only
22% came from out of the area. Less than 4% of the homeless households counted came from
out of the area AND reported a release from a jail or prison.
Households Released HMIS County of Origin
from Jail/Prison
24%
6%
• Release from jail/prison • No jail/prison stay • Yakima County ■Not In Yakima County
Data entered by service providers into the countywide Homeless Management Information
System (HMIS), shows that of all clients served since 2010 only 6% indicated their last permanent
housing was outside the area. (24% of respondents refused or answered don't know)
9
Conditions, Causes, and Needs
This year, 34.3% of all households had no source of income; the number one source of income
was Social Security. Only three households counted in the 2013 Point in Time survey had income
from panhandling (less than one half of one percent of all households counted).
Income Source 2012 2013
None 208 185
Social Security 164 125
TANF 72 83
Per Capita 72 33
Low Wage Job 35 25
ABD 34 40
Income data reported from the 2013 YC -LIFE report supports Yakima County's economic
disparity
• 16.8% of families with children in Yakima County live in poverty which is twice the State
average of 8.2 %.
• Median Household Income in Yakima County is 25% lower than the State's median
household income of $57,495.
• 74.3% of students in K -12 Education qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch compared to the
State average of 45.5%.
Inability to Pay Rent /Mortgage remained the number one reported cause of homelessness in
2013 and showed an increase of 42.5% from 2012. The following table shows the top four causes
that were reported by those surveyed.
Reported Causes 2012 2013 % Change
Unable to Pay Rent /Mortgage 212 302 42.5%
Alcohol /Drug Use 204 184 - 9.8%
11111111111111111
Family Break -up 135 141 4.4%
1 Families could claim more than one source
2 Up to five causes could be selected for each household
3 Includes eviction for non - payment
10
This year, the number one need identified by homeless households was Transportation closely
followed by Job Training and Placement.
Need 2012 2013
Transportation 296 252
Job Training /Placement 306 246
Health Care 256 199
Food 283 166
Education 217 122
Yakima's 211 Call Center, which provides Information and Referral services for 15 Counties in
Central Washington, reported over 40,000 calls for assistance from Yakima County in 2012.
Three of the top 10 requested resources reported by 211 callers were related to housing
affordability
1. Utility Bill Payment Assistance
2. Rent Payment Assistance
3. Emergency shelter /motel voucher
The top three gaps in services reported by 211 call takers
ino assistance available at time of call)
1. Rent Payment Assistance
2. Utility Bill Payment Assistance
3. Transportation Requests
53.5% of the 564 adults counted had an education level that included a GED /Diploma or post
high school.
Level of Education (Adults Only) Count % of Total
None 10 1.7%
K - 6th Grade 41 7.2%
7th -9th 84 14.8%
10 -11th Grade 115 20.3% E
GED/Diploma 212 37.5% UM
Post High School 90 15.9% N.
Refused 12 2.1%
4 Families could identify up to five needs
11
In the last year, the number of homeless Veterans increased by one. Overall since 2006, this
number has increased by 13.9 %.
Veterans
• Veterans o Received Benefits
98
67
55
36 40 41
tia
14 U
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Affordable Housing
The standard measure used for determining affordable housing is 30% of a person's monthly
income going toward housing costs.
• In Yakima County renters pay 50% of their income toward housing.
• The percentage of renters in Yakima County is 36 %.
• The Fair Market Rent for a two bedroom home in Yakima County for 2013 is $700.
• The average renters wage in Yakima County is $9.53.
• A worker must make $13.46 an hour or work 59 hours a week at minimum wage in
Yakima County to afford a two bedroom home.
For more information, contact:
Yakima County Department of Human Services
128 North 2nd Street
Yakima County Courthouse, Room 102
Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: (509) 574 -1522
tim.sullivan @co.yakima.wa.us
12
H 4.1500d
=TOT O r r ` 11.
ems, an estimated 4,500 Yakima County residents are without safe, decent,
and affordable permanent housing; and
"b9 M ,L homelessness is a substantial and pervasive prob that has a powe
negative impact on our community and our citizens; and
[Tr.V it is in the best interest of al 7 residents to see a reduction in the
Cevetof home within the City of (Yakima; and
F,I the 9fomeless Networko f (Yakima County is a consortium of 37 service
providers and consumers focused on reducing chronic homelessness in (Yakima County 6y 2014;
and
14 1 9a f the 9fome(ess Networkof'Yakima County has a Ten Tear Plan to End
Chronic 9{omeCessness in (Yakima County by 2014 by coordinating and finking resources to
build comprehensive system that will end chronic homelessness, and 2. prevent return to
home and 3. move homeless individuals and families beyond short -term shelter to
permanent housing and self- sufficiency; and
WIYMAXS, the (Yakima City Councifand the 2fome1 ss Networkof (Yakima County
have determined that a united community commitment to carrying out these approaches and
strategies will positively impact those who are already homeless, as well' as those a rrskof
becoming homeless, and that by doing so the quality of life of individuals andfamiCses, as weft
as that of the Citizens of the City of (Yakima and (Yakima County as a who can and wit The
enhanced
` 1 . O . , I, Faulk? George, Mayor of the City of (Yakima, and on behalf
of the City Council do hereby proclaim our support of the goats and strategies expressed in the
9fomeless Networkof (Yakima County Ten Year Flan to End Chronic 9fome1 ssness, and urge
air to support their efforts insofar as they are able.
Dated this 15th day of February, 2005
(Yauf 1n. George, Mayor
BOARD OF YAKIMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
IN THE MATTER OF ENDORSING )
TEN -YEAR PLAN TO REDUCE ) RESOLUTION NO. 66 -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 ' 2005.
------.., .2 tie......i. ..... s> 2) .....
Ronald F. Gamache, Chairman
?ii�rk.,
Attest: Sandra J. Acosta sse S. Palacios, Commissioner
L— - 1
Ai re • . _.m "
Deputy Clerk o th- Board - Mic ael D. Leita, Commissioner
KHM onstituting the Board of County Commissioners
C 0 • 4* C G for Yakima County, Washington a.:,.
a. 4 0 4/A A
7 ►• O = %I.; .
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., ob -3 ....5 ' •.
9