Keep Investing In What We Know is Working
We are very close to passing a state budget that reflects the values and priorities of Washingtonians: to build upon our state’s recent successes to prevent and end youth homelessness.
Last week, the State House of Representatives allocated $4M for the Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund in their proposed budget. We are thrilled to see this level of support. Thank you to our representatives in Olympia for recognizing that continued investment in a program that has proven to work will propel us forward in preventing and ending youth homelessness.
At the same time, the State Senate proposed $1M for the Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund. This is a good start, but it risks slowing down our state’s progress. Over the last year, the HPDF demonstrated that giving young people small cash grants tailored to individual needs resulted in 93% of youth remaining stably housed a year later.
The youth are doing their part. Now we, as a state, must continue to provide this support.
Please join the Washington Coalition for Homeless Youth Advocacy in contacting your State Senator and Representative to voice your support for funding the Housing Prevention and Diversion Fund at $4M.
Thank you to all of you who are working and advocating for the youth in our state. Let’s keep pushing!