You know it’s a tough year when maintenance feels like progress. When the Legislative session ended last week, we were pleased to have met our goal of maintaining support for the housing and youth homelessness programs that we continue to champion and prioritize.
We care deeply about the Homeless Prevention and Diversion Fund (HPDF) which has shown positive results in helping young people stay safely housed by providing small but vital cash grants in time of need. Funding for the HPDF was maintained as were service dollars to communities doing Built for Zero work (formerly the Anchor Communities) and the Bridge Housing Program, which helps young people transition from residential mental health care facilities to stable living situations. And, youth advocates were able to restore funding to the Homelessness Student Stability Program after its reduction in 2025.
We are very pleased that our partners and housing advocates were able to pass the following policy bills:
- SB 5911: A bill that waives the requirement that foster children need to repay the state from SSI (supplement security income) benefits for their care once they turn 18 (Yes, you read that right. Kids had to repay the system).
- HB2594: A bill that codifies the rights of homeless students in the federal McKinney Vento law for Washington state with the uncertainty in federal policy. This means that regardless of what the federal government does, Washington students will retain their right to education and to receiving support services.
- SB2026: A bill to allow greater flexibility for communities to rezone commercial areas for affordable housing and mixed-use buildings
We are so grateful to our elected leaders and partners who continue to advocate tirelessly for our state’s youth. In particular, we want to thank Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator June Robinson, Senator Emily Alvarado, Representative Nicole Macri, Representative Timm Orsmby, and Representative Mia Gregerson for continuing to be housing champions in Olympia. Because of their efforts, our youth can more easily find affordable housing options and are provided with the necessary tools to begin to establish a secure and healthy future.