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Homelessness in King County: Current Challenges. Governing Board & Interagency Council Committee to End Homelessness in King County July 20, 2005 & August 4, 2005 Sue Sherbrooke YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County. YWCA Vision: A Community Where.
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Homelessness in King County:Current Challenges Governing Board & Interagency Council Committee to End Homelessness in King County July 20, 2005 & August 4, 2005 Sue Sherbrooke YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County
YWCA Vision:A Community Where • Women and families live in safe, stable housing • Adults have an opportunity to earn a living wage • Children and youth gain skills for success in life • All people live with dignity – free from violence, racism and discrimination
And More Numbers… 13% overall increase since 2001 • All unsheltered: 38% increase • Shelter/transitional stable at 4,750 average Within the sheltered population • 56% gave Seattle as last permanent address • 57% persons of color • 22% households employed • 48% single adults living with disability
Homeless Single Adults • Mental illness • Alcohol/chemical dependency • Physical/developmental disability • Sexual assault/domestic violence • Corrections involvement • Chronic health problems • Little or no income
Homeless Families • Working hard, falling short • Housing outstrips wages • No health insurance • Unreliable childcare • Food insecurity • Escaping domestic violence • Living with disabilities • Recovering from past mistakes
GAU = $339/month SSI = $564/month $8 – $12/hour jobs Few benefits, little security Studio = $610 2-bedroom = $996 Childcare = $650 Health, mental health care The Self-Sufficiency Gap Low Income High Costs
Costly health services, jail time Lost productivity Foster care when families fall apart Poor health and education for children Risk of generational poverty, homelessness An Expensive Gap Low Income High Costs $
Closing the Gap INCREASE INCOME Education Employment Income Support CONTROL EXPENSE Affordable Housing Subsidized Housing Supportive Services
What It Takes • Comprehensive Approach • Collaborative • Innovative • Alert to Unintended Consequences • Capacity • Housing - Services • Administration • Cultural Competence • Community Investment • Funding • Volunteers