Influencing Change Through Advocacy at the State Level

1. Influencing Change Through Advocacy at the State Level 2006 National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference Ending Homelessness: Plan, Act, Succeed

2. Washington State Demographics WA State Population: 6,287,759 Number of homeless persons in WA State: 20,774 Median single-family home in Seattle: $338,600 (requires an average family income of more than $80,000 per year) Median single-family home in King County: $434,950

3. Washington State Population Density

4. Capital Resources in Washington State  Housing Trust Fund • Federal funds • Seattle Housing Levy • Combined capital funding application process • Tax credit application with homelessness priority

5. A Sea Change Began in 2000 . . . Sound Families - Three Puget Sound Counties • Funds housing & support services for homeless families in the Puget Sound Region • $40 million challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation • Seven regional housing authorities committed project-based Section 8 vouchers & project-based exit vouchers • Steering Committee includes representatives from 3 counties, government jurisdictions, public housing authorities, & Washington State

6. Taking Sound Families Statewide Building on evaluation and experience of Sound Families:  Legislative champions  Statewide advocates  Housing and homeless coalitions and providers  Public housing authorities  Local governments  Business  Philanthropy

7. Washington Families Fund (2004) Authorization and Purpose: The Fund was authorized by the Washington State Legislature. It received an initial appropriation of $2 million, plus an additional $4 million in 2006. The purpose of the Fund is to expand the availability of supportive housing - an effective model for helping homeless families - by providing stable long-term funding for housing-based services across Washington State.

8. Washington Families Fund (WFF) • WFF provides 10 years of service funding • Is a public-private partnership that leverages and increases funding for services statewide. • The initial $2 million investment of State funds required matching private contributions. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $2 million, and established their second $1 million as a challenge grant. • Eleven local foundations/corporations and more than 100 individuals made the $1million match. • Housing operations costs are covered by Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or other rental subsidies.

9. Sound Families-Washington Families Fund Successful Philanthropic Collaborations Require: • Strong philanthropic leadership • Key partnerships • Educating other potential funders • Leveraging public and other philanthropic funds • A nonprofit intermediary with a solid track record

10. State Operating Funds for Low-Income Housing (2002) Funded by a $10 document recording fee on real estate transactions in all counties (HB2060) • Counties keep 60% of revenue; 40% goes to the State housing agency for a statewide grant program  Provides capital and operations support • Includes up to 5 years of rental subsidy to buy down rent levels from 80% - 15% of Area Median Income

11. Homelessness, Housing & Assistance Act (2005) An additional $10 document recording fee (HB2163)  Commitment from all sectors is necessary to end homelessness in Washington  Housing and services administered at the local level, with counties as the lead  Counties and State must complete and implement a plan to reduce homelessness by 50% by 2015

12. Homelessness, Housing & Assistance Act Funding: • Anticipates $12-16 million per year for homeless housing and services • Essentially any activity that leads to reducing homelessness is eligible, if it complies with the State and local plan priorities, including technical assistance and capacity building • Complements HB2060 operating funds

13. The Veterans and Human Services Levy (2005)  Approved in King County (greater Seattle)  Provides $13.3 million per year for next 6 years  First year focused on capital improvements, information systems, training, equipment and one- time needs • After first year, $1million each year for capital improvements • Funds are split between veterans and their families, and other low-income populations in need

14. Goals of Veterans and Human Services Levy • Reduce homelessness and emergency medical costs • Reduce criminal justice system involvement at client & systems levels • Increase self-sufficiency and independence by means of employment

15. 2006 State Housing Trust Fund increase of $80 million to $100 million, biennium

16. Washington State Budget Surplus Planning strategically . . .

17. The Future: 2006-2007 • Statewide affordable housing for all Voters for Affordable Housing PAC seeks to recognize housing leaders, strengthen emerging leaders, and impact key races, making the connection for legislators, business, philanthropy and government • Homelessness and the availability of affordable housing become a part of the Governor’s priorities • Building and sustaining multi-year service funding for single adults & families • Develop bi-partisan support

18. To receive a copy of this presentation, please contact: Betsy Lieberman - betsy@aidshousing.org AIDS Housing of Washington 2014 East Madison, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98122 206-322-9444 www.aidshousing.org