Latest in Homelessness

The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development may close its local office following layoffs and grant freezes. Advocates anticipate a ripple effect.

The outgoing director of the state Office of Homeless Youth noted that staff departures and the closure of A Way Home Washington caused “a tidal wave of change.”

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling this June opened the door to criminalizing homelessness, and cities have threatened fines and jail time in response.

The Department of Commerce plan outlines securing new funding to improve response coordination and provide new housing units and emergency beds.

The Office of Housing made some progress on development last year, but faces new challenges from high construction costs and interest rates.

Appointed Tuesday, she wants to expand the police alternative program, reduce 911 response times and expand criminal diversion efforts.

The Court ruled that laws limiting public sleeping are not cruel and unusual, regardless of shelter, which advocates fear will lead to “dystopian” bans.

The CARE department will hire 18 additional responders, three supervisors and work seven days a week addressing mental and behavioral health crises.

The money has helped accelerate housing construction in the state, but there’s still only one affordable home for every five households that need one.

The Grants Pass v. Johnson decision could make it easier to sweep encampments, but advocates say it may hinder the ability to get stable housing.

Doney Coe Pet Clinic celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in SODO this week.

Shelter resources are scarce for unhoused young adults completing inpatient care. HB 1929 would establish at least two residential programs for them.

Supporters are aiming for a November ballot initiative to fund mixed-income, subsidized housing by taxing companies that pay higher than $1M salaries.