HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomelessness Coalition Letter DocuSign Envelope ID:C3A73539-228D-45CB-9349-647DA79439E5
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PORTANGELE 321 East Fifth Street
WASH I N G T' O N , U . S . Port Angeles, WA 98362
January 5, 2022
VIA Email to:
VIA Email to:
VIA Email to:
Re: Homelessness Coalition Sign-On Letter
Dear Washington State Legislators:
First, thank you for your service during this challenging time and for the historic investments made in
affordable housing during the 2021 Legislative Session. The past few years have taught us a lot about
managing through crisis and one thing is clear—when we work together, we can solve major problems
to help the people of Washington State. Because of the leadership of so many—state and local elected
officials,business, non-profits, and community leaders, our health care workers and Washingtonians
from across the state —we continue to manage our way through the COVID pandemic better than most
places in the country.
Now it's time to work together to solve another crisis facing our state—homelessness. Everyday
thousands of Washingtonians are living unhoused and we know that the pandemic has made the
problem worse. We see it in our communities throughout the state. We know the underlying reasons
for this crisis are complex and that there are no easy solutions. That's why we are encouraged by
Governor Inslee's comprehensive proposal to address this challenge.
Recently, a statewide poll was conducted to ask Washington voters their views of homelessness. In
overwhelming numbers, voters said that addressing the crisis should be a top priority of state
lawmakers (92%). Voters also told us that we need to focus on the causes including better healthcare,
mental health services and substance abuse treatment(90%); we need to invest in housing (85%); and
that state government should lead in responding to the homelessness crisis and use available federal
funding (9 out of 10). We agree.
DocuSign Envelope ID:C3A73539-228D-45CB-9349-647DA79439E5
January 5, 2022
City of Port Angeles
Re: Homelessness Coalition Sign-On Letter
Page 2
As the Legislature gets ready for the 2022 Legislative session and how to prioritize the remaining
federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act as well as the increased state revenues, we urge you
to make addressing homelessness and affordable housing a top priority.
We are encouraged and supportive of the Governor's approach that prioritizes funds for emergency
and affordable housing through increased funding for the Rapid Housing Acquisition Fund and the
Housing Trust Fund and increases in funding for behavioral and mental health services.
Local communities have been working to address homelessness for many years. We have had some
successes, but the COVID pandemic, lack of affordable housing, health care and services have made
the problem much worse, particularly for those who are considered chronically homeless. As local
elected officials, business leaders, community leaders and housing advocates, we stand ready to build
a statewide partnership with all Washingtonians working together to help our community members
move into housing and receive the support and services to provide them the stability they need.
We look forward to working together to make progress on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Qocusiggnnedby-
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Kate exter
Mayor