The Washington Office of Homeless Youth will benefit from a new $5.29 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The funding through HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program will support a wide range of programs aimed at ending youth homelessness, including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes.
Asotin, Benton, Franklin, Chelan, Douglas, Cowlitz, Kitsap, Thurston, Walla Walla, Whatcom, and Yakima counties will benefit from the state grant. Local planning processes will identify specific projects and then communities will apply for housing and services dollars to support them.
Commerce will use the funding to address youth homelessness by tailoring support programs to their needs, including funding for housing units, wrap-around services, and housing support. The funding will also support youth-focused performance measurement and coordinated entry systems.
Over the next several months, communities will work with their youth advisory boards, child welfare agencies, and other community partners to create a comprehensive community plan to end youth homelessness.
