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17 <br /> <br />Population: Current and changing demographics of the county population as well as growth in the <br />population from people moving from the west side have an effect on the cost of housing and the need for <br />affordable housing. <br />What are the potential or current THREATS <br />generated by this force of change on homelessness <br />and housing in Kittitas County? <br />What are the potential or current OPPORTUNITIES <br />generated by this force of change on homelessness <br />and housing in Kittitas County? <br />• Increase in home prices and cost of living <br />• Increase in rents <br />• Younger population creates some economic <br />instability and more competition for minimum <br />wage employment and affordable housing <br />• Service and agriculture workforce creates more <br />demand for affordable housing <br />• Retired people, commuters, and recreational <br />homeowners increase property values <br />• I-90 improvements increase cost of living due to <br />growth <br />• More revenue generated for homeless and <br />housing projects from taxes and recording fees <br /> <br />Natural Disasters: Although out of our immediate control, disasters such as fires, floods, storms, and snow <br />affect people’s homes and housing stability. <br />What are the potential or current THREATS <br />generated by this force of change on homelessness <br />and housing in Kittitas County? <br />What are the potential or current OPPORTUNITIES <br />generated by this force of change on homelessness <br />and housing in Kittitas County? <br />• Destruction of homes could lead to <br />homelessness <br />• Forced evacuations lead to housing instability <br />• Ensure emergency plans take into account <br />preventing homelessness <br />• Ensure policies support people getting back into <br />housing as quickly as possible <br /> <br />Personal Circumstances: Individual circumstances such as substance issues, mental health issues, jail <br />release, gender, marital or family status, and personal crises can affect the housing status of individuals <br />and families. <br />What are the potential or current THREATS <br />generated by this force of change on homelessness <br />and housing in Kittitas County? <br />What are the potential or current OPPORTUNITIES <br />generated by this force of change on homelessness <br />and housing in Kittitas County? <br />• Increase in unemployment leading to housing <br />instability and/or homelessness <br />• Lack of access to housing services <br />• Increased pressure on the service system <br />• Diversify funding for a variety of populations in <br />need <br />• Increase linkages and collaborations between <br />services <br />• Increased focus and awareness on upstream <br />causes of homelessness <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />