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5 <br /> <br />Summary <br /> <br />The Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee (HAHC), appointed by the Kittitas County Board <br />of County Commissioners (BOCC), is responsible for the development, updating, and ensuring <br />implementation of the Kittitas County Homelessness and Affordable Housing Plan. The HAHC <br />established a subcommittee in March 2016 to review the current plan, analyze current homelessness <br />and housing data, and draft a revised plan for 2017. This plan is a combination of both community <br />priorities for addressing homelessness and affordable housing, as well as funding priorities for the <br />Kittitas County housing and homelessness funds. <br /> <br />Participants in the development of the plan included representatives from housing and homeless <br />support agencies and networks, public health, faith communities, local governments, early learning, <br />substance use treatment, domestic violence, veterans, and people with disabilities. Feedback from the <br />general public was also gathered through a community survey and public forums. <br /> <br />A good plan starts with a clear community vision. What are we striving for in Kittitas County? What do <br />we want the future to look like? After a facilitated discussion among the participants, the follow vision <br />was developed: A home for everyone and everyone in their home. Core values to be maintained and <br />enhanced in order to meet this vision include safety and health, stability and sustainability, affordability <br />and income, and community. This plan will seek to make progress towards the vision through policy, <br />infrastructure, and programs. <br /> <br />Local homelessness and housing data was examined from three main data sources: the US Census <br />American Community Survey, the Washington State Office of Financial Management, and the <br />HopeSource Community Needs Assessment. Additionally, assessments were conducted of community <br />opinions, forces of change, and gaps and assets. Key conclusions from this information that were <br />considered in the development of the plan priorities included: <br />• Kittitas County’s population has grown and will continue to grow considerably, putting pressure <br />on the need for housing and homelessness resources. <br />• Kittitas County has high unemployment rates, indicating a lack of jobs that pay a living wage. <br />• The presence of a major university in Kittitas County both puts pressure on the housing market, <br />increasing costs, and reducing availability and also presents unique partnership opportunities. <br />• Income is considerably lower in Kittitas County compared to Washington State and poverty is <br />higher, making it difficult to afford housing. <br />• A large proportion of the housing stock was built before 1970 and a high percentage of housing <br />is renter occupied. <br />• Homelessness is an issue that many people in Kittitas County don’t know much about or don’t <br />fully understand. <br />• Affordable housing is a large concern among the general public. <br />• Most people agree that increased services such as sheltering, transportation, job training, <br />mental health, and substance use treatment are effective in addressing homelessness. <br />• While there are multiple resources for low-income housing and rental assistance, it is not <br />enough to meet the need. Waiting lists are long and funds are limited. <br />• Community engagement and cross-collaborations need to be expanded to be able to address <br />homelessness and housing issues.