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5. Gaps and Duplication in Services: Describe how your proposed project fills a gap in <br />homeless and/or affordable housing services in Kittitas County. lnclude a description of <br />how the project is or isn't a duplication of current services. (250 words max.) <br />The Ellensburg Housing Needs Assessment shows a clear need for one-bedroom apartments to <br />relieve the cost burden to seniors and people with disabilities on a fixed income: " As of 20!7, <br />about 7O% of all households in Ellensburg have only i. or 2 members. Yet only 28% of housing <br />units offered are studios or l--bedroom. The lack of smaller format housing can pose a barrier to <br />many people living alone or with a partner who do not need or cannot afford a large home." <br />Census data shows that in the next ten years, seniors in Kittitas County at or below the poverty <br />line will increase by approximately L000 households. Without dedicated affordable senior <br />housing units, many of these seniors may end up homeless. This project ensures that senior, <br />disabled, veteran, and youth households who have limited assets are not living in unsuitable <br />housing for lack of money. The relief of having affordable housing allows households to provide <br />themselves with lifesaving prescription and medical care, food, and decent basic clothing. <br />lntended residents can maintain pride in their independence and ability to care and provide for <br />themselves without living in fear of being without food, without primary necessary medical <br />care, and of being homeless with nowhere to turn. <br />I