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S. Gaps and Duplication In Services: Describe how your proposed project fills a gap in <br />homeless and/or affordable housing services in Kittitas County. Include a description of <br />how the project is or Isn't a duplication of current services. (250 words max.) <br />Housing Shortages in Kittitas County continue to place a heavy burden on renters including <br />those in the Cie Elum/Roslyn areas. With a _5% vacancy rate Kittitas County ranks 2nd overall <br />for cost burdened households across all Washington Counties. Cle Elum records 62% of renters <br />paying more than 30% of their income in housing costs, Easton is 54%, Roslyn is 43% and South <br />CLe Elum is 48%. Overall the upper county combined burdened is 57%, state average is 48% <br />nearly 10 points lower. The lack of smaller format housing can pose a barrier to many people <br />living alone or with a partner who do not need or cannot afford a large home." Census data <br />shows that in the next ten years, seniors in Kittitas County at or below the poverty line will <br />increase by approximately 1000 households. Without dedicated affordable senior housing units, <br />many of these seniors may end up homeless. This project ensures that senior, disabled, veteran, <br />and youth households who have limited assets are not living in unsuitable housing for lack of <br />money. The relief of having affordable housing allows households to provide themselves with <br />lifesaving prescription and medical care, food, and decent basic clothing. Intended residents can <br />maintain pride in their independence and ability to care and provide for themselves without <br />living in fear of being without food, without primary necessary medical care, and of being <br />homeless with nowhere to turn, <br />