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About the 5 Year Plan The Kittitas County 2025-2030 Homeless Housing Plan is a strategic framework that outlines how the county will respond to homelessness over the next five years. It sets shared goals, defines priorities, and identifies concrete actions to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability across the county. The plan serves as a tool for coordinating local efforts,aligning funding,and guiding decision-making across public agencies,nonprofits,and other partners involved in housing and homelessness services. The plan is required by state law(RCW 43.185C) and must with guidance from the Washington State Department of Commerce. It applies to all parts of the county(cities,towns,and unincorporated areas) unless a city formally opts to create its own plan. Once adopted by the Board of County Commissioners,the plan becomes the official roadmap for how local document recording fees and other public funds related to homelessness are used. This plan exists because homelessness affects individuals, families, and communities throughout Kittitas County. It helps ensure that limited resources are used effectively,that people with the greatest needs are prioritized,and that the community is working toward shared outcomes. It also aligns with key housing, health, and service priorities in local Comprehensive Plans, supporting a coordinated approach across county and city efforts. More than a requirement,this plan is a commitment to making homelessness in Kittitas County rare, brief, and non-recurring. A reference table summarizing this alignment is included in the Appendix. Previous Plan and Achievements Kittitas County adopted its most recent 5-Year Homeless Housing Plan in 2019.That plan outlined five key objectives aligned with state and federal priorities:identify and engage people experiencing homelessness,prioritize those with the greatest needs, ensure swift access to permanent housing, project system impact, and address racial disparities in service delivery. Over the past five years, progress has been made across all five areas. Highlights include: • Functional zero for veteran homelessness - Kittitas County became the first in Washington to reach this milestone. • Emergency shelter expansion - A seven-day-per-week winter shelter system was established, providing consistent access to safe overnight space during the coldest months. • Rapid rehousing and permanent housing - Dozens of new housing units were created through local investments, including transitional and youth-specific options. • Housing First adoption - Local providers implemented low-barrier, housing-first approaches that reduce entry requirements and focus on stability and support. • Coordinated outreach and data tracking - Mobile outreach, by-name lists, and improved system coordination have increased responsiveness and system alignment. Annual reports from 2021 to 2024 reflect growing alignment across service providers, increased use of Coordinated Entry, and measurable housing outcomes, including exit rates to permanent housing exceeding 80%in some years. While gaps remain,especially in affordable housing stock, behavioral health support,and rural access,this work laid a foundation for the next five-year cycle. This plan builds on the progress of the last five years while recognizing where continued focus and innovation are needed.