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Local & State Context and Background This plan is closely aligned with housing,community development,and health goals articulated in the Comprehensive Plans of Kittitas County and its cities. Across these plans, common priorities include increasing affordable housing, promoting housing stability, supporting vulnerable populations, and fostering community resilience. These shared priorities are fully reflected in the objectives and strategies of this plan. Current State Landscape in Kittitas County As of the 2024 Preliminary Point-in-Time(PIT)Count,there were 26 individuals experiencing homelessness in Kittitas County, 19 sheltered and 7 unsheltered,across 20 total households. The factors contributing to homelessness in Kittitas County reflect broader state and national trends, but with a distinctly rural context: Kittitas County:Median Rent us.Household Income(2017-2023) Medi'n Gross Rent(5) Housing Costs vs. Income: Between 2017 and 50600 Med,an Ho sehoId,n omen, 2021, the median gross rent in Kittitas County aoo-oo increased by more than 25%, while median household income remained below the state 3O000 average(U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates).As 0 of 2023, nearly 1 in 5 Kittitas County renters 20DQ0 spent more than 50% of their income on housing—classifying them as severely cost- 10000 burdened. a 2017 2013 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Limited Affordable Housing: The Washington Year State Department of Commerce projects that Kittitas County will need more than 2,000 additional housing units by 2044 to meet demand across all income levels. Low vacancy rates, particularly for units affordable to extremely low- income households, make it difficult for individuals to secure or maintain stable housing. Behavioral Health and Substance Use: Local focus groups and service provider reports identify untreated mental illness and substance use as common risk factors. According to the Washington State Department of Health, rural counties like Kittitas often face gaps in behavioral health service availability, particularly for outpatient care, detox, and supportive housing programs. Systemic Barriers: Transportation, documentation requirements, and stigma continue to prevent many individuals from accessing services. Community survey respondents and participants in the 2025 5 Year Plan focus group sessions noted that stigma and judgment, both from the public and providers,are key deterrents to seeking help. Despite these challenges,Kittitas County has built a network of crisis response resources.Services include emergency shelters,rapid rehousing programs,and case-managed transitional housing,offered by agencies such as HopeSource, Catholic Charities,ASPEN,and Comprehensive Healthcare.These are coordinated through a centralized Coordinated Entry system and prioritizing immediate access to services. In the State Fiscal Year 2024, Over $3.3 million were invested in Kittitas County for housing and homelessness programs, according to the WA Department of Commerce Annual Expenditure Report. These funds supported prevention, shelter operations, outreach, and rental assistance, underscoring the importance of sustained funding to address the region's needs.