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Community Engagement Washington State's Local Plan Guidance requires that counties involve a broad range of stakeholders in developing homeless housing plans, including people with lived experience of homelessness, local governments, service providers, and the public. But more than a requirement, community engagement is essential to building a plan that is practical, responsive,and community owned. Homelessness affects the entire community, and solutions are more effective when they are shaped by the people most directly impacted—whether they are trying to access services, deliver them, or navigate the housing system. Community input brings clarity to local gaps,validates or challenges assumptions,and fosters collective responsibility for addressing homelessness. To develop this plan, Kitbtas County carried out a broad Community Engagement Activities engagement strategy in fall 2024: Community Survey: Open to all residents and Community Survey 421 distributed through nonprofits,direct service locations, and online platforms. i Focus Groups 201 Focus Groups: Facilitated by an independent Ad Hoc Meeting 12 consultant, with participants representing lived experience, service providers, law enforcement and HAHC Meetings ' s local government, Central Washington University, and community members. Provide Consultations . 18 Stakeholder Meetings: One-on-one and small group 0 so too ,so 200 250 300 sso 400 450 discussions with municipalities, housing and health Number of Participants partners, and frontline workers This process informed the priorities and strategies laid out in this plan. Community Survey Key Insights Survey responses reflected shared concerns across diverse perspectives: • Dedicated support for more affordable housing, emergency shelter, and expanded behavioral health services. • Widespread concern that stigma, limited-service capacity, and complicated systems prevent people from accessing help. • Differing opinions on the role of public resources, with some emphasizing individual responsibility and others advocating for expanded support • A clear desire for community-driven solutions, collaboration across agencies, and more public education about the root causes of homelessness