August Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Focus Group Takeaways Across five focus groups, participants agreed that homelessness in Kittitas County has become more visible and harder to ignore.Common themes included the lack of low-barrier housing options,difficulty navigating the system, and a disconnect between what's available and what people actually need. "People want help and want to get sober,but it's hard to stay sober on the streets:' —Participant with lived experience. "It's not that people are unwilling to engage—it's that they're tired of being treated badly or getting stuck in a system that doesn't work." —Service provider participant. Participants consistently emphasized the need for peer advocates, simplified processes, and a shift in how the community talks about and treats people experiencing homelessness.These ideas helped shape the plan's focus on low-barrier access,dignity-centered services,and targeted investment in critical supports. Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles The following Vision,Mission,and Guiding Principles provide a shared framework to guide Kittitas County's collective efforts to prevent and address homelessness. These elements reflect community values and priorities, shaped through public engagement and collaboration across sectors. Vision Everyone in Kittitas County has access to housing that is safe, affordable, and appropriate, combined with the individualized services needed to foster long-term stability, dignity,and community belonging. Mission To build and sustain a comprehensive, coordinated system that prevents and addresses homelessness by meeting immediate needs and supporting long-term stability for all people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Kittitas County. Guiding Principles • Client-Centered Care:Services should recognize the humanity of every person and be delivered in a person- centered, individualized, and trauma-informed manner, supporting both immediate needs and long-term outcomes. • Equity and Inclusion: All individuals across Kittitas County should be able to access housing and services without unnecessary barriers,through fair,open,and consistent systems. • Collaboration: Strong partnerships and cross-sector coordination are essential to achieving shared goals, maximizing impact, and ensuring efficient use of resources. • Data-Informed Decisions: Planning,funding,and programs should be guided by objective data, measurable outcomes,and accountability to ensure resources are used effectively and continuously improved. • Transparency and Accountability: Processes and decision-making should be transparent,grounded in clear communication,and accountable both to the people served and to the broader Kittitas County community.