179323 - Combined resolution and 2025-2030 5 year Homeless Plan

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6 About the 5 Year Plan The Kittitas County 2025–2030 Homeless Housing Plan provides a strategic roadmap for preventfng and reducing homelessness across the county. Developed with input from residents, service providers, and people with lived experience, the plan outlines shared goals, key prioritfes, and coordinated actfons to improve housing stability for all. This plan is more than a legal requirement. It’s a shared commitment to ensure that people facing homelessness are met with tfmely, effectfve, and compassionate support. Required by RCW 43.185C, the plan secures Kittitas County’s eligibility for state homelessness funding while guiding how local document recording fees and other public resources are allocated. The plan applies countywide, including citfes, towns, and unincorporated areas, and promotes a unified response through partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit providers, healthcare systems, and community groups. Homelessness affects individuals, families, and entfre communitfes. By aligning this plan with the housing, health, and service prioritfes outlined in the Comprehensive Plans for Kittitas County, Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn and South Cle Elum, we ensure a coordinated approach that reflects local goals. A reference table highlightfng 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 objectfves aligned with state and federal prioritfes: identffy and engage people experiencing homelessness, prioritfze those with the greatest needs, ensure swift access to permanent housing, project system impact, and address racial disparitfes 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 - Over 45 new units were developed between 2020–2024, including youth-specific housing and permanent optfons supported by local, state, and federal funds. • Coordinated outreach and data tracking - Mobile outreach, by-name lists, and improved system coordinatfon has 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, including 2024. While gaps remain, especially in affordable housing stock, behavioral health support, and rural access, this work laid a foundatfon for the next five-year cycle. This plan builds on the progress of the last five years while recognizing where contfnued focus and innovatfon are needed.