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3 <br />dependents or a disability, lack of tenant history, being homeless but housed, having pets, <br />filling out multiple intakes, and not having an address. Things that worked well included <br />funding to help with finding employment and support with clothing and hygiene, seeking <br />mental health services, having good attitude and being non-judgmental, having people <br />advocate for you, and support with addiction and sober housing. <br />With limited resources in Kittitas County, what would you prioritize to address <br />homelessness? Shelter services and transitional housing were the most prominent of <br />priorities, along with meeting basic needs through services, increasing affordable housing, <br />addressing behavioral health, and communication with the public. Addressing barriers and <br />addressing stigma were other areas that were discussed. <br />Previous priorities have included increasing affordable housing, increasing shelter and other <br />support services, preventing homelessness, improving the homeless response system, and <br />expanding community engagement, awareness, and education. Are these still priorities or <br />have they shifted? Generally, participants agreed that these priorities are still relevant and <br />that more work needs to continue to be done in these areas. Other priorities discussed <br />included addressing behavioral health, expanding awareness about services available, <br />implementing rapid rehousing programs, and reducing stigma through community education. <br />What should be the key messages to the community about homelessness and people <br />experiencing homelessness? How can we effectively share this information? Most key <br />messages shared had to do with reducing stigma about people experiencing homelessness. <br />A common key message that arose is that people experiencing homelessness are human <br />beings and are our neighbors. Many people in the community don’t realize how close they <br />could be to experiencing homelessness. Additionally, getting information out about the <br />resources available, the causes of homelessness, and the impacts of homelessness on the <br />community were discussed. Primary ways of getting information to the community were <br />social media and an online presence, an education campaign, and community presentations. <br />Key Takeaways <br />x The perception is that the homelessness problem has stayed the same or worsened in the <br />past few years, possibly due to increased visibility as well as economic factors. <br />x Housing and basic needs must be addressed prior to addressing employment and behavioral <br />health needs. <br />x However, behavioral health issues are common among people experiencing homelessness <br />and should be a priority. <br />x It’s not so much an unwillingness to participate as it is an inability to participate in <br />services due to multiple barriers. <br />x Stigma towards people experiencing homelessness by both the community and service <br />providers is a major concern. <br />x Navigating the system is complicated and a lot of work; having personal advocates to help <br />would be beneficial. <br />x The community needs more emergency housing, shelter services, and transitional housing <br />options. <br />x The lack of affordable housing is a major concern.