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<br />6 <br /> <br />Community Members: Participants felt that the problem is the same, with some saying it is a <br />little bit worse. Their opinions were primarily based on observations of people camping and <br />people continuing to use services. There was discussion about it being a more visible problem and <br />the loss of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased costs being contributing factors. <br />x “I hear about people camped along the river in different places…It’s possible there are <br />more of them.” <br />x “It may be becoming more visible; there may be fewer people couch surfing and more <br />camping by the river.” <br />x “People lost jobs in the pandemic five years ago. Huge increases in food and utility prices <br />have forced people into homelessness. And losing their jobs, obviously.” <br />Central Washington University: All participants felt the homelessness problem has gotten worse, <br />but also recognized that it is more visible as well. There was discussion about police involvement <br />in getting people who are homeless out of the community and the overall increase in poverty. <br />x “Maybe they are more visible, or maybe they’re not being kicked out as fast.” <br />x “…it’s a matter of the police actively keeping this problem away from public eye in a way <br />that is dehumanizing.” <br />x “There was a time when you wouldn’t see much of it, but now for whatever reason there <br />are individuals asking for assistance at Fred Meyer, corners, streets, and stuff.” <br />x “Poverty in general is increasing, not just homelessness—everything is getting more <br />expensive, wages aren’t going up, process, inflation. It’s harder for people to survive.” <br />x “Everything is expensive. People are actually close to homelessness even if they have <br />stable employment and housing.” <br /> <br />Question 2: In a community survey, behavioral health services and job <br />training and employment services were listed as priorities for individuals <br />experiencing homelessness. Does this resonate with you? Are these <br />priorities? Why or why not? <br /> <br />People with Lived Experience: Generally, participants agreed that these are common priorities. <br />Some mentioned currently being in treatment for either substance use disorder or mental health <br />needs and the positive impact it has had on their situations. There was discussion about the need <br />to give people a chance regardless of their behavioral health issues and reduce stigma. There was <br />concern about not being able to access services if they are actively using. <br />x “With the income I’m receiving now and the mental health we’re receiving, our scenario <br />has improved significantly. Those were the two big focuses: mental health and job <br />training.” <br />x “…as long as addicts have a chance…. A lot of addicts are scared to ask for help to find <br />housing….If people could just let go of what we think we know about addicts to giving <br />them a chance if they ask for help.” <br />x “I don’t know if we would have been carried through the system if the restrictions had <br />been higher. We probably would have gone back to the care and started camping again.” <br />Service Providers: Participants felt that yes, these are priorities, but housing and basic needs <br />must be addressed first. One participant indicated from personal experience that employment