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12 <br />x “The overall perception of homelessness in our community skews from very <br />understanding to I want ‘em out of here. Somehow, we need to bring those together.” <br />Community Members: Common themes for this question included Access to Services, Shelters, <br />and Housing. Other discussion included public education about homelessness, rental assistance for <br />those at risk of homelessness, and increased utility assistance. <br />ACCESS TO SERVICES <br />ƒBehavioral health, mental health services. Robust, creative, accessible mental health <br />services <br />ƒMental and medical assistance <br />ƒReliable transportation, flexible employment opportunities, flexible work training <br />programs <br />ƒExpand shelter services to include access to other needs identified by those with that lived <br />experience <br />ƒMake sure homeless are signed up for all available services such as food stamps, Medicaid, <br />Medicare, affordable housing sign up application, etc. <br />ƒFood and shelter—address immediate needs <br />SHELTER <br />ƒTiny house communities, provide shelter (low barrier), look for successful models from <br />elsewhere (i.e. Bend, Toppenish/Wapato, Wenatchee) <br />ƒShort term help, sleep center, rental assistance, food and clothing <br />ƒSleep center/shelter, low barrier, year-round shelter <br />HOUSING <br />ƒMake the process for getting into housing less intimidating and bureaucratic <br />ƒHOUSING, homeless people need homes, more available housing <br />x “The solution to homelessness is simple, but it’s not easy. ‘Home’ is in the word, <br />homeless people need homes. All other things don’t help if they’re sleeping on the <br />street every night.” <br />x “I think it’s important to educate the problem to reduce the fear of homeless people.” <br />x “Many of the same people are a paycheck away from being right there.” <br />Central Washington University: Participants had several common themes for this question: <br />Shelter, Housing, Basic Needs, and Communication. Sponsorship/mentorship programs was an <br />outlier. There was additional discussion about mentors to help sponsor a person and the <br />community response to the proposed location of the sleep center. <br />SHELTER <br />ƒAdapt empty spaces for shelter (hotels, campus spaces…) <br />ƒDesignated shelter/safe camp area for immediate place to stay <br />ƒSafe place 2 sleep <br />ƒWarm/cold shelters <br />HOUSING <br />ƒAffordable housing <br />ƒFinancial incentive for community to build permanent housing <br />ƒMore housing: temporary, transitional, affordable <br />ƒMultiple locations of free/affordable housing