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Community Engagement Washington State's Local Plan Guidance requires that counties involve a broad range of stakeholders in developing homeless housing plans, including people with lived experience of homelessness, local governments, service providers, and the public. But more than a requirement, community engagement is essential to building a plan that is practical, responsive, and community owned. We approached engagement with a clear belief: those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. Homelessness touches every part of our county, and addressing it requires perspectives from across the spectrum, those with lived experience, frontline workers, community partners, and everyday residents. Their insights shaped not only the priorities of this plan, but the way we talk about homelessness, the way we serve, and the values we hold. Between September and November 2O24, more than 280 individuals participated in shaping the Kitlitas County 2025-2030 Homeless Housing Plan: 240 residents completed a community survey, distributed both online and in person through trusted community channels. Over 30 people joined facilitated focus groups, including individuals with lived experience, nonprofit providers, government representatives, healthcare workers, educators, and community members. Stakeholders engaged through targeted meetings with housing providers, city officials, and regional partners. WhatWe Heard Survey responses reflected shared concerns across demographic lines and geographies: Broad support for expanding affordable housing, emergency shelterl and behavioral health services. "lt's not that people are unwilling to engage-it's thot they're tired of being treated badly or getting stuck in a system that doesn't work." -Service provider participant. Frustration with stigma, service gaps, and confusing systems that prevent people from getting help."People want help and want ta get sober, but it's hard to stay sober on the streets." -Participant with lived experience. a A clear call for collaborative solutions and better public education to shift understanding and engagement. From the focus groups, five cross-cutting themes emerged The svstem is too hard to access: participants described long waits, strict rules, and complex requirements that don't match people's real lives. a a a a a A divide in public opinion around personal responsibility versus systemic causes of homelessness. a Page | 10