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:i;i:l <br />d&+l <br />fllj <br />Addressing Chatlenges <br />Community engagement through surveys, focus groups, and direct feedback identified persistent challenges that <br />must be addressed to build a more responsive and effective homeless response system in Kiftitas County. These <br />challenges align with what national best practices highlight and reflect the lived experiences of those navigating local <br />systems. Addressing them directly will help advance this plan's vision: that all residents have access to stable housing <br />and the individualized support they need to thrive. This work is anchored in our guiding principles of client-centered <br />care, access for all, collaboration, and accountability. <br />Reducing Retuctance to Participate <br />Stigma, trauma, and mistrust of systems are well-established barriers to participation among people experiencing <br />homelessness. Community input reinforced this reality, with many individuals citing fear of judgment, concerns about <br />system involvement, or prior negative experiences as reasons for not seeking help. National best practices <br />consistently emphasize that building trust and offering low-barrier, trauma-informed engagement are foundational <br />to increasing participation (USlCH, HUD). <br />"People don't reach out becouse they've been burned too many times. They don't trust the system onymore." <br />- Focus group participant. <br />ln alignment with these principles, Kittitas County is already expanding outreach efforts and improving frontline <br />training to build trust and engagement (Goals 2 and 4)" The forthcoming communications and educational toolkit <br />(Goal 1) will further equip providers and community partners to present services clearly and respectfully. These <br />efforts will help ensure that individuals feel safe and welcome when seeking assistance, supporting the plan's <br />commitment to client-centered care and equitable access. <br />lmproving Service Access <br />Complex intake processes, inconsistent communication, and fragmented navigation pathways create unnecessary <br />barriers to accessing services-a challenge highlighted by both local stakeholders and national best practices (HUD <br />Coordinated Entry guidance, Housing First models). lndividuals in crisis benefit from simple, clear, and coordinated <br />pathways to services, yet community feedback indicated that many still encounter confusion and delays. <br />lmproving service access directly supports the <br />plan's goals of transparency, accountability, and <br />collaboration (Goal 1) and aligns with national calls <br />for streamlined Coordinated Entry systems and low- <br />already given up." <br />barrier service models. lt also reflects priorities found in local Comprehensive Plans, which emphasize equity, <br />community health, and inclusive service delivery. Kittitas County will continue to strengthen Coordinated Entry and <br />cross-system coordination (Goals 1 and 3), while also simplifying intake and referral processes and promoting <br />consistent communication across partners. These efforts will help ensure that people receive timely and appropriate <br />support, further advancing the plan's vision of access for all. <br />Page | 16