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About the 5-Year P[an The Kittitas County 2025-2030 Homeless Housing Plan provides a strategic roadmap for preventing and reducing homelessness across the county. Developed with input from residents, service providers, and people with lived experience, the plan outlines shared goals, key priorities, and coordinated actions to improve housing stability for all. This plan is more than a legal requirement. lt's a shared commitment to ensure that people facing homelessness are met with timely, effective, and compassionate support. Required by RCW 43.185C, the plan secures Kittitas County's eligibility for state homelessness funding while guiding how local document recording fees and other public resources are allocated. The plan applies countywide, including cities, towns, and unincorporated areas, and promotes a unified response through partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit providers, healthcare systems, and community groups. Homelessness affects individuals, families, and entire communities. By aligning this plan with the housing, health, and service priorities outlined in the Comprehensive Plans for Kittitas County, Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn and South Cle Elum, we ensure a coordinated approach that reflects local goals. A reference table hiShlighting this alignment is included in the Appendix. Previous Ptan and Achievements Kittitas County adopted its most recent s-Year Homeless Housing Plan in 2019. That plan outlined five key objectives aligned with state and federal priorities: identify and engage people experiencing homelessness, prioritize those with the greatest needs, ensure swift access to permanent housing, project system impact, and address racial disparities in service delivery. Over the past five years, progress has been made across all five areas. Highlights include: Functional zero for veteran homelessness - Kittitas County became the first in Washington to reach this milestone. Emergency shelter expansion - A seven-day-per-week winter shelter system was established, providing consistent access to safe overnight space during the coldest months. Rapid rehousing and permanent housing - Over 45 new units were developed between 2020-2024, including youth-specific housing and permanent options supported by local, state, and federal funds. Coordinated outreach and data tracking - Mobile outreach, by-name lists, and improved system coordination has increased responsiveness and system alignment. Annual reports from 202! lo 2024 reflect growing alignment across service providers, increased use of Coordinated Entry, and measurable housing outcomes, including exit rates to permanent housing exceeding 80% in some years, including 2024. While gaps remain, especially in affordable housing stock, behavioral health support, and rural access, this work laid a foundation for the next five-year cycle. This plan builds on the progress of the last five years while recognizing where continued focus and innovation are needed. a a o a Page | 6