AFS between KC and HopeSource CWS 26-27

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Page | 6 1.1 Purpose Statement The Homelessness Assistance Unit at the Department of Commerce administers state and federal funds to support homeless crisis response systems in WA State, following the strategies outlined in Washington’s Homeless Housing Strategic Plan. The Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) is a critical resource in the crisis response system. People living unhoused become stably housed when the system is low barrier, trauma informed, culturally responsive, and Housing First oriented. A Housing First philosophy guides the crisis response system to connect people to stable housing as quickly as possible, without preconditions, because meeting the basic human need of a safe and decent place to live sets people up for greater wellness in all areas of life. People living unstably housed become stably housed when the system is oriented toward person- centered services, which promote personal autonomy, choice, and build on the strengths and resources of those served through the crisis response system. We expect Commerce grantees, including county governments and nonprofits, to be leaders in their crisis response systems, facilitate partnerships among service organizations, and promote evidence-based, anti-racist practices. Grantees must respond to the disproportionality in access to services, service provision and outcomes and cannot simply rely on standard business practices to address inequity. Grantees have the responsibility to ensure all people eligible for services receive support and are served with dignity, respect and compassion regardless of circumstance, ability or identity. This includes marginalized populations, Black, Native and Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, people with criminal records, people with disabilities, people with mental health and substance use vulnerabilities, people with limited English proficiency, people who identify as transgender, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and other individuals that may not access mainstream support. We are here to support your efforts. The Homelessness Assistance Unit provides access to continuous learning on trauma informed services, racial equity, LGBTQ+ competency, and more. We can help you strategize outreach, coordinated entry and help you understand your data so we can meet Washington’s vision that everyone experiencing homelessness and housing instability has swift and equitable access to stable housing that meets their needs. 1.2 Overview The Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) combines state homelessness assistance resources into a single grant opportunity to county governments and nonprofits under the administration of the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce). CHG is designed to support an integrated system of housing assistance to quickly re-house households who are experiencing homelessness and prevent homelessness. This grant provides resources to address the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness, as described in Local 1 Grant Basics