Gov. Inslee proposes investing $800 million for homelessness solutions

Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed investing more than $800 million to find solutions for individuals living without shelter in Washington, and to help those at risk of becoming homeless.

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This was part of a proposal outlined by the governor on Wednesday to help combat the state’s homelessness crisis.

Gov. Inslee says no one in Washington should be spending the night in the cold under a bridge, and this money will help ensure that doesn’t happen anymore.

“We have moral imperative to move forward,” he said. “Lives are at stake.”

“Unsheltered Washingtonians deserve a safe, warm and dry place to live, with additional resources available, if they need them,” Inslee added in a written statement. “This is not only the right thing to do for these people, but the right thing to do for our state and our communities.”

The investment would build more affordable housing, as well as supportive housing with services such as substance abuse treatment. It would also provide help with rent and utilities for people who are in danger of becoming homeless.

As part of the supplemental budget proposal, the state would add an estimated 2,600 permanent supportive housing units. Gov. Inslee also proposes that the state address “key gaps in facilities and services” to: pursue new avenues to help families and individuals remain in their homes; secure more facilities to provide tiny homes, enhanced shelters, permanent supportive housing, and permanent affordable housing; expand supportive services for people with behavioral health needs; transition people encamped on the public right of way to permanent housing solutions; and restore the range of affordable housing types in our cities.

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“We’ve proposed a lot, but a lot is required to deal with this problem,” Inslee said during the press conference.

WATCH: 2022 Housing & Homelessness Budget Policy Rollout https://t.co/wrHRk8b0uW

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) December 15, 2021

Overall, the governor proposes investing about $815 million to implement this plan. According to the policy brief, more than two-thirds of this investment will be covered by federal relief funding.

Earlier this week, Gov. Inslee announced his 2022 climate proposals, followed by his salmon recovery policy proposals. Find the governor’s full housing and homelessness policy brief here.

KIRO Newsradio’s Nicole Jennings contributed to this report.

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