Coalition focused on Seattle homelessness admits it can’t be done

The Committee to End Homelessness is no longer trying to end homelessness.

Originally focused on developing long-term housing, the coalition’s executive director tells The Seattle Times that, realistically, King County will continue to experience homelessness. That’s one of the reason’s for the coalition’s recent name change.

Now called “All Home,” the coalition’s original goal of ending homelessness in 10 years fell far short. The Times points out that more than 10,000 people were counted as homeless during the January One Night Count. That is about 2,000 more people than were homeless when the coalition began its 10-year plan. Of those people counted, 3,772 are living on the street, according to the data.

All Home’s focus is now on prevention and helping end homelessness within specific groups. For example, All Home will work to end veteran homelessness this year, according to the Times; family and youth homelessness should end by 2020. The coalition also plans to implement a “housing first” philosophy by assisting with housing costs, the Times reports.

The “housing first” philosophy is one of the most significant changes to the coalition’s focus, KIRO Radio’s Tom Tangney says.

Tom Tangney: Instead of creating new permanent housing, get them into housing immediately. Give them stipends for rent and stabilize their lives for two to three months and help them get on their feet.

John Curley: Look at other cities, like Salt Lake City. First thing they do is give them housing.

Tom admits that there are potential problems. For instance, landlords are going to have to buy into the idea, which might be difficult if you have someone moving in that doesn’t have a stable employment record.

TT: We’ll see if it works, but it’s a good idea.