The Women’s March on Jan. 21 was the largest protest in U.S. history, with more than 120,000 people marching on the streets of Seattle alone. More than a single day of solidarity, the march signified a commitment to uphold and defend the rights of all individuals every day that follows. Now, the decisions of the new administration demand further action, in support of those most vulnerable in our community.
Last Friday, volunteers took action during Count Us In, the 2017 Point In Time count, fanning out across King County to bear witness to the growing numbers of people living unsheltered. This annual effort is essential to evaluating the scope of homelessness in our community and to responding to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. This year’s count, and the report we will release this spring, will provide us with the most comprehensive assessment of homelessness we’ve ever had.
When it comes to ending homelessness, the fight for resources and solutions can be daunting, particularly when faced with threats of losing federal support that makes up nearly a third of King County’s investments to end homelessness. While we know little about what is to come from the federal government in the coming months and years, we do know that we can act now.
We can invest locally in strategies that support housing now. It’s not realistic, rational, compassionate or humane to think that those who are suffering on our streets and in shelter should have to wait years for enough housing to be built for each and every person in need. For this reason, we must get creative, doubling down as a community on strategies such as diversion and rapid rehousing; programs that support participant choice in determining their next steps and flexibility that allows case managers to problem solve. Diversion asks, “What will it take to get you back to a safe, stable home and off the streets?” and then provides whatever it takes to get you there. For those who need more than diversion can offer, rapid rehousing can help people find a unit, pay rent and get back on their feet. Rapid rehousing is designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing with the support of a temporary rental subsidy and case management resources, including finding employment. Both of these strategies have demonstrated great success when paired with a commitment to participant choice and expertise, flexibility and tailored support to meet the needs of each individual.
We can speak up. Let our state and federal partners know that in addition to flexible programs like diversion and rapid rehousing, the development and preservation of affordable housing is crucial to our success in ending homelessness. Nonprofits and their partners support 15,000 shelter beds and transitional housing and permanent supportive housing units across the county. These are all vital resources that do not meet the level of need in our community.
We can say, “Hello.” As the recent protests have so perfectly demonstrated, everyone in our community deserves to be heard and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We can support people in need with compassion and make real connections to better understand and appreciate our differences.
Now is the time for action. I am committed to action that has a direct impact on the families and individuals who are experiencing the trauma of homelessness. For me, that means moving quickly on opportunities; continuing the fight for more safe, healthy, and affordable housing for those who need it most in King County; and lifting up the voices and experiences of those impacted most.
Will you join me?
Kira Zylstra is the assistant director of All Home, formerly known as the Committee to End Homelessness.
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