OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce is investing $1.2 million in grants to provide homelessness diversion programs statewide.
Commerce said the programs are meant to help families and other individuals "identify practical solutions for resolving a housing crisis quickly and safely, and may include short-term services and financial assistance."
The funding is ultimately intended to to reduce inflow to the state's homeless crisis response system and waitlist placements.
“Providing diversion services when people first face a housing crisis is a proven strategy to help struggling families and individuals,” Commerce Director Mike Fong said. “This funding will reduce growing pressures and demands on our emergency shelter and affordable housing providers.”
Commerce reportedly received 105 competitive applications requesting $20,539,096.
"The overwhelming response to this funding opportunity emphasizes the need for homeless diversion services in communities throughout the state," commerce said in a statement.
Funding was awarded to seven organizations across four counties in Washington. They are:
- King County: Neighborhood House, African Community Development Housing, YouthCare, Organization for Prostitution Survivors
- Pierce County: Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center
- Snohomish County: Washington West African Center
- Yakima County: Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
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