WSCH
PO Box 7436
Tacoma, WA 98417-0436
(253) 761-7446
About Homelessness
Homelessness is too often misunderstood and overlooked. One of our goals is to educate and change public opinion about homelessness, its causes and its effects. This section contains many resources that can help people understand how there can even be homelessness in the world's richest country, and what we can do to end it.
Statistics and Reports
Articles
Stories
LinksStatistics and Reports
Homelessness Housing and Assistance Act In 2005, the legislature passed the Homelessness Housing and Assistance Act, requiring each county in Washington to develop a plan to end homelessness. Provides up to $15 million over ten years to help counties achieve those goals.Local Plans to End Homelessness View county plans to end homelessness developed as a result of the Homelessness Housing and Assistance Act
Washington State Ten Year Homeless Plan View the State's homeless plan developed as a result of the Homelessness Housing and Assistance Act
Out of Reach in 2008 -- Housing Wage Data The National Low Income Housing Coalition puts out an annual report on the relationiship between housing costs and wages.
Emergency Shelter Assistance Program (2003 ESAP Report) This is a report done by the Housing Division of the Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development on data collected from agencies participating in the state-funded Emergency Shelter Assistance Program.
Homeless Families in Washington State This study was conducted to provide state policy makers and program executives with basic information about homeless families relying on shelters. A second purpose was to find out to what extent the families were using DSHS supports: welfare benefits, assistance getting jobs, health insurance, substance abuse treatment, and mental health care.Advocacy for Homeless Families and Children 1991-1999 Court decision requiring DSHS to provide a plan to provide for homeless children and families, especially when homelessness is the primary cause for placing these children in foster care.
2005-2007 Homeless Families Plan The Homeless Families Plan is a result of the above court decision, and is updated each biennium. It has updated data on shelter use by and prevention services to families.
Homeless Service Utilization Report from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Center on the Family
Fighting Homelessness Step by Step: A Continuum of Care "The needs of homeless and low-income people are extremely complex...In order to attempt to serve these populations we have developed what is called a “continuum of care”. This continuum runs the gamut of needs from people who may be a little short on the rent for one month to people who have been homeless for months or years. Here is a reflection of the continuum..."
Helping Hand House provides emergency and transitional housing with supportive services in rural Pierce County. On the left hand side of their website, you'll see links to some of their clients' success stories.Go to our "Resources and Links" page to get even more information about homelessness.