Washington State Coalition For The Homeless

Programs: Held an annual training conference for homeless housing and service providers. It is the only conference of its kind in the state. This is a great opportunity for many housing and service providers to come together with housing developers, public policy makers, and affiliated business leaders to create real strategies that will end homelessness. The conference speakers and workshops are selected in order to facilitate implementation of local communities' plans to end homelessness.

wsch provides general education and advocacy. In addition, wsch published a quarterly e-newsletter and maintains an informative website. We also have a professional black and white photo exhibit available for display in local communities. In december on the shortest day of the year, wsch hosts a homeless persons memorial day in memory of people who have died homeless or as a result of the ravages of homelessness. In the future, wsch hopes to expand its public education efforts by targeting nimbyism (not in my back yard) across the state, and thereby increasing the supply of private rental units and other property for use in housing homeless families and individuals. The wsch legislative committee develops a legislative agenda each year with input from stakeholders for approval by the board of directors. Wsch employs a part time contract lobbyist to advance the legislative agenda in partnership with board members and staff. Our advocacy has resulted in millions of dollars of state funding for homeless housing and services. Local organizations receive these funds to serve homeless people, and can use these funds to leverage local and private dollars for their programs. Wsch also advocates for policy change that will make state homeless programs and fund disbursement more effective, and eliminate barriers to service for homeless individuals and families.