State Seeks Public Input on Housing Needs
The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced an effort to solicit public comment on housing needs across the state. Any Washington resident is encouraged to participate in an 11 question online survey. The survey results will guide plans for using federal funds aimed at addressing housing needs throughout Washington State.
Each year, the state receives approximately $8 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use on a variety of housing projects and services that benefit low income people. For 2014, the state’s allocation from HUD was $8,376,602. The housing programs funded by HUD include the HOME Investment Partnership program, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).
“The state has discretion on how funds will be used and we want to hear from our communities about their needs,” said Diane Klontz, Assistant Director of Community Services and Housing at Commerce. “This survey is an easy way residents can help influence and prioritize federal funding choices for housing in Washington over the next five years.”
The survey is available online until October 20 at www.commerce.wa.gov or http://ow.ly/CvUnP.
Results will be available in November 2014.