Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Advisory Committee

OHY’s work is guided by Homeless Youth Prevention & Protection (HYPP) Advisory Committee recommendations regarding funding, policy, and practice gaps within and among state programs per RCW 43.330.705, outlined at HYPP Advisory Committee – Washington Governor.

Meetings

HYPP Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and allow for observers to offer comments related to the issues at hand. Meeting notes and record of committee member attendance is taken by OHY, reviewed and approved by the committee, and then posted here, HYPP Advisory Committee Meetings (Box).

To receive notification of upcoming meetings and other updates from OHY, please submit your email in the subscribe section of this page.

Members

The committee is comprised of 12 members including at least two legislators, at least two youth representatives, at least two parent advocates, at least one law enforcement representative, advocates, service providers and other stakeholders knowledgeable in the provision of services to homeless youth and young adults.  

1. Representative April Connors (R) – District 8
2. Senator Phil Fortunato (R) – District 31
3. Senator Tina Orwall (D) – District 33
4. Representative Kristine Reeves (D)- District 30
5. Parneet Kaur: Youth Advocate (term ends 1/31/27)
6. Gage Spicer: Youth Advocate (term ends 1/31/26)
7. Viola Ware, Vice Chair: Parent Advocate, Olympic Community Action Program (term ends 1/31/28)
8. [VACANT] Parent Advocate
9. [VACANT] Law Enforcement
10. Erica Limon: Service Provider, Communities in Schools of Washington (term ends 1/31/28)
11. Rodney Robinson: Community Youth Advocate (term ends 2/14/22 – 1/31/28)
12. Jim Theofelis, Chair: Advocate, NorthStar Advocates (term ends 1/31/28)

Members must be appointed by the governor except for legislators, who must be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate. Committee terms are for 3 years and may be renewed by the Governor. For more information on becoming a committee member, see Apply to Serve – Washington Governor.

The committee may also invite “guest members” to participate in the work but they do not count towards quorum or have voting capabilities. Guest members serve 1-year terms that may be renewed by the committee.

For more information including officer elections and duties, expense reimbursement, meeting procedures, and subcommittees, please see HYPP Advisory Committee By-Laws.

Subcommittees

• Youth and Young Adults, led by Gage and Parneet
• New Members, led by Viola