Cacey Hanauer-Sutton joined OHY in March
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth selected a new executive director in March. Cacey Hanauer-Sutton joins the agency after more than 20 years of direct service to youth and young adults experiencing housing and behavioral health challenges.
“We’ve seen a 40% drop in youth homelessness since 2016 – that’s a testament to what’s possible when we invest in young people and a direct result of the Office of Homeless Youth,” said Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. “But we can’t stop there. I look forward to working with Cacey to continue making a difference for young Washingtonians.”
“Cacey is the perfect hire for this role, and at the ideal moment,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn. “We know more than ever how critical this work is to the well-being of young people across our state. Cacey brings the experience and vision needed to build on the momentum and drive meaningful progress in reducing youth homelessness in Washington.”
Youth homelessness declined by 40% from 2016 to 2023, even as homelessness overall has increased in Washington. OHY has been instrumental in the change, leading with a focus on crisis response, prevention services, residential programs, wrap-around support and other community-based initiatives. OHY works with and funds a network of partners across the state to support youth and young adults.
“OHY walks the walk when it comes to engaging young people and communities in decision-making. They know themselves, their needs and what works better than anyone, and OHY does the work to listen and respond,” Hanauer-Sutton said. “I’ve partnered with OHY since its beginning and long admired their values, inclusive atmosphere, and dedication to ensuring that providers and young people are heard. I’m thrilled to be joining this team.”
Her goal is to keep the positive momentum going toward ending youth and young adult homelessness by eliminating barriers and ensuring OHY staff, young people, providers, and advocates have all they need to serve young people. That can include making contracting easier, scaling proven methods, and offering more opportunities for engagement.
Hanauer-Sutton worked for the Tacoma Housing Authority and partnered with OHY as it developed and launched the Arlington Drive Youth Campus, the largest housing model for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Pierce County. Since opening, the site has housed and served more than 230 youth and young adults, many of whom are pregnant or parenting.
“There are 10,000 fewer homeless kids today than there were a few years ago,” she said. “That’s remarkable progress and shows this is a solvable problem. This is a challenging time for the state, but we have the opportunity to work with young people, service providers and the advocacy community to build on the success and methods we know are working.”
Since its founding in 2015, OHY has served tens of thousands of youth (ages 12-17) and young adults (ages 18-24) experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Notably, OHY has nearly closed the geographic gap: Across Washington, only two counties were not served by OHY or federal Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program funding.
OHY was founded to reduce youth and young adult homelessness by establishing policy, sharing best practices, and providing funding to community partners serving youth and young adults at risk for or experiencing homelessness. It was further directed by RCW 43.330.700 to emphasize stable housing, family reconciliation, permanent connections with adults, education and employment, and social and emotional well-being. OHY is guided by the Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Advisory Committee, which includes legislators, youth, parents, law enforcement, and other partners appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
More information about the Office of Homeless Youth is available online.