The Homelessness Assistance Unit (HAU) Lived Experience Advisory Committee provides insight, perspective, ideas and recommendations that make homeless crisis response systems across Washington better, stronger, and more equitable.
Membership
The committee will have 8 – 11 members from across Washington. Any person with lived experience of homelessness is welcome to apply. Applications will be prioritized for membership based on the following criteria:
- Is a current resident of Washington State
- Has direct, personal experience of homelessness within the last 10 years
- Provides a detailed description of how you will contribute to the committee
- Represents the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of Washington State
- Willing to fulfill committee member duties
- Expresses a desire to work collaboratively with others to make HAU’s programs and homeless crisis response systems across the state better, stronger, and more equitable.
Committee members not otherwise paid by their employer for participating will receive compensation in accordance with the Washington State Office of Equity Community Compensation Guidelines (PDF).
Membership Recruitment
Recruitment has closed. The Committee recruited 4 new members in 2025. Please revisit the website in the Summer of 2026 for additional recruitment announcements.
Meetings
Committee meetings will occur monthly on Zoom and last two hours. Once per year the committee will meet in-person.
- New program development: co-creating with staff when the Unit receives new funds or programs;
- Current program administration: advising on eligibility requirements, training requirements, performance measures, and other areas that fall within the Unit’s authority or influence;
- Funding formulas and methodology: consulting on funding calculations for grantees;
- Grant guidance: providing feedback on the Unit’s policies and procedures for homeless service providers;
- Technical assistance and training: building training and tools for homeless service providers;
- Point-In-Time count methodology: helping to develop better practices;
- State strategic plan: advising and co-creating plan updates and county plan guidance;
- Legislative requests and decision packages: consulting on agency request legislation and budget priorities;
- Interview panels: interviewing candidates for positions in the Unit;
- Competitive application review committees: reviewing applications for funding and recommend awards.