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).
2025 Membership Recruitment
The Committee is currently recruiting 4 members. The Committee will prioritize applications from the following regions of Washington:
- Eastern Washington (Stevens, Ferry, Pend Orielle, Adams, Lincoln, Whitman, Garfield, Columbia, Asotin, Spokane, Walla Walla Counties)
- Northwest Washington (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom counties)
- Southwest Washington (Wahkiakum, Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania counties)
- Central Washington (Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, Franklin counties)
2025 Membership Info Session for Prospective Applicants
Commerce will host an information session for people interested in applying for membership on the Committee.
- Lived Experience Advisory Committe Membership Info Session
- Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 12 p.m. PT
- Register for the August 6 membership info session (on Zoom)
2025 Committee Membership Application
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.